Flying a drone in Croatia - what should you know?

More and more people are taking a drone on overseas trips - not just for commercial purposes, but also to capture their own vacation shots. Croatia is subject to European aviation regulations (EASA), which means that regulations are largely standardized with other European Union countries. This is good news for those who have flown a drone before, for example, in Spain, Italy or Germany - some of the requirements will be familiar to them. The bad news? Croatia also has its own limitations and requirements, whose non-compliance can result in heavy fines or even confiscation of equipment.

Can you fly a drone in Croatia?

Let's start with the simplest question: whether you can bring a drone into Croatia at all? Yes, you can - and no additional approvals or customs documents are needed for this, as long as the drone is a personal device and is not intended for sale. It's legal to transport a drone (both in checked and carry-on baggage) as long as you meet the safety standards of the airline you're traveling with - especially when it comes to carrying lithium-ion batteries.

You don't have to report the mere fact of owning a drone at the border. You also don't need to obtain special permits just to have the device cross the border with you. But be warned - just bringing the equipment in is one thing, and using it on site is a whole other story. If the drone is equipped with a camera, regardless of its weight, it requires a operator registration - Even if you only plan to make a few recreational flights. According to EU aviation law (EASA), a drone operator must be registered in its country of permanent residence or establishment - and it is this operator number that applies throughout the European Union, including in Croatia.

If you have previously registered in Poland, you do not need to repeat the process before you leave. All you need is an active operator number and the mandatory markings on the drone (in the form of a label or QR code).

What are the restrictions in Croatia regarding drones?

Croatia uses a division into three main categories of unmanned aircraft operations: open (open), specific (specific) i certified. The majority of tourist and recreational users will fly within the open category, which does not require obtaining permits, as long as certain conditions are met. In Croatia, you can legally fly a drone in the "open" category if:

• the drone weighs less than 25 kg,
• you do not exceed a height of 120 m above the ground,
• you fly within line of sight (VLOS),
• you avoid flying over gatherings of people,
• you do not violate prohibited or controlled air zones.

In Croatia, you also need to watch out for drone exclusion zones, of which there are quite a few - especially during the holiday season. Restrictions include m.in.:

• the vicinity of airports - including small, private airports,
• military bases and strategic facilities,
• national parks (such as Plitvice Lakes or Krka),
• the centers of large cities during the period of increased tourist traffic.

Before you take to the air, it's a good idea to check airspace maps. In Poland, the most popular application is DroneTower, but its Croatian equivalent is AMC Portal (amc-en.crocontrol.hr), which contains up-to-date airspace data. This is a mandatory source before every flight. The app not only shows prohibited and time-restricted zones, but also allows you to report flights in a special category - if you are planning a more advanced operation. It is also worth remembering that local authorities and law enforcement services in Croatia have the right to inspect. If you do not comply with the rules, you may be fined mandate. In extreme cases, it is also possible to stop the drone.

Filming people and protecting privacy - what Croatian law says?

Flying a drone in Croatia is possible according to EU EASA regulations, but it is important to remember that recording private individuals itself is already subject to slightly different regulations. This is because Croatia applies EU data protection law (RODO/GDPR), and this means that recording images of third parties without their knowledge and consent may violate their right to privacy.

In practice, this means that:

• you should not record people in a way that allows them to be identified, unless you have previously obtained their consent (written or oral),
• publishing such materials on the Internet (e.g., on YouTube, Instagram) without proper consent may result in civil claims or a complaint to the Croatian equivalent of the DPA,
• recording people in private places (e.g., on the grounds of a hotel, hotel beach, private home) may be considered a serious invasion of privacy.

How to prepare for drone flights in Croatia?

If you plan to take your drone on vacation to Croatia, it's a good idea to take care not only of the formalities beforehand, but also of purely practical issues:

1. Check the weather and wind conditions. Use weather apps that offer forecasts for drone pilots, such as UAV Forecast or Windy.

2. Have basic accessories with you. Extra propellers, spare batteries, powerbank, launch mat.

3. Record flights and locations. Keeping a flight log can not only help you with possible inspections, but also make it easier for you to plan your next day's flights.

4. Respect the privacy of others. Avoid flying in crowded beaches or by private homes - and don't record anything you wouldn't want to see yourself on someone else's screen.

5. Prepare a contingency plan. Plan emergency procedures and set limits for returning to the starting point. Also make sure to update your drone's software before you leave.

Summary

Can you fly a drone in Croatia? Yes, but only if you know and follow the rules in place. The mere fact of having an operator registration in Poland does not give you a free hand. Before each flight, you need to make sure you are not violating local airspace restrictions or rules based on your drone's operational category.