Europe
Latvia
EASA (EU) Regulation — implemented by the Latvian CAA
Latvia applies the EASA standard with one of the cheapest registrations in the EU. A notable specific: since September 2025 the airspace within 50km of the borders with Russia and Belarus has been closed to drone flight between 20:00 and 07:00.
Mandatory on droni.caa.gov.lv, cost 5 EUR/year.
Free online A1/A3 certificate.
Secondary sources report minimum coverage of 150,000 EUR for drones up to 1.5kg, not confirmed by a primary source.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Nightly closure (20:00-07:00) within 50km of the Russia/Belarus borders since September 2025; map updated every 5 minutes on airspace.lv.
Verify officially before flying
Source: Civil Aviation Agency of Latvia
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Latvia, the official reference remains Civil Aviation Agency of Latvia, also via Airspace.lv. Mandatory on droni.caa.gov.lv, cost 5 EUR/year.
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 Civil Aviation Agency of Latvia, also via Airspace.lv. Free online A1/A3 certificate.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.