Which Drone for Traveling Outside US (Particularly Europe)?

[CadrePilot]

While I love my Mavic 3 Pro, it's over 900g and the last time I read up on things, that makes it less than ideal for Europe.

Which drone should I consider for overseas use?
And why?

 

[hansenn]

It depends on where and what you are willing to shoot.

 

[MS Coast]

While I love my Mavic 3 Pro, it's over 900g and the last time I read up on things, that makes it less than ideal for Europe.

Which drone should I consider for overseas use?
And why?

During the last few years, I've considered taking drones on a few international trips and always elected to leave them at home. Understanding and complying with regulations is never simple and sometimes onerous. Drones are bulky to fuss with while traveling. Interesting travel destinations often have very restrictive airspace limitations. And I figured flying a drone would distract from really experiencing and enjoying the place I was visiting. Finally, if I decide that I really have to have a closeup video of that erupting volcano, I can find it on the Internet.

That being said, I'm probably going to pack a Neo on my next trip.

 

[JeffreyS]

I traveled internationally more than once with my M3P. It's compact and was no hassle whatsoever. I followed rules and had a very enjoyable experience. Sure, the smaller models are more convenient, but as a pro photographer, I needed the best quality I can get out of the Mavic series.

 

[Talldiver]

Mini 3 Pro, using the regular battery, keeps it under the 250g limit. Most EU countries allow drones under 250g. I have taken mine to Europe and Canada.

The Plus batteries exceeded the limit, so I left them at home.

Of course, please review each country's specific drone rules.

 

[kalimah]

While I love my Mavic 3 Pro, it's over 900g and the last time I read up on things, that makes it less than ideal for Europe.

Which drone should I consider for overseas use?
And why?

Mini 4Pro - lightweight and gets great results.

 

[RT23]

I recently bought a mini 4 pro just for that reason. My wife and I are taking a european river boat cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest in June 2025. And all my research has led to : keep the drone under 250 grams and fly recreational only. The mini 4 pro, with STANDARD batteries (not the extended flight time ones) keeps the weight at 249g and, "supposedly", the drone does not emit a tracking signal when using the standard batteries. Just go to the EASA web site, www.easa.europa.eu, type in easa member states (under the drone drop-down) and email a request for an "application for a drone operator number for non-eu" under the first country you'll operate the drone. They'll email you the form; it's a real easy to fill out; basically just your name and address; scan your passport picture and attach it to the application; email it back to them and wait about ten days. They'll bill you about $25 or so. I'm in the waiting period as we speak and they haven't billed me yet. And when they assign you a number it's suppose to be good for ALL the member states in europe. This is the avenue I've had to follow for my initial flight when I reach Amsterdam. And the mini 4 pro is small, quiet, and easy to travel with, with excellent video quality. Just my 2 cents worth... Good luck

 

[MS Coast]

I recently bought a mini 4 pro just for that reason. My wife and I are taking a european river boat cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest in June 2025. And all my research has led to : keep the drone under 250 grams and fly recreational only. The mini 4 pro, with STANDARD batteries (not the extended flight time ones) keeps the weight at 249g and, "supposedly", the drone does not emit a tracking signal when using the standard batteries. Just go to the EASA web site, www.easa.europa.eu, type in easa member states (under the drone drop-down) and email a request for an "application for a drone operator number for non-eu" under the first country you'll operate the drone. They'll email you the form; it's a real easy to fill out; basically just your name and address; scan your passport picture and attach it to the application; email it back to them and wait about ten days. They'll bill you about $25 or so. I'm in the waiting period as we speak and they haven't billed me yet. And when they assign you a number it's suppose to be good for ALL the member states in europe. This is the avenue I've had to follow for my initial flight when I reach Amsterdam. And the mini 4 pro is small, quiet, and easy to travel with, with excellent video quality. Just my 2 cents worth... Good luck

There's more to it than just requesting an operator number.

"You also need to train and pass the drone pilot’s certificate online exam and get the European certificate in any EASA Member State."

Travelling with drones | EASA

Are you planning to fly your drone in another country these holidays? Then this article is important for you. The page outlines the validity of drone operator registration and ID, explains where you can use your drone pilot licence, and tells you what you need to remember when travelling across...

www.easa.europa.eu

"The EASA Drone Rules require you to have insurance if your drone is above 20 kg. If your drone is below 20 kg, there is no specific requirement for insurance. However, most EASA Member States mandate third-party liability insurance also if you are operating a lighter drone. "

Drone insurance - What should you consider when getting drone insurance? | EASA

When you are out and about flying your drone, something can go wrong and accidents can occur.

www.easa.europa.eu

 

[hansenn]

For drones under 250 gr an exam/certificate is not needed in Europe.
Insurance does. In most liability insurance policies here, drones used non-professionally are simply co-insured.

 

[MS Coast]

For drones under 250 gr an exam/certificate is not needed in Europe.
Insurance does. In most liability insurance policies here, drones used non-professionally are simply co-insured.

Registration is still required for anything not defined as a toy or with a camera. I wonder if the rules for requiring the exam are the same for foreign visitor as for EASA country citizens. Anyone know?

Open Category - Low Risk - Civil Drones | EASA

The ‘open’ category is the main reference for the majority of leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities.

www.easa.europa.eu

 

[hansenn]

Registration is still required.

Open Category - Low Risk - Civil Drones | EASA

The ‘open’ category is the main reference for the majority of leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities.

www.easa.europa.eu

View attachment 179296

yes, registration, but that is different from taking an exam.

Here in the Netherlands, all non-toy drones must be registered with the RDW. That is the same authority that handles the registration of motorised vehicles and driving licences.

 

[RT23]

T, when you traveled to Europe with your drone, did you fly recreationaly or professionally? And did you have to attend the online training sessions prior to going, take a test, then get a drone license for Europe? Or did you just get the operator number to mount on your drone? Thanks for any input

 

[MARK (LI)]

After an airline lost my surfboard about 40 years ago I just stopped taking anything I value on trips with me.....additionally, the hassle of getting registered with the local authorities in far away places and making sure you are in compliance does not always work out ......and, tourists are targets of thieves in foreign countries.......being distracted while paying attention to flying makes you more vulnerable

 

[Dmcvey]

I got A1/A3 through the NL online… in nothing else was a good basis on the rules and regs.

 

[wco81]

Question is how often were people flying in Europe this last year questioned to check your registration or CE label, to verify that you were allowed to fly in A1 (vs. A2) category?

I flew a couple of times with my Mavic 2 Pro. I"ve flown in Europe in past years and i didn't see any different kind of enforcement.

New rules took effect, in which only certified drones with C1 label under 900 grams were allowed to fly near crowds or near any kind of built-up areas.

But I didn't see any sign of increased enforcement. I've heard claims that the police in Spain will use things like Aeroscope and actively look for unauthorized drone flights.

However, how much are they prioritizing drone enforcement over their other duties?

If you fly over popular areas, like trying to circle around the Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower, no doubt they'll try to come after you.

Or big events like big football stadiums where matches are being played.

Or the center of towns where there are crowds all the time.

But other than in situations where someone is flying recklessly or just making their drone stick out, it doesn't seem like they're proactively looking for prohibited drone flights.

 

[RT23]

Thanks for the info. I'm currently in the application process to register my drone in Europe and acquire a "Drone Operator Number" through the Netherlands. I'm having a little trouble transferring the payment from the U.S. to the bank in the Netherlands; they don't accept Western Union; it has to be a bank-to-bank transfer, then the bank transfers payment to the licensing division (troubling and slow). And supposedly, while drone insurance is highly recommended, it's not mandatory (but, I'm gonna get some anyway before I go on vacation), so, the drone operator number is technically, at this point in time, all I'll need to fly my mini 4 pro. Ultimately, I guess it comes down to flying with common sense, like in the US. Don't do anything to draw attention to yourself... yada, yada. Although I WOULD like to cruise down the strip in Amsterdam to view all the "wares" being displayed in the windows... even though my wife would probably kick my butt, I still think it would make an interesting video. We'll see. I'll continue to update for those who also want to take drones to Europe...

 

[wco81]

I did it a couple of years ago through France. They let you "study" for the test and take it in English.

I don't recall having to do a bank transfer. I could use a credit card.

But if you want to bank transfer, it is possible to use a service like Wise.

 

[RT23]

Thanks for the input wco81, and GOOD NEWS: I received my Drone Operator Number from the Netherlands today; which now (as of this writing, and unless the rules change in the near future), according to the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA), ( who also recommend drone liability insurance), means I can legally fly my mini 4 pro in all European Nation States who are aligned with EASA. My mini 4 pro weighs under 250 grams with standard batteries and is being flown recreationally. I live in Maryland and for all those considering taking a drone on vacation with you to Europe: I'm taking a river boat cruise from the Netherlands to Budapest and these were my steps: 1) go to the EASA web site and request a Drone Operator Number form from the first European country you intend fly your drone in. It's an easy form to fill out: name and address, 2) attach a photo copy of your I.D to the application and email it back to them: 3) 5 to 10 days later, If approved, they'll contact you on how much you owe (mine was 23 euros). If approved, they'll email you the operator number. Now, the payment was my only scary part; as of this writing the Netherlands wouldn't take credit card or Western Union. Payment had to be a bank-to-bank transfer of funds, which they explained to me in one of their return emails. And that was it. I'll attached the operator number to my drone and keep a copy of the approval paperwork with me. And now the real task starts of clearing the airports with the drone. Wish me luck... Any additional inputs or comments would be greatly appreciated in case I'm forgetting something. I'm not going on vacation until June, after which, I'll give updates on the airport clearance success or failures... Again, any advice would be greatly appreciated... cheers

 

[wco81]

I've never had problems taking my drone to different foreign countries.

I have a case for it which fits 3 batteries and the drone and that case fits inside my carry on. You obviously can't check electronics gear with lithium batteries so you have to have room in your carry on.

More than once, in Europe, they want to inspect my carry on because besides the drone, I have some other electronics as well as my laptop there. So they will take it out of your carry on and do those strips to check for residue and check them in their scanner.