📜 Spain & Tenerife Drone Regulations – At a Glance
- Registration & Identification
- All drones must be registered with AESA and display the operator’s ID on the drone.
- Drones over 250 g require pilot certification (A1/A3) and liability insurance; lighter drones still need registration and are subject to basic rules.
- Where & How High You Can Fly
- Maximum altitude: 120 m above ground.
- Always maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).
- Stay at least 5–8 km away from airports and controlled airspace.
- Restricted Areas
- National parks, nature reserves, ZEPA zones, and wildlife conservation areas (e.g., Teide National Park, Chinyero Reserve) are “no-fly” unless you have special permission (tenerifeweekly.com).
- Tenerife has many such zones; ENAIRE’s map is essential to check before every flight (grupo-uas.com).
- Permissions & Notifications
- Flying near populated or urban areas requires prior coordination/notification with the Ministry of Interior and possibly local authorities.
- Drone shows (e.g., swarms or night flights) require significant approvals and unauthorized ones can trigger fines up to €4.5 million.
- Penalties & Enforcement
- Penalties range from a few hundred euros to €225,000 for major infractions.
- In Tenerife, drones flown in protected zones have led to fines; recently, a €600 penalty was imposed for flying over Chinyero.
🧠 What Real Pilots Say (Reddit Insights)
“You must be legally registered in AESA’s registry and have an operator ID… need to have insurance… And… check official map” (reddit.com)
“Everything is no‑fly zone… Tenerife, the Canary Islands are definitely not the easiest places to fly.” (reddit.com)
✍️ Quick Checklist for Flying in Tenerife
- ✅ Register with AESA & label your drone.
- ✅ Complete A1/A3 pilot training (if >250 g).
- ✅ Have liability insurance.
- ✅ Always fly ≤120 m and within VLOS.
- ✅ Use ENAIRE’s map—avoid protected or restricted zones.
- ✅ Notify authorities if near urban areas.
- ⚠️ Expect strict enforcement and steep fines.
🌅 Feeling adventurous? Tenerife offers dramatic coastlines and volcanic landscapes, but strict adherence is essential. Use ENAIRE’s drone map each time, and only fly where legally permitted. Want help finding safe spotting spots or guidance on applying for permits? Just ask!
