Drones in Montenegro. Import rules, use and fines in 2024

Since 2024, drone filming without prior permission from the relevant government authorities is strictly prohibited in Montenegro. A drone in Montenegro must be registered with the Civil Aeronautics Agency. If you import it into the country, you are required to obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Economy and obtain the right to drive it. This is discussed below in our article. If you are planning to buy a drone in Montenegro, then you are only required to register it with the Agency and obtain the right to operate it there.

Also, the administration of the National Parks of Montenegro announced a ban on the use of ATVs and motorcycles outside specially designated trails within the national parks. Next, we will tell you what fines are provided for violating these rules.

How to import a drone into Montenegro for a foreign citizen

A foreign citizen must obtain permission to import a drone from the Ministry of Economy. The application is reviewed within 30 days. The permit is issued for the duration of the trip, but not more than a year.

How to get permission to use a drone in Montenegro

All operators whose quadcopters weigh more than half a kilogram, have a range of more than 15 meters and a height of more than 10 meters must be registered with the Agency. Drone registration is free. Owners must also obtain permission to operate the quadcopter. To do this, you must register as a drone operator with the Civil Aeronautics Agency. According to the rules for using a quadcopter, it is necessary that the drone does not pose a danger to the life and health of people and does not violate people’s privacy. To achieve this, clear requirements have been introduced for the registration of drones depending on their size and purpose.

Fines in Montenegro for violating the rules

In case of illegal use of quadcopters, fines and legal action are provided for creating a threat to public order and tranquility.

According to the Air Traffic Law, persons operating drones are treated as aircraft pilots, and violations are subject to appropriate penalties with fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 euros.

The National Parks Law also provides for fines for legal entities ranging from €1,000 to €40,000 for illegally filming or photographing for commercial purposes without permission, while fines for individuals can range from €100 to €4,000.

Rules for using a quadcopter in Montenegro

• The drone cannot be out of sight of the operator. The maximum distance from the operator in height above ground level is 150 m and the distance is no more than 500 m.
• The drone cannot be located in places where people and animals are crowded, and also cannot be located above: airplanes, vehicles, ships, roads, railways, power lines and other property objects.

The Civil Aviation Agency has launched an educational program for the safe operation of drones and insists that drone operators comply with civil aviation regulations for the safety of air traffic, people and property on the ground.

You can read more about the rules on the official website of Montenegro Airport: montenegroairports.com

Fines for violating the rules for ATVs

According to information, in 2023, travel companies organized excursions on ATVs in national parks, violating established rules and traveling beyond the permitted routes. Some cases of ATV use have been recorded in the most protected first zone of national parks, where strict conservation measures are in place.

In accordance with nature conservation legislation, legal entities can be fined from 2,000 to 40,000 euros for organizing trips to national parks on ATVs outside established routes without appropriate permission from nature conservation authorities.

The administration of “National Parks in Montenegro” calls on all travel agencies, visitors and photography enthusiasts to comply with the rules of behavior on the territory of the state and in national parks.

If you are going on holiday to this wonderful country, read our other articles on this topic:

• What to see: gomonte.me/blog/post/20
• How to rent a car in Montenegro for travel: gomonte.me/blog/post/33
• Real estate catalog for long-term rental and purchase of housing: gomonte.me

GoMonte Real Estate Agency wishes you a pleasant holiday!