Yes, you can fly a drone in Greece as a US tourist. Greece follows the EU drone rules, so you register as a drone operator (with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority if Greece is the first EU country you fly in), put your operator number on the drone, and fly below 120 m. Before every flight you must check the DAGR airspace map: airports and archaeological sites sit in yellow or magenta zones that need prior approval, often refused.
Register as a drone operator
The HCAA says non-EU residents must register with the authority of the first EU country where they intend to fly. Once registered, the number is valid across Europe.
- Registration is required for drones of 250 g or more, and for lighter drones with a camera. That means all current DJI camera drones.
- Display your operator number on a sticker on every drone you fly.
- Already registered in another EASA country? HCAA confirms no extra Greek registration is needed.
Our flying in Europe as a US tourist guide walks through registration and the A1/A3 online test.
Training
- Under 250 g: no certificate is required in subcategory A1. Read the drone's manual and keep clear of crowds.
- 250 g or more: you need the EU A1/A3 certificate from an EASA member state's online course and test, and you fly in subcategory A3: 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas, and away from uninvolved people.
Check the DAGR map before every flight
The HCAA says checking airspace on the DAGR (Drone Aware Greece) platform is mandatory before any flight. The map shows:
- Areas outside yellow and magenta zones: fly under open-category rules with no approval.
- Yellow and magenta zones, such as airports and archaeological sites: flights need approval or are prohibited. Submit the HCAA's Drone Flight Notification Form at least 5 working days before the flight.
The HCAA also lists ports, hospitals, archaeological sites and military or government installations as places you must not fly over without prior authorization.
Islands and ancient sites
Most popular Greek islands have an airport, and island towns are often inside its zone. Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes and Crete all need a DAGR check before any flight near town. The Acropolis and other archaeological sites are restricted; plan on not flying over them. For island ideas see Santorini and the Greek islands.
Beaches in summer are busy, and EU rules forbid flying over crowds. Early morning gives you empty coves and soft light.
Insurance
EU rules expect third-party liability coverage, and some member states require it outright. Check that your policy covers Greece before you go; see drone insurance for Europe.
Which drone to bring
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: 249 g, flies in A1 with no certificate, omnidirectional sensing for cliffs and white walls.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: 249 g with a 1-inch sensor for sunsets over the caldera.
- DJI Neo: 135 g for quick palm-launched clips on a boat day.
Meltemi winds in July and August can be strong. Read flying a drone in wind before you go.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Check the HCAA for updates.
Packing for the trip? See traveling with a drone for battery rules on your flight.
Related guides
- Drone laws in Argentina: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Aruba: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Australia: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Austria: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Bali (Indonesia): flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Barbados: flying there as a US tourist
Not sure which to pick?
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