Drone Laws in Montenegro

Last updated on April 15th, 2023 at 06:03 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in Montenegro

Drone Regulator in Montenegro: Montenegro Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

Link to Montenegro Drone Laws: Montenegro Civil Aviation Drone regulations

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Montenegro

CAA, the Montenegro agency responsible for drone safety, has provided several details on flying a drone for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the links above.

Are drones allowed in Montenegro?

According to CAA, drones are allowed in Montenegro, subject to CAA regulations. Read on for details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Montenegro:

The following rules for flying drones in Montenegro do not apply if the aircraft has a kinetic energy of fewer than 79 joules, weighs less than 500 grams, and cannot fly faster than 20 meters per second than 15 meters away or higher than 10 meters.

• Before each drone flight in Montenegro, the CAA must approve both the flight and the pilot. In addition, operators of drones must be at least sixteen years old. 
• All drones operating in Montenegro must have liability insurance. 
• Drones may be operated only during daylight hours. 
• Drones must keep a minimum of 30 meters (98 feet) away from people, animals, facilities, vehicles, vessels, other aircraft, roads, railways, waterways, and high-voltage cables. 
• Avoid flying drones within 45 meters (150 feet) of populated areas. 
• Visual contact between the operator and the drone must be maintained without assistance. 
• Never fly more than 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from the operator. 
• Vertically, do not exceed 150 meters (492 feet). 
• Drone operators are required to keep flight logs. 
• Drones may not exceed 20 kilograms in weight (44 pounds).

Classification of drones

In Montenegro, potential flying areas are divided into four classes:

• Class I: an undeveloped area devoid of constructed buildings and people, except for pilots and personnel required for flying; 
• Class II: a developed uninhabited area devoid of commercial facilities or constructions not intended for permanent human habitation and devoid of people, except for pilots and personnel required for flying. 
• Class III: inhabited area with structures or amenities primarily used for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes (houses, schools, offices, sports fields, and parks, for example); 
• Class IV: Urban zones (downtown, settlements, etc.).

As a private pilot, you can only fly drones classified as class I or II. 

There are four categories based on the flying areas mentioned above and the weight classes listed below, each of which has its own requirements.

To fly in Category A, you must complete and submit an aviation authority statement.

Additionally, for Category B flights, an Operations Manual for your maneuvers will be required.

Category D helicopter flights are permitted only with the CAA’s approval.

For more details on each category and the specific requirements, you should review the linked Guide for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator

Drone registration

Drones weighing more than 500 grams and capable of flight distances greater than 15 meters and heights greater than 10 meters must be registered in Montenegro.

The application form Declaration per the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Ordinance should be mailed or emailed to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Additional Note For Foreign Operators

If you intend to bring a drone into the country, you must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Economy. Otherwise, the drone may be seized upon entry into the country. 

The application will be processed within 30 days. 

You’ll find a form for importing drones on the Ministry’s website. However, the application process is rather complicated because it cannot be emailed. Rather than that, you must submit your application in duplicate and in person or via an authorized representative. Additionally, the import fee must be paid on-site. 

Apart from the form, all other required documents (such as proof of payment, drone specifications, and a statement attesting to knowledge of the regulations, duration of stay, and drone use) must be written in Montenegrin and notarized. 

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Montenegro

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Montenegro

Commercial pilots are required by law to register their aircraft with the appropriate aviation authority. Additionally, a logbook must be kept for each flight, documenting the following information:

• Date of flight
• Start and landing time, as well as the total duration of the operation
• Full name of the pilot
• Location with classification
• The weight of the drone
• Remarks on special occurrences

The documentation must be kept for at least two years.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Montenegro

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Montenegro…

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NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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