The beautiful Alpine mountains such as the Matterhorn and Eiger. The scenic townscapes spreading along Lake Geneva. Switzerland has numerous breathtaking spots that make you want to film with a drone. However, regulations have changed significantly since 2023, and the procedures for tourists bringing drones have become more complex.
This time, we’ll introduce the latest regulatory information for those considering bringing drones on their trip to Switzerland.
All Camera-Equipped Drones Require Registration
Until 2023, small drones under 250g were basically not subject to regulations, but now all drones with cameras require advance registration regardless of weight. This is said to be because cameras can potentially collect personal information such as faces.
Registration itself is free and involves obtaining a Personal UAS Operator Number from the online system “dLIS” managed by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). However, using this system requires Switzerland’s public authentication system “CH-Login,” so it’s recommended to proceed with the procedures well in advance of your trip.
On FOCA’s platform dLIS, you apply for the necessary registration according to your drone’s specifications
Additional Requirements Vary by Weight
The required procedures vary significantly depending on the drone’s weight. For drones under 250g, the above procedure is basically sufficient, but for drones 250g and above, passing an online exam provided on dLIS is mandatory. The exam takes at least about 4 hours including study time and requires a correct answer rate of 75% or higher.
Furthermore, operating drones 900g and above requires an in-person exam. When visiting for tourism, these procedures may not be realistic. Therefore, when considering drone photography during a Switzerland trip, we recommend using small drones under 250g.
Expensive Insurance Coverage is Mandatory
In Switzerland, drones 250g and above are required to have liability insurance of 1 million Swiss francs (approximately $1.1 million) or more. For drones under 250g, similar insurance coverage is recommended (though not mandatory for drones under 250g, insurance information entry is required when obtaining the Personal UAS Operator Number, making registration without insurance practically difficult).
Whether drone insurance purchased in your home country is valid in Switzerland needs to be confirmed with the insurance company in advance, but typical drone insurance often excludes overseas incidents. If not covered, additional insurance will be necessary.
Basic Rules During Flight
When flying drones in Switzerland, several basic rules must be followed, similar to other countries. Altitude is limited to 120m above ground, and flight within visual range is required. Additionally, flying over areas where people gather is prohibited.
What’s important to note is that in addition to these basic rules, individual cantons and municipalities may have their own regulations. Especially at tourist destinations, additional restrictions are often in place from landscape and environmental protection perspectives, so caution is needed.
How to Check No-Fly Zones
Switzerland has many no-fly zones. In addition to airport areas, nature reserves and prison surroundings also have flight restrictions. These zones can be easily checked on maps provided by FOCA.
Using the map, you can immediately understand flight feasibility and regulatory details for each location. When planning photography at tourist spots, be sure to check in advance.
Risks of Violations
Regulatory violations are treated as civil aviation law violations and can result in fines of up to 20,000 Swiss francs (approximately $22,000). In more serious cases, imprisonment may also apply.
Swiss law enforcement is very strict, and “I didn’t know” won’t work as an excuse. Especially since tourists are easily noticeable, it’s important to thoroughly understand and comply with regulations.
Summary: Should You Bring Drones on a Switzerland Trip?
Switzerland’s scenic beauty is certainly an attractive subject for drone photography, but the regulatory strengthening since 2023 has made recreational use quite challenging. However, my personal impression is that Switzerland feels relatively drone-friendly as long as you use drones under 250g. While the procedures might seem somewhat difficult for newcomers, if circumstances allow, I encourage you to try drone aerial photography in Switzerland.
※The information in this article is current as of February 2025. Regulations may be updated at any time, and individual regions may add their own regulations. When actually using drones, always check the latest regulations and make decisions at your own responsibility.
