Europe
Russia
Rosaviatsia — complex registration, active ban over Moscow and central regions
Russia requires registration of every drone between 0.15 and 30 kg under Government Decree No. 658/2019, but since 20 June 2026 Rosaviatsia has banned 'until further notice' civilian drone flights up to 5,200 m altitude over Moscow, most of Moscow Region and parts of the Ryazan, Tula, Kaluga, Tver, Yaroslavl and Vladimir regions — precisely the areas with the highest tourist traffic.
Tourist flying effectively not allowed
Tourist flight is effectively precluded in most destinations of interest: besides the ban over Moscow and neighbouring regions, the registration procedure requires Russian residency data that is hard for a foreigner to obtain, and several independent sources report a risk of drone confiscation at customs without prior authorization. The safest advice is to leave the drone at home and check your country's updated travel advisories before departing.
Mandatory for drones 0.15-30 kg under Government Decree No. 658/2019, through a procedure tied to Gosuslugi and a Russian residential address — effectively impractical for a tourist without local residency.
From 1 March 2026, a mandatory licence is planned for operators of drones over 30 kg, not directly relevant to smaller tourist drones but indicative of a general tightening of control.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Active ban since 20 June 2026 over Moscow, most of Moscow Region and parts of the Ryazan, Tula, Kaluga, Tver, Yaroslavl and Vladimir regions up to 5,200 m altitude, at the request of the Ministry of Defence. In early September 2026 Rosaviatsia also lowered the flight ceiling over Moscow's airports to 4,900 m and banned transit flights through the zone, amid further escalation. It is also forbidden by law to photograph or publish images of the aftermath of drone attacks.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
The ban over Moscow and central regions, and its further tightening in early September 2026, are consistently reported by several independent news sources (Meduza, Kyiv Independent, HNGN), but not by an official Rosaviatsia statement directly reached in this check. The situation remains openly described as fluid and worsening: check the most recent travel advisories before departing.
Verify officially before flying
Source: Rosaviatsia — Федеральное агентство воздушного транспорта (Federal Air Transport Agency)
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 Russia, the official reference remains Rosaviatsia — Федеральное агентство воздушного транспорта (Federal Air Transport Agency). Mandatory for drones 0.15-30 kg under Government Decree No. 658/2019, through a procedure tied to Gosuslugi and a Russian residential address — effectively impractical for a tourist without local residency.
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 Rosaviatsia — Федеральное агентство воздушного транспорта (Federal Air Transport Agency). From 1 March 2026, a mandatory licence is planned for operators of drones over 30 kg, not directly relevant to smaller tourist drones but indicative of a general tightening of control.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.