United Kingdom GB
Since 1 January 2026 the thresholds dropped to 100 g: you need a Flyer ID (free online test) and an Operator ID (£11.13/year) for camera drones of 100 g or more and any drone of 250 g or more. EU registrations aren't recognised.
Your plan
Choose your home country (top right) to see steps tailored to you.
2 things to sort out before you fly
- Register your drone in United Kingdom
Operator ID for drones of 250 g or more, or 100 g or more with a camera. Display it on the drone. Fee: 11.13 GBP (per year). Allow about 1 day before your trip.
Open official page - Pass the Flyer ID theory test
Online. Free. Free online test, valid 5 years. The A2 Certificate of Competency is needed to fly UK2/C2 drones closer to people.
Open official page - Remote ID may apply
UK class-marked drones (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, UK6) must broadcast Remote ID from 2026. Other drones follow later (check the CAA timeline).
- Bringing your drone in
Visitors can bring a personal drone temporarily. Residents pay VAT on goods above the £390 allowance bought abroad. Batteries: Carry-on only. Up to 100 Wh freely; 100–160 Wh with airline approval (max 2 spares).
- Before each flight
Max 120 m (400 ft), always in visual line of sight · Never fly over crowds; heavier drones stay 150 m from residential, commercial and industrial areas · Check Flight Restriction Zones around airports before take-off
Flying
- Max 120 m (400 ft), always in visual line of sight
- Never fly over crowds; heavier drones stay 150 m from residential, commercial and industrial areas
- Check Flight Restriction Zones around airports before take-off
- Class-marked drones need a flashing green light at night
Commercial use: The Open category covers low-risk commercial use. Higher-risk work needs an Operational Authorisation in the Specific category.
Registration & classes
| Registration | Yes (from 250 g, camera from 100 g) Operator ID for drones of 250 g or more, or 100 g or more with a camera. Display it on the drone. |
|---|---|
| Pilot test | Yes (online, from 100 g) Flyer ID theory test. Free online test, valid 5 years. The A2 Certificate of Competency is needed to fly UK2/C2 drones closer to people. |
| Remote ID | Some classes UK class-marked drones (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5, UK6) must broadcast Remote ID from 2026. Other drones follow later (check the CAA timeline). |
| Insurance | Depends Required for commercial flights. Not legally required for recreational drones under 20 kg, but recommended. |
| Foreign registration accepted | No EU/EASA registrations aren't recognised; visitors need a UK Flyer ID and Operator ID. |
Weight classes
| Class | Weight | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 g | < 100 g | No IDs legally required (test still recommended). |
| UK0 / C0 | < 250 g | Flyer ID from 100 g; Operator ID from 100 g if it has a camera. |
| UK1 / C1 | < 900 g | Flyer ID + Operator ID; Remote ID for UK-class drones. |
| UK2 / C2 | < 4 kg | A2 CofC to fly closer to people; otherwise far from people. |
| UK3–UK4 / C3–C4 | < 25 kg | Far from people and built-up areas. |
Import & export
- Visitors can bring a personal drone temporarily. Residents pay VAT on goods above the £390 allowance bought abroad.
- UKCA or CE-marked equipment is accepted.
- Batteries: Carry-on only. Up to 100 Wh freely; 100–160 Wh with airline approval (max 2 spares).
- EU C-class drones are recognised until 31 December 2027.
Export
- UK dual-use export controls apply to professional drones with long range or high payload.
Costs
| Operator registration | 11.13 GBP (≈ €13) · per year Validity: 1 year |
|---|---|
| Flyer ID theory test | Free |
| Import taxes | 0 % duty + 20 % VAT Usually only for drones you buy abroad and bring in to keep. |
Guides
Flying in the UK as a visitor Visitors
- Get a Flyer ID
Pass the free online theory test on the CAA site. Open
- Get an Operator ID
Needed for camera drones of 100 g or more and any drone of 250 g or more (£11.13/year). Open
- Label the drone
Display the Operator ID on the drone.
- Check restriction zones
Look up Flight Restriction Zones around airports before every flight.
Sources
- UK CAA – New drone rules from 2026 · accessed 23 Sept 2026
- UK CAA – Drones · accessed 23 Sept 2026
How the score is built
- Operator registration−10
- Pilot test (online)−10
- Remote ID−4
- Mandatory insurance−3
- Visitors must register locally−10
- Duty + VAT ≈ 20 %−12
Every score starts at 100 and loses points for each requirement. How scoring works