Taking a drone abroad for filming: what to check
- Last reviewed
- 6 min read
- For production crews
The short answer
UK Flyer IDs and Operator IDs are not valid outside the UK, so a UK pilot taking a drone to the EU usually has to register as an operator there. EASA says non-EU residents register with the aviation authority of the first EU country they will fly in, and that registration is valid across EASA states, but UK training is not recognised. Commercial filming may need a declaration or authorisation, destinations outside Europe set their own rules, and drone batteries must travel in hand luggage.
Key takeaways
- The CAA says UK Flyer IDs and Operator IDs are not valid outside the UK.
- EASA says non-EU residents register with the national aviation authority of the first EU country they plan to fly in. The registration is valid across Europe.
- EASA does not currently accept training or qualifications from outside the EU, so the pilot must complete the required EU training.
- Some countries restrict or ban drones at the border. The FCDO says it is illegal to bring drones into Tunisia without authorisation, and Egypt requires prior permission from its Ministry of Defence.
- Drone batteries go in hand luggage in LiPo-safe bags, and the drone must never be switched on in an airport.
Does a UK Operator ID or Flyer ID work abroad?
No. The UK Civil Aviation Authority says UK Flyer IDs and Operator IDs are not valid outside the UK, and that you must follow the national rules of the country you visit. It advises checking with the applicable authority or regulator before you travel.
The same applies to commercial licensing. The CAA's rules for flying drones for work in the UK, which involve an Operator ID, remote pilot competency, third-party insurance and, for higher-risk operations, an Operational Authorisation, do not transfer to other countries. Treat every country as a fresh set of questions.
How do you register to fly a drone in the EU?
EASA's guidance for non-EU visitors is that drone operations in EASA member states must comply with the EU Drone Regulation regardless of nationality. A non-EU resident must register with the national aviation authority of the first EU country where they intend to operate. The resulting operator registration number goes on a sticker on each drone and is uploaded to the drone's remote identification system. EASA says it is then valid across Europe, though you must still follow the national rules and any geographical zones in the country where you fly.
Pilot competence is the common stumbling block. EASA says training and qualifications obtained in your home country are not currently accepted in the EU, and non-EU residents need to complete the required EU training and exam. Allow time for this before a shoot.
| Step | What to do | Check with |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose the first EU country where the team will fly | That country's national aviation authority |
| 2 | Register as a drone operator and label every drone with the number | National aviation authority |
| 3 | Complete the EU remote pilot training and exam the activity needs | EASA and the national authority |
| 4 | If the filming is higher risk, submit a declaration or apply for an operational authorisation | National authority where you registered |
| 5 | Check local zones, permissions from landowners and local filming rules for each location | National authority and local film office |
What changes when the drone flight is paid work?
EASA says that in the specific category, which covers higher-risk operations, a non-EU operator submits a declaration for a standard scenario or applies for an operational authorisation to the aviation authority of the state where it registered. To operate in another member state, it follows the same process as that state's nationals would. Which category a shoot falls under depends on the aircraft, the location, the distance from people and the type of flight, so ask the authority early.
Aviation rules are only one layer. Landowner permission, film permits and privacy rules are separate questions. For a short shoot, hiring a local drone operator who already holds the right approvals can be simpler than registering your own team. Our guide on UK film crews working in Europe covers the crew permit side.
What about countries outside the EU?
EASA states that drone operator IDs and pilot certificates issued in EASA states are not automatically recognised outside them, and rules follow each country's national law. Some destinations are strict at the border. The FCDO says it is illegal to bring drones into Tunisia without authorisation and that any drones detected will be confiscated until departure. For Egypt, it says not to import, use or produce drones unless the Egyptian Ministry of Defence gives permission beforehand, with penalties including up to seven years in prison.
How do you travel with the drone and its batteries?
The CAA says drone batteries must be carried in hand luggage in separate LiPo-safe battery bags, suggests discharging them to about half charge, and tells travellers to follow the airline's watt-hour limits. Never switch the drone or controller on while travelling through an airport, because drone detection systems may trigger an alarm.
- Record each battery's watt-hour rating and get written airline approval for anything over 100Wh. See production crew travel and equipment for the limits.
- Spread batteries across the crew so each person stays within the limits.
- List the drone and controllers on your kit list, and ask a customs adviser whether they should be on your carnet.
- Arrange insurance that covers the destination and the work. The CAA requires at least third-party insurance for UK non-recreational flying, and foreign rules may differ.
How Roamly can help
Roamly Travel plans crew flights, accommodation and ground transport for shoots, including baggage arrangements for specialist kit. See our logistics service, use the free travel document checklist, or contact us with your locations and kit list. Drone permissions and aviation approvals must come from the relevant aviation authorities.
Sources
- CAA: Flying drones abroad
- CAA: Flying drones for work
- EASA: Non-EU resident flying in the open category
- EASA: Non-EU resident flying in the specific category
- EASA: Travelling with drones
- GOV.UK: Egypt safety and security
- GOV.UK: Tunisia entry requirements
General guidance only, checked against the sources above on 30 October 2026. Entry rules, airline policies and official advice change, so confirm the current position with the linked source before you travel.