Drone Laws in Russia

Summary of Drone Laws in Russia

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Russia Federation

Drone Regulator in Russia: Federal Air Transport Agency (FATA) Please note the website is not always accessible

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Russia

The Russian agency responsible for drone safety, FATA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Russia?

According to FATA, drones are allowed in Russia, subject to FATA regulations. Read on for details.

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

The Russian Federation’s state legislature amended the country’s air code in June 2015. As a result, all unmanned aerial vehicles were reclassified as aircraft. This means they are now subject to the civil aviation authority. 

Flying a drone is legal in Russia. However, most Russian cities are equipped with GPS jammers, which create radio interference, preventing electronics such as drones from operating normally. 

• Drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with the Federal Air Transport Agency. 
• Avoid flying your drone in densely populated areas or prohibited zones. 
• When flying your drone, be mindful of other people’s privacy. 
• During daylight hours, fly. 
• Fly when the weather conditions for visibility are favorable. 
• Maintain a minimum distance of 5 miles from airports, heliports, or aerodromes. 
• Remember that some major cities have integrated GPS jammers that can interfere with your drone’s positioning. So keep a safe distance from them.

The FATA has not officially identified any unrestricted flying zones in Russia. 

However, as part of the regulations, you are not permitted to fly within 500 meters of a military installation, an airport, or a densely populated area. 

Permits for Reserves and National Parks are granted on an individual basis. Avoid flying over sporting events as well.

Registration Requirements for Flying a Drone in Russia

You do not need a permit to fly a drone in Russia. 

What is critical is that you register your drone with the Federal Air Transport Agency. 

This information must be included in an email to the chief expert responsible for the aircraft’s paperwork and registration. 

The following information is required: 

• Insurance documentation for drones 
• Serial number identifying the drone’s model and type 
• Information on how to contact us 

It typically takes a few business days to process all this information.

Any drone weighing more than 4.4 pounds requires a waiver to fly. The same is true for the right to fly at night.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Russia

In Russia, you do not need a permit or license to fly a drone weighing less than 250 grams if you do not fly over a restricted or forbidden zone. 

Within the permitted zones, the following rules apply:

• Operate a drone weighing less than 30 kilograms 
• Keep your drone away from urban areas and people, and always respect people’s privacy. 
• At all times, fly within visual range and in good weather only. 
• It is prudent to obtain insurance that covers all risks. 
• Depart from airports and heliports and give priority to all other aircraft categories. If you see another aircraft during your flight, make a hasty landing. 

Drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered, but the Russian authorities do not appear to have implemented the system yet.

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 Russia

In Russia, you do not need a permit or license to fly a drone weighing less than 250 grams if you do not fly over a restricted or forbidden zone. 

Within the permitted zones, the following rules apply:

• Operate a drone weighing less than 30 kilograms 
• Keep your drone away from urban areas and people, and always respect people’s privacy. 
• At all times, fly within visual range and in good weather only. 
• It is prudent to obtain insurance that covers all risks. 
• Depart from airports and heliports and give priority to all other aircraft categories. If you see another aircraft during your flight, make a hasty landing. 

Drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered, but the Russian authorities do not appear to have implemented the system yet.

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

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Useful published information on flying drones in Russia

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

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: 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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