Drone Laws in Serbia, Guidelines, Penalties (2024 Updated)

Serbia increasingly uses drones for various purposes, such as photography, deliveries, and security. Serbian citizens have taken to the skies with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), embracing their many benefits.

While some people may be wary of their negative implications, Serbia strives to ensure their usage is regulated properly through special airspace zoning regulations.

This blog post will give a detailed overview of Serbia’s current regulations, restrictions, and drone laws.

With an increasing number of people wanting to fly their drones over Serbia’s stunning countryside or urban areas, understanding the country’s drone laws is essential in avoiding fines and other legal repercussions.

This article will provide up-to-date information on permitted airspace zones, registration requirements, and more to keep your recreational or commercial flight safe and compliant with Drone Laws in Serbia.

Drone Categories in Serbia

Serbia has classified drones according to their intended use and weight parameters. When considering unmanned aircraft, there are four distinct categories.

• Category 1 comprises those with a maximum take-off mass under 0.9 kilograms.
• Category 2 consists of those between the weight range from 0.9 to 4 (excluding 4) kilograms.
• Category 3 encompasses weights ranging from 4 – 25 kgs (excluding 25).
• Category 4 incorporates weights ranging from 25 to 150 kilograms.

General Drone Rules to Follow in Serbia (2024)

Before you take to the skies with a drone in Serbia, familiarize yourself with these key regulations:

• In order to remain compliant with Serbia’s Civilian Aviation Directorate (CAD) Regulations, all drones must be registered.
• All drone flights require authorization from the CAD. Requests for flight clearance should be sent at least five business days in advance to ensure that they are processed on time.
• Suppose you are a citizen of the Republic of Serbia. In that case, legally registered companies within your country must submit an application to obtain permission for aerial filming over any territory in the Republic.
• Outsiders seeking to conduct aerial surveys in the Republic of Serbia must do so exclusively through legal entities registered within its boundaries.
• Maintain a distance of at least 5 kilometers from airports.
• For optimal safety, only fly drones during daylight hours.
• Ensure that the drone remains in your line of sight at all times.
• Aspire to fly no more than 100 meters above the ground.
• To ensure safety and optimal performance, the pilot should not fly the drone farther than 500 meters away.
• Refrain from controlling multiple drones simultaneously.
• Never attempt to control a drone while riding in a moving vehicle.
• Unless you have been given permission from the proprietor or inhabitant, keep a safe distance of 500 meters away from essential infrastructures such as power plants, high-voltage facilities, government buildings, military sites, water treatment systems, highways, and correctional institutions.
• Keep a 30-meter safety perimeter around bystanders for their own protection.
• Under no circumstances should you ever operate a drone while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs/medications.

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Drone Registration in Serbia

In order to be certified and approved for use in the Republic of Serbia, aircraft must complete a registration process with the Civil Aviation Directorate.

• Under all circumstances, unmanned aircraft from categories 3 and 4 must be registered.
• It is compulsory to register unmanned aircraft in categories 1 and 2 if the plane will be flying above 100 m, near an aerodrome, 500 meters away from its operator, over or around people/buildings/restricted areas, during nighttime operations, and even when releasing fluids or objects not part of the structure.
• Upon request from the owner or user of an unmanned aircraft, registration will be made after receiving authorization from the proprietor.

In order to be successfully registered on the unmanned aircraft register, please include the following documents with your application:

• If the aircraft was made in a foreign country, it is necessary to provide evidence of customs duties paid. Otherwise, when manufactured domestically within the Republic of Serbia, an authorized written statement from its owner must be presented as proof.
• If there is no proof of the customs duties paid, an applicant may offer documentation to confirm their possession rights.
• If you have constructed a non-professional unmanned aircraft, you must furnish an authorized written statement attesting to this fact. Additionally, if the constructor of the craft is not its owner, they must submit documents that verify ownership.
• A manufacturer’s instruction manual must be provided in either Serbian or English.
• A liability insurance agreement to cover any damage caused by the operation of an unmanned aircraft, in line with compulsory transport insurance regulations.

For applications concerning category 4 unmanned aircraft, the Directorate must receive technical documentation that assesses the vehicle’s ability to fly securely.

Additionally, applicants are obligated to provide a demonstration flight in front of an authorized representative from the agency.

Rules for Commercial Use of Drones in Serbia

When operating Commercial Drone Services in Serbia, it’s important to take note of the following guidelines.

• Commercial drone flights require a pilot to be at least 18 years of age.
• If you wish to capture footage from the sky, registering as a commercial drone operator is required.
• Obtaining liability insurance for the drone–at least temporarily while you are in town– is a must. Finally, you must obtain approval from your country’s Ministry of Defense.
• If you are already registered as an international commercial operator, the process of acquiring approvals should be a breeze.
• For any commercial aviation operation, it is necessary to possess relevant qualifications and pass an examination in aviation law.

Abide by the regulations stated above, but ensure that you are up to date with any changes by keeping an eye on the provided notices from regulators.

Read Also: Drone Laws in Finland: All You Need To Know

Guidelines for Foreign Operators in Serbia

Those bringing drones to Serbia should be aware of the following crucial points outlined by the CAD for international drone users:

• As a traveler in Serbia, if you wish to bring a drone into the country, it is imperative that you obtain authorization from the Serbian Ministry of Defense.
• Serbian government regulations mandate that all drones be registered promptly for legal operation.
• Requesting authorization from the CAD before any flight is essential when utilizing a drone. Please keep in mind that your application may take up to five business days before you receive approval.

Serbia’s Civilian Aviation Directorate (CAD)

The Serbia Civilian Aviation Directorate (CAD) is the governing authority that oversees all aviation operations in the country. It ensures civil aviation safety, security, and efficiency through the robust regulation of drones, aircraft, and related services.

CAD is responsible for communicating with local users and operators of drones in order to apply guidelines when operating this technology correctly and set acceptable standards, limits and qualifications.

Drones are a highly popular technology that is leveraged by industries such as media & entertainment, public safety & security, and transportation & logistics for capturing shots from unique cameras or inspecting hazardous places quickly and safely.

As part of its responsibilities, CAD also defines Drones Laws that all drone owners/operators throughout Serbia must follow.

Read Also: Drone Laws in Virginia, Rules, Penalties

No Drone Zones in Serbia

Serbia is one of the many countries adopting no-drone zones, which are areas in which the use of drones is restricted or prohibited. This includes various military sites, airports, and other establishments where unauthorized drones may violate safety regulations.

Serbia’s aviation authority has made it clear that flying a drone over any area in Serbia without specific permission from them can result in hefty fines or even criminal prosecution.

Therefore, anyone looking to capture aerial footage using a drone should always make sure they contact Serbia’s aviation authorities beforehand to check what rules and regulations apply to certain flight paths.

In order to protect Serbia’s national airspace, it is important for all drone users to respect Serbia’s no drone zone policy by only operating their devices within approved areas for safety reasons.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Serbian government has taken steps to ensure citizens can use drones safely and responsibly for a lot of activities. With clear laws and regulations designed to keep everyone safe while still allowing people to enjoy their drones, they are facilitating a bright future for this technology in Serbia.

Flying a drone in Serbia can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but staying up-to-date on the country’s regulations is important. Before you take flight, make sure that your drone is registered with the Civilian Aviation Directorate and that you have obtained authorization for your flights.

Following these guidelines will ensure that you remain safe and compliant during your time in Serbia. We hope this article provides you with useful information. Please feel free to leave a comment and share.