Where can I fly a drone in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein applies the EU drone regulation and, on top of it, Swiss aviation law, through an exchange of notes with Switzerland. That is why the same zones, the same insurance and the same official map apply there as in Switzerland. It also has its own prohibited zone in Vaduz, and its authority, the AHR, shares the work with the Swiss office, FOCA (BAZL).
Flying at a specific spot?Check it on the map
In short
- The EU regulation 2019/947 and the Swiss VLK (SR 748.941) apply.
- The FOCA restrictions map also applies in Liechtenstein.
- The area of the Government, Parliament and Vaduz Castle is a permanent no-fly zone; the exemption is granted by the AHR.
- Above 250 g, prohibited within 5 km of an aerodrome runway, as in Switzerland.
- Third-party liability insurance is mandatory above 250 g, for at least one million francs.
Swiss law, in another country
Liechtenstein is a separate country, but it applies Swiss aviation law through an exchange of notes with Switzerland, as well as the EU drone regulation. The Swiss VLK (SR 748.941) applies there just as in Switzerland: the zones where no drone may fly, the 5-kilometre distance from runways above 250 grams, the minimum pilot age and insurance.
The authority is the AHR, the office of construction and spatial planning, which issues the authorisations; the Swiss FOCA examines the requirements on its behalf.
The zones, and the Vaduz one
The FOCA official drone restrictions map also covers Liechtenstein, and it is the one to check before flying, together with the Skyguide daily bulletin.
The area of the Government building, Parliament and Vaduz Castle is a permanent no-fly zone and is Liechtenstein's own: the exemption to fly in it is granted by the AHR.
Registration, certificate and insurance
Above 250 grams third-party liability insurance is mandatory, for at least one million francs. Certificates from the European Union and Switzerland are valid.
What is not published is where someone living in Liechtenstein registers as an operator: EASA itself lists it as pending. If that is your case, ask the AHR or FOCA before flying.
How AXPA handles it
AXPA serves the FOCA map, which contains the zones of both countries, and assesses each operation under the rules of the country where it flies. It rebuilds the 150-metre distance from residential areas of the A3 subcategory from the official buildings, as long as Liechtenstein does not allow its zoning plan to be used, and says so on each zone.
Frequently asked questions
See all questions- Is flying in Liechtenstein the same as in Switzerland?
- Almost: the same VLK and the same FOCA map apply. The authority that issues authorisations is different, the AHR, and there is its own prohibited zone in Vaduz.
- Do I need insurance in Liechtenstein?
- Yes, if the drone weighs more than 250 grams: third-party liability insurance of at least one million francs, as in Switzerland.
Keep reading
This guide is general information and planning support, not legal advice and not a flight authorisation. Regulations change and every country adds its own conditions. Before taking off, always check the official sources for your jurisdiction and current aeronautical information. The remote pilot in command is solely responsible for the flight.