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Drone rules: United Kingdom

Last checked: October 1, 2026

Allowed with conditions

Flying is allowed, but with conditions you need to know before you travel.

Allowed, but before your first flight you need a UK Flyer ID and Operator ID – the CAA does not recognise EU registrations.

Travel check for United KingdomChecklist for your trip: registration, insurance, drone and batteries on the plane.
Maximum altitude
120 m
Registration
Required

From 250 g, and for camera drones from 100 g, you need a CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID; without a camera, a Flyer ID from 100 g. The German operator ID is not valid here.

Insurance
Not required

Not legally required for purely recreational flying (mandatory for commercial use and from 20 kg); you are still liable for damage.

Depending on drone weight

  • From 100 g· Registration: RequiredFrom 100 g a Flyer ID is mandatory, with a camera also an Operator ID.

For tourists

The CAA does not recognise foreign registrations or certificates: take the Flyer ID test online and get your Operator ID before travelling. Flight Restriction Zones apply around airports, prisons and government buildings.

Further rules

  • In the United Kingdom, for drones from 250 grams and for any lighter drone with a camera (from 100 grams), you need a Flyer ID (proof of competency) and an Operator ID – registration is via the website of the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
  • In the United Kingdom, third-party liability insurance is mandatory for any commercial use, regardless of weight. Purely private recreational flying is not legally subject to compulsory insurance, but you are still liable in the event of damage.
  • Flight Restriction Zones apply around airports, prisons, military installations and government buildings – an infringement that endangers other aircraft can be punished with up to five years in prison.
  • In the open category, the maximum flight altitude is 120 metres above ground level – as in the EU, even though the United Kingdom has maintained the rules independently in national law since Brexit.

Sources

This overview is not legal advice and not an official statement — laws change, and we cannot guarantee that every entry is fully up to date. Before your flight, please also check the official source or the local civil aviation authority.