In recent years, drones have not only become more compact and user-friendly, but the built-in cameras have also gotten better and better. Therefore, they can no longer be missing in the luggage of many Austrians.

"Although a drone registered in Austria can be flown anywhere in the EU since 2021, you should always find out about country-specific regulations beforehand," says Benjamin Hetzendorfer, drone expert at ÖAMTC air rescue. “Violations of national regulations can result in high penalties.”

In Greece, for example, a distance of eight kilometers must be maintained from airports. "On many islands that have airports, it is therefore not allowed to start a drone," Hetzendorfer informs. "For flights over archaeological sites and sites you also need a permit from the Ministry of Culture."

Even in the most popular holiday destinations for Austrians, there are a few special features to keep in mind. If you want to take your drone with you to Italy, you have to register it on the aviation authority’s D-Flight platform before you enter the country in order to know about the relevant prohibited zones. "In Croatia, a special permit is required for photos and videos, which is usually only available for commercial drone flights," explains the ÖAMTC drone expert. While it is already possible to take your drones with you on vacation in most European countries with a little preparation and information, they are banned in Egypt, Saudi Arabia or Morocco, for example. "This also applies to imports," says Hetzendorfer. "The drone should therefore definitely stay at home, otherwise it will be confiscated at the airport and, in the worst case, even face a prison sentence."

Storage and transport – that's how it works

If you are traveling by car, you should make sure that the drone does not remain in the vehicle when the temperatures are high - temperatures inside can rise to up to 70 degrees. This is a burden, especially for the delicate batteries. “Temperatures above 60 degrees damage the cells and the battery loses capacity – whether in flight or not. That is irreversible,” explains the ÖAMTC expert. On the plane, on the other hand, the drone can easily be transported in a suitcase. “The batteries belong in hand luggage, however,” Hetzendorfer informs. “For the particularly sensitive lithium polymer batteries, a fireproof storage bag is also recommended, e.g. B. a so-called Lipo Bag.”