Taking a Drone to Greece: A Guide for UK Travellers

The EASA framework in Greece

Greece is an EASA member, which means drone operations are governed by the same Open, Specific and Certified categories used across most of Europe. As a UK visitor, your UK CAA Operator ID and Flyer ID are not automatically valid in Greece. You should expect to register as an operator with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) and to label your aircraft with the operator ID issued there. This is the general position as of May 2026, but you should confirm the current process on the official Greek portal before you fly.

Greece operates an online portal (sometimes referred to as the Arc of Greece system) for drone registration and flight planning. Registration is typically required for drones at or above the relevant weight or those fitted with a camera, which covers nearly all consumer models. Check whether your specific aircraft needs registration in the Open category and which subcategory (A1, A2 or A3) your flight falls under.

Where you can and cannot fly

Greece has extensive restricted and prohibited zones, particularly around airports, military installations, ports, archaeological sites and many of the islands. Flying over or near ancient monuments and protected heritage sites is generally not permitted without specific authorisation. Coastal and island areas popular with tourists often carry additional restrictions, so do not assume a remote beach is automatically open airspace.

Before any flight, check the official Greek airspace maps and the no-fly zones published by the HCAA. Privacy rules also apply, so keep clear of people, private property and crowds.

Taking your drone on the plane

Most consumer drone batteries are lithium-polymer cells that must travel in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. As a general airline rule, spare batteries under 100Wh are usually accepted, batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh need airline approval, and anything above 160Wh is not permitted on passenger aircraft. Carry batteries in protective cases or with the terminals taped, and confirm the exact limits with your airline before departure.

Practical preparation checklist

• Register as an operator with the Greek authority and label your drone with the issued ID.
• Check the no-fly zones for your specific destinations, including islands and heritage sites.
• Confirm your insurance has worldwide or EU territorial cover.
• Pack batteries in carry-on luggage within airline limits.
• Keep digital and printed copies of your registration and insurance.

How MmowW helps

Keeping track of which country expects which registration, weight class and zone rule is the part most travelling pilots find stressful. MmowW lets you check your drone setup against the rules that apply to your trip in a few seconds, so you can leave home confident that your paperwork lines up with your destination.