Drone Laws in Iceland

Open to visitors

Yes. Drone tourism is common, but national parks and famous waterfalls have strict, location-specific rules and permits.

Iceland applies the EASA framework through ICETRA, with a 120 m limit and strict, site-specific permits and seasonal windows for national parks and famous waterfalls.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Drone rules change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the national aviation authority (linked below) before you fly. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Aviation authority

ICETRA (Icelandic Transport Authority)

The rules

Registration: For drones 250g+ or any with a camera (about ISK 5,863 for individuals, valid 5 years; min age 16). Operator ID on the drone.
Remote ID: Required for class-marked drones from 1 Jan 2024.
Maximum altitude: 120 m.
Line of sight: VLOS required; night flight only with anti-collision lighting.
No-fly and distance rules: 150 m from power plants, Parliament, embassies, police, hospitals and prisons. National parks/protected areas need Environment Agency permits: Vatnajökull, Þingvellir (limited time windows), Snæfellsjökull (drone ban 15 Apr-15 Sep without a permit); Gullfoss, Geysir and Skógafoss have narrow seasonal windows; bird-nesting closures apply. Reykjavík's domestic airport restricts central-city flights. Check the official Iceland drone map.
Commercial and paid work: Commercial use must be registered; filming in protected areas/parks needs separate approval.
Notable restrictions: The famous waterfalls and national parks: always check the per-site rule and season.
Penalties: Enforced by park rangers/Environment Agency in protected areas; fines and confiscation.

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Official sources

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