Can You Bring a Drone to Norway?

Norway is one of the world’s leaders in developing drone regulations. In 2015, the Norwegian government released a set of rules and regulations governing the use of drones in the country.

These rules are designed to protect the safety of the public and the environment, while also ensuring that drones are used responsibly and safely.

Norway must adhere to the drone regulations established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Here are the guidelines for drone operations within the European Union.

Rules for flying a drone in Norway #

If you’re an EU national and want to fly a drone in Norway, you must:

• Have a drone operator registration in your home country. There is no difference between commercial and leisure flying.
• Have a current EASA certificate (Flydrone offers the Norwegian A1/A3 training and exam in English.)
• Your operator number should be marked on the drone. A QR code with your operator number can also be used. Your pilot certificate number is not acceptable as a marking.
• Possess current liability insurance. There is no difference between commercial and leisure flying.
• Observe the open category rules here.
• Before taking off, confirm that drone flying is legal where you’re going.
• Register the usage of drones for photographs, videos, and other data collected with the Norwegian National Security Authority before traveling with them.

What’s involved in bringing your drone through Norwegian customs? #

You will need to go through customs when you arrive in Norway. You will need to declare your drone, and you may be asked to show proof of insurance.

You will also need to register your drone with the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (link).

How do you register your drone in Norway? #

You must register at flydrone.no to fly a drone in Norway. All the information about registration for drone operators and courses and exams for pilots can be found on the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority’s website here.

• You must be at least 16 years old to register as a drone operator.
• Members of model flying clubs must also register.
• If you have a sole proprietorship, you must register it as an organization along with yourself as a pilot. You do not need to register as a private person in addition.
• Only drones under 250 grams without a camera or those identified as toys are exempt from registration requirements.

Drone insurance in Norway #

Because all drones and model airplanes are considered unmanned aircraft under the new legislation, you must obtain liability insurance for your drone.

The need for insurance stems from the fact that, regardless of fault, the owner of an aircraft is responsible for any damage that may happen while the drone is in flight.

In Norway, every aircraft under 500 kg must have insurance of at least 750 000 SDR (about 9,1 million NOK as of March 2022). This is under the Norwegian rules here.

Norwegian drone rules #

These general guidelines apply to the open category:

• The drone must be under 25 kilograms in weight.
• The drone and the pilot must remain in a visual line of sight (VLOS).
• Always keep the drone within 120 meters of the earth’s nearest point.
• No transport of hazardous materials.
• No dumping of objects.
• The registration number of the drone’s operator must be shown on the device.
• A1, A2, and A3 are the three subcategories that make up the open category. The primary variations are as follows:
  • A1 – Only fly small, light drones near people.
  • A2 – Keep uninvolved people at least 50 meters away when using drones in populated locations. (With a C2-class drone) 30 meters.
• Fly drones up to 25 kg at least 150 meters away from residential, commercial, recreational, or industrial areas.

Maximum drone flying height #

The maximum height to fly your drone in Norway is 120 meters. If you fly within 15 meters of a manmade object and have the owner’s permission, you may be able to go even higher.

Flying your drone at night #

As long as you can see the drone, you may fly at night (VLOS). The drone will need to have some lights to accomplish that. When flying at night, it will be necessary to have a green flashing light starting as of 1st July 2022.

Is an operation manual necessary? #

There is no need for an operation manual (OM) if you are a single person who serves as both the pilot and the operator.

If you are an operator with many pilots, you must, at the very least:

• Have operational processes in place.
• Have a list of every staffer who has any drone responsibility.

There are many beautiful places to fly your drone in Norway #

Norway is a beautiful country with many tourist attractions. One of the best ways to capture the beauty of Norway is with a drone. Drones allow you to get a bird’s eye view of the country and its many landmarks.

Here are some of the best places to capture stunning drone footage of Norway:

Vøringfossen Waterfall #

Norway is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world. The Vøringfossen waterfall is one of the most popular, with a drop of nearly 600 feet. Drone footage of this waterfall is sure to take your breath away.

Airmap

Coordinates: 60.426007°N 7.250926°E

Arctic Circle #

The Arctic Circle is another must-see when visiting Norway. This unique landscape is home to many different animals, including reindeer and polar bears. Capturing footage of these animals in their natural habitat is an amazing experience.

Airmap

Coordinates: 65.8252° N, 144.0657° W

The Norwegian fjords are a great place to fly your drone #

The fjords are some of the most iconic features of Norway. With their dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, they make for some truly breathtaking drone footage.

The best time to fly your drone in the fjords is early in the morning or late in the evening when there are fewer people around. Remember to stay below 120 meters and keep your drone within sight at all times.

Geirangerfjord #

One of Norway’s most well-liked tourist locations is Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its imposing mountains and waterfalls, the Geirangerfjord is renowned for its breathtaking landscape.

Airmap

Coordinates: 62.1015° N, 7.0941° E

Nærøyfjord #

The Nærøyfjord is another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the narrowest fjords in Europe. It’s surrounded by cliffs and is a popular destination for hikers and kayakers.

Airmap

Coordinates: 60.9633° N, 6.9678° E

Lysefjord #

The Lysefjord is one of the longest fjords in Norway and is home to the Preikestolen, a massive cliff that overlooks the fjord.

Airmap

Coordinates 59.0049° N, 6.3168° E

Safety precautions when flying your drone #

As with any flying object, there are certain safety precautions that you should take when flying your drone.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

1. Always fly your drone in good weather conditions. This means avoiding strong winds and storms.
2. Make sure you have a clear line of sight of your drone at all times. Do not fly it near buildings or trees where it could get lost or stuck.
3. Keep your drone away from other people and animals. Do not fly it over crowds of people or near animals, as they could be startled or injured by the drone.
4. Be aware of your surroundings when flying your drone. If you are near power lines, roads, or other hazards, take extra care to avoid them.
5. Never fly your drone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can impair your judgment and lead to accidents.