🛸 Can I fly a drone without registering it in Albania?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends — but most drones need registration, and the EU rules have applied since 2022. The myth is "a small hobby drone does not need registration" — no. Since July 2022 Albania applies the European regulations, transposed by Order no. 143/2022 (EU Reg. 2019/947) and no. 114/2022 (EU Reg. 2019/945), overseen by the AAC, and they apply to all drones regardless of size or use. The basic rules: max 120 m altitude, always keep the line of sight (VLOS), stay away from prohibited zones (airports, heliports, restricted areas) and a minimum age of 16. Register as an operator with the AAC if the drone has a camera or weighs 250 g or more (toys exempt, Decision no. 262/2013); for 250 g or more you also need a pilot certificate. And when you film people, Law no. 124/2024 on data comes in.

📋 The rules

Since July 2022 the EU rules apply (Orders no. 143/2022 and 114/2022), overseen by the AAC, to all drones without distinction.
Basic rules: max 120 m altitude, keep VLOS, avoid prohibited zones (airports/heliports); minimum age 16.
Register as an operator with the AAC if the drone has a camera or weighs 250 g or more (toys exempt, Decision no. 262/2013).
A remote-pilot certificate is required if the drone weighs 250 g or more; categories: open (A1/A2/A3), specific, certified.
Filming people or property processes personal data under Law no. 124/2024 — respect privacy.

🔓 Exceptions

Drones under 250 g without a camera: a lighter regime (the pilot test is recommended, not required), but the altitude, VLOS and prohibited-zone rules apply all the same.
The specific/certified categories (BVLOS, over 25 kg, over crowds) need prior AAC authorisation (SORA/STS).
Toys under Decision no. 262/2013 are exempt from operator registration.

⚠️ Penalties & fines

The myth that "a small drone has no rules" is the one that costs. Flying without registration, above 120 m, out of line of sight or near airports and heliports breaches the AAC regulations and brings administrative measures; certificates and authorisations are also charged for (Joint Instruction no. 11/2024). Flying near airports is treated as a serious aviation-security matter and can bring a far heavier response than a fine. If you film people or property, Law no. 124/2024 comes in and, when it exposes private life, article 121 of the Criminal Code with a fine or up to 2 years. A drone that falls and injures people or property leaves you with civil liability, and the device may be confiscated. We do not cite a fixed AAC fine figure here because we cannot find it clearly published; but registering and following the rules costs far less than the consequences.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

Do I have to register my drone?

Yes, if the drone has a camera or weighs 250 g or more, you must register as an operator with the AAC, except for toys under Decision no. 262/2013. If the weight is 250 g or more, you also need a remote-pilot certificate.

Are there rules for drones under 250 grams too?

Yes. Even though the pilot test is not required for drones under 250 g, the rules on the 120 m maximum altitude, the line of sight and the prohibited zones apply all the same. If the drone has a camera, operator registration is required anyway.

Where am I not allowed to fly a drone?

You cannot fly in prohibited zones such as near airports, heliports or areas restricted by the AAC without special permission. Nor over crowds, and always below 120 m and within the line of sight; the airspace restrictions are in the aeronautical information (AIP).

Which law governs drones today?

Since July 2022 the European regulations apply, transposed by Orders no. 143/2022 and no. 114/2022, which cover all drones regardless of size or use. The Civil Aviation Authority is the body that oversees them.

Can I film people with a drone?

Only within the privacy rules. Filming people or property processes personal data under Law no. 124/2024, and when it exposes private life article 121 of the Criminal Code comes in; so avoid filming neighbours and private spaces.

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