Europe
Albania
AAC — Ministerial Orders 143/2022 and 114/2022, EU-aligned
Albania has adopted a framework modelled almost 1:1 on EU regulations since 2022, but access to operator registration is reserved for residents or businesses based in Albania: a passing private tourist is excluded.
Tourist flying effectively not allowed
The official AAC website is explicit: only Albanian residents and companies based in Albania can register as operators. A private tourist without those qualifications has no legal registration route, so cannot legally fly in the country barring a specific exception confirmed directly by the AAC.
The official AAC website is explicit: only Albanian residents and companies based in Albania can register as operators. Some industry aggregators (not an official source) report otherwise, but the primary source is clear on this point.
Mandatory for drones ≥250 g (theory test + online course), when access to registration is granted.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Forbidden near airports/heliports and in restricted zones listed in the AIP Albania (albcontrol.al/aip/).
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Confirmed on an official AAC source: a private tourist with no residency or business base in Albania cannot register as an operator. Email dron@acaa.gov.al to check for case-by-case exceptions before departing.
Verify officially before flying
Source: AAC — Autoriteti i Aviacionit Civil (Civil Aviation Authority)
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Here the threshold usually depends on the drone's weight or whether it has a camera: below a certain weight, often 250 g, many systems don't require registration for recreational use. Check the note above and the official source to see whether your specific drone falls under the requirement. For Albania, the official reference remains AAC — Autoriteti i Aviacionit Civil (Civil Aviation Authority). The official AAC website is explicit: only Albanian residents and companies based in Albania can register as operators. Some industry aggregators (not an official source) report otherwise, but the primary source is clear on this point.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by AAC — Autoriteti i Aviacionit Civil (Civil Aviation Authority). Mandatory for drones ≥250 g (theory test + online course), when access to registration is granted.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.