Cyprus Mail 12 February 2026 - by Van Dongen Online
Drones have become a common sight across Europe — capturing sunsets, coastlines and city skylines from angles once reserved for helicopters. But while consumer drone technology is increasingly accessible, regulations surrounding their use remain complex.
Cyprus Mail recently explored the broader landscape of “Drones and counter-drone technologies**”, focusing on security and regulatory developments. For holidaymakers and hobbyists, however, the key question is more practical: can you bring your drone to Cyprus — and if so, what are the rules?
EU rules still apply — with local nuances
As an EU member state, Cyprus follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) framework for unmanned aircraft. This means that most recreational drones fall under the “Open Category”, which covers low-risk flights under specific conditions.
Travellers flying from another EU country can typically bring their drone with them, provided they:
- Register as an operator if required in their home country
- Display their operator registration number on the drone
- Complete any mandatory online training (depending on drone weight)
- Carry appropriate insurance if applicable
However, EU-wide rules are only part of the picture. Each country may impose additional local restrictions — and Cyprus is no exception.
Where you cannot fly
Cyprus has clearly designated no-fly zones. These typically include:
- Areas near airports
- Military installations
- Certain government buildings
- Archaeological and heritage sites
In addition, Cyprus’ unique geopolitical landscape adds another layer of sensitivity. Flying near military installations, the UN buffer zone or the British Sovereign Base Areas may be subject to strict restrictions. Given the island’s strategic location and divided status, certain airspace is closely monitored. Travellers are advised to exercise particular caution and consult official aviation maps before operating a drone in unfamiliar areas.
Also, filming ancient ruins or religious landmarks without permission can result in fines or confiscation of equipment.
The Department of Civil Aviation provides guidance on authorised zones and maximum altitude limits. In most recreational cases, drones must remain within visual line of sight and below specified height thresholds. https://drones.gov.cy/
Insurance and responsibility
While small recreational drones are widely available, operators remain responsible for safe operation. Accidents involving people, vehicles or property can lead to liability claims.
European regulators increasingly stress awareness over enforcement. The goal is not to discourage hobby flying, but to ensure it does not interfere with air traffic, privacy rights or public safety.
This is particularly relevant during peak tourist seasons, when beaches and public spaces are crowded.
The growth of recreational drone culture
Consumer interest in lightweight, travel-friendly drones has grown steadily over the past decade. Specialist hobby retailers across Europe — including Dutch modelsport stores such as toprc.nl — offer a wide range of recreational drones designed for photography, racing or casual flying.
The accessibility of such equipment means that more travellers now consider packing a drone alongside a camera or tripod. For many, aerial footage enhances travel memories. For others, flying itself is the hobby.
But the ease of purchase does not remove regulatory obligations.
Balancing innovation and regulation
The rise of civilian drone use has prompted authorities worldwide to refine regulatory frameworks. While some restrictions are driven by security concerns — particularly around critical infrastructure — others aim to integrate drones safely into shared airspace.
Cyprus, with its busy tourism sector and strategic geographic location, faces particular challenges in balancing innovation with caution.
For visitors, the message is straightforward: bringing a drone to Cyprus is generally permitted under EU aviation rules, but responsible flying is essential. Checking official guidance before departure, respecting no-fly zones and prioritising safety can prevent costly misunderstandings.
Drones may offer a new perspective on the island’s coastline and landscapes — but understanding the rules ensures that those perspectives remain both legal and enjoyable.
DISCLAIMER – “Views Expressed Disclaimer – The information provided in this content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, tax, or health advice, nor relied upon as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your personal circumstances. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any other individual, organization, agency, employer, or company, including NEO CYMED PUBLISHING LIMITED (operating under the name Cyprus-Mail).
**DRONES & COUNTER-DRONE TECHNOLOGIES - Cyprus Mail November 2025
Understanding their legality in Cyprus
By Michael Ioannou and Emilios Charalambous
The rapid proliferation of drones across Europe has reshaped entire sectors from commercial photography and media production to infrastructure inspection, public safety operations and environmental monitoring. Cyprus is no exception to this trend.
As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become increasingly accessible and capable, the parallel growth of public concern over privacy, safety and the potential misuse of drones has fuelled heightened interest in so-called “anti-drone” or counter-UAV technologies.
Yet, while the market for such systems is expanding rapidly, the legal framework governing their use is significantly more restrictive than many stakeholders appreciate. A common misconception is that the technology’s availability on the international market implies that its deployment is lawful. In reality, Cyprus consistency with the broader EU legal landscape maintains strict limits on both drone operations and the use of equipment intended to detect, disrupt, or intercept them.
Understanding these limits is essential for businesses, municipalities, private security firms and individuals considering the acquisition or use of counter-drone solutions.
Drone Operations: Regulated, Not Prohibited
Drone operations in Cyprus are governed primarily by Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on drone operations and Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on drone product standards. Together, these instruments establish a harmonised regulatory environment for drone flights across the EU.
Under this framework, most drone operators are required to register, complete minimum training, and comply with flight restrictions, including those related to height, proximity to people and designated no-fly areas. The Cypriot Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) enforces these rules and frequently issues local directives to ensure safe operation within national airspace, with the Civil Aviation Decisions of 2015, (i) 403/2015 and (ii) 402/2015, leading the way as they developed the conditions for operation and exceptions. Perhaps more importantly, drones equipped with cameras or telemetry functions will often process personal data, meaning that GDPR obligations may apply in parallel. Drone operators must therefore be aware not only of aviation rules but also of their responsibilities under the main data-protection law in the union.
As drones become more prevalent, so too does interest in technologies that claim to identify or negate potential threats. Counter-drone systems can generally be divided into two categories: detection technologies and interference technologies. Cyprus treats these categories very differently.
- Detection technologies
They aim to identify or track drones in a given airspace and may rely on radar, radio-frequency (RF) scanning, acoustic sensors, or optical tools. Passive detection systems – those that merely receive signals without transmitting –are generally permissible to operate.
However, once a system transmits radio signals, as is the case with active radar, it falls under the scope of the Radio Communications Act of 2002 (Law 146(I)/2002). This legislation requires the prior issuance of a licence or authorisation from the Department of Electronic Communications (DEC) before any RF-transmitting device can be lawfully operated.
Operating such equipment without authorisation can result in administrative penalties, confiscation of equipment and, in severe cases, criminal liability. Authorisations are not automatic and are evaluated based on spectrum management, potential interference and public safety considerations.
- Interference technologies
Technologies designed to disrupt or “neutralise” drones commonly marketed as jammers, spoofers, or signal-interference devices raise considerably more serious legal issues. These systems work by interrupting a drone’s control link or GPS signal, effectively overriding the pilot’s control. While often presented as a defensive mechanism, they are, in essence, forms of radio interference.
Under Cypriot and EU telecommunications law, the use of radio-frequency jamming devices is strictly prohibited, except by specific governmental or authorised military entities acting under controlled conditions. Interference with radio communications carries significant risks, including disruption of aviation signals, emergency services and other legitimate communications. For this reason, private individuals, companies, hotels, stadiums, security providers, and critical-infrastructure operators are not permitted to deploy jamming systems, regardless of the perceived threat posed by a drone.
There is therefore no general right for private entities to engage in counter-drone “defence”. Even when a drone intrudes into private property, endangers safety, or violates privacy, using a jamming device or interfering with its communication signal remains unlawful. The lawful course of action is to rely on passive or authorised detection, record the incident where legally permissible and report it to the competent authorities.
Only state actors may, under certain circumstances, employ active mitigation tools – and even they are subject to strict operational and legal safeguards.
Looking Forward
As drones continue to evolve, regulators across Europe are exploring whether targeted reforms may be necessary to address security concerns around sensitive sites such as airports, power stations and government facilities. Until such reforms materialise, however, the legal position in Cyprus remains clear: drone usage is regulated but broadly permitted, whereas counter-drone interference technologies are heavily restricted and, for private actors, effectively prohibited.
In a technological environment where the commercial availability of advanced systems can create false impressions of legality, public awareness of these legal boundaries is essential. Ensuring compliance protects not only the integrity of national infrastructure, but also the safety and rights of the public as drone technologies become an increasingly visible part of everyday life.
Michael Ioannou, CIO and Emilios Charalambous, Associate at Elias Neocleous & Co LLC
