With conditions
Flying a drone in Switzerland
Switzerland is not an EU/EEA member but has applied a national ordinance modelled on the EU drone regulation since 2023 (FOCA). The live zone map (FOCA/swisstopo) is open and also covers Liechtenstein.
Maximum altitude
120 m
Minimum age
16 years
EU competency certificate
Recognised
Live map
Yes
Zone map via api3.geo.admin.ch (FOCA/swisstopo), Opendata BY licence - open, attribution required
Rules at a glance
Categories
A1/A2/A3 (modelled on EASA categories, national via the UAS ordinance)
Registration
Registration via the FOCA UAS.gate portal; EU registration is generally recognised
Remote ID
Direct Remote ID mandatory, mirroring the EU rule
Insurance
Liability insurance is mandatory in Switzerland
National specifics
- –Cantons may add local UAS restrictions under 25 kg per Art. 34 VLK - the federal map does not cover these
- –Also covers Liechtenstein
© Data: swisstopo, BAZL
No map coverage doesn't mean "anything goes" - local rules can still apply.
Travel checklist
- Carry your registration and remote pilot competency proof (digital or printed)
- Check the destination's official zone map before flying
- Carry proof of insurance if required
- Make sure your drone supports Remote ID
- Check weather conditions and local operating hours
Check live in the app
The DrohnenAtlas app shows you the current zone check right at the map point.
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