Yes, you can fly a drone in Portugal as a tourist, but there are two layers of paperwork. First the EU rules: register as a drone operator (with ANAC if Portugal is your first EU country), label the drone and fly below 120 m. Second, Portugal's national rule: capturing aerial photos or video with a drone needs a permit from the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN), which reports say applies to tourists' personal footage too. Apply well before your trip.
EU registration and training
Portugal applies the EU drone rules through ANAC, its civil aviation authority. A pilot from outside the EU registers in the first EU country where they plan to fly; that registration covers the rest of the EU.
- Register for drones of 250 g or more, or lighter drones with a camera.
- Show your operator number on the drone.
- Sub-250 g drones without a class label fly in A1 with no certificate. Heavier drones need the A1/A3 certificate and fly in A3.
See flying in Europe as a US tourist for how to choose where to register.
The AAN aerial image permit
Portugal has long required authorization from the AAN for capturing aerial images. In practice, for a camera drone this means:
- Create an account on the AAN's aerial images portal well in advance. Travelers report account setup can take a couple of weeks.
- Apply for each flight area at least several days before you fly.
- Flights over beaches and water fall under the local harbor master's office (capitania), which handles its own permission requests.
The process changes from time to time, so check the AAN's current guidance before you rely on these steps.
Where you can fly
Check ANAC's geographical UAS zone map before every flight. It shows airport zones and restricted areas.
- Lisbon: the airport sits inside the city, and much of central Lisbon is restricted. Plan on not flying downtown.
- Porto and Faro: both airports are near popular areas.
- Nature reserves and parks: need consent from the nature conservation institute (ICNF).
- Historic sites: palaces, monasteries and castles may need separate permission from heritage authorities.
- Don't fly over crowds, beaches full of people, schools, prisons or military areas.
For the islands, see flying a drone in Madeira.
Insurance
Portugal requires liability insurance for heavier drones, and it's wise for all. A policy that covers the EU protects you if something goes wrong. See drone insurance for Europe.
Which drone to bring
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: 249 g, flies in A1 with no certificate, omnidirectional sensing near sea cliffs.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: 249 g, 1-inch sensor for Algarve coves and Douro valley light.
- DJI Neo: 135 g; it still has a camera, so the AAN permit applies.
Atlantic wind is strong on the west coast. Read flying a drone in wind.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Continuing to Spain? See drone laws in Spain and pack right with traveling with a drone.
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?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
