Welcome to our beginner’s guide to getting know about Netherlands Drone Laws. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know and stay updated about Netherlands drone laws. We also will be covering the following information such as where to get the drone permit for this country, as well as the best drones to fly, travel guides, and contact information to the civil aviation authority of the stated country. Without further ado, let’s dive into the details:

Introduction to Netherlands Drone Laws

Before you visit the Netherlands, you need to familiarize yourself with the country’s drone regulations in that country. The Netherlands is a highly developed country with a lot of interesting buildings, windmills, nature, parks, docking facilities and more. Which means there are plenty of opportunities to capture awesome moments that are taking in the Netherlands, but you need to be aware of the drone laws to operate safely and legally:

• Don’t fly higher than 400 feet above the ground level.
• Always yield the right of way to manned aircraft, gliders, and helicopters.
• Maintain at least 30 meters from people, buildings, and moving vehicles.
• Keep a clear visual line of sight on your drone at all the time.
• Fly only during daylight hours.
• Fly when the weather visibility condition is good.
• Don’t fly overcrowded areas, connected buildings or in prohibited zones.
• Respect the privacy rights of individuals when capturing footage.
• Both residential and commercial remote pilots need to have a valid pilot license and insurance to operate.
• Operate only in Class G airspace, for more information, please view the map of NFZ in the Netherlands.

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Getting Drone Permit for the Netherlands

Obtaining a drone permit to fly commercially for the Netherlands is straightforward and simple, however, you will have to pay a small fee to the Netherlands Civil Aviation Authority. To do this, simply visit their official government aviation website. You will need the following documents when filling out the information for commercial drone permit:

• Valid drone insurance.
• A proof of remote pilot license, such as FAA Part 107.
• Your contact information and details.
• Your drone model, serial number, and type.

Once you apply, it will take up to 20 days for them to issue the drone permit to you electronically. Be sure you plan and give yourself some extra time if you want to fly your drone commercially in the Netherlands.

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Drone Traveling Tips to the Netherlands

There are several methods to travel to another country with your drone. Read our important traveling tips to get the latest scoop on the best drone traveling practices and become informed. In this section, we will be covering what to do if you are traveling by air or by sea.

Traveling by Air

If you decided to travel by air and would like to bring your drone with you. You need to be aware that the airlines can only reimburse up to $1,000 for loss and damage to your property, including drone and its gear. That’s because of the Montreal Convention which limits how much airlines are allowed to pay you up to a maximum value of $1,000 — no matter how expensive your drone is.

Therefore, we highly encourage bringing your drone and its accessories as carry-on all the times. Furthermore, the drone batteries can’t be in the check luggages. Because they are prone to extreme temperature that poses fire hazards when undergoing temperature change. In rare circumstances, some airlines have strict policy and you will be only given the option to check luggage. To avoid this from happening, we recommend buying these fireproof drone battery bags:

• Colcase Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 198 x 150 x 135mm)
• Apex RC Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 240 x  65 x  180mm)
• Realacc Upgraded Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 220 x 155 x 115mm)

Traveling by Sea

Generally, you are allowed to bring your drone with you. But that depends on the cruise’s policy regarding to use of the drones. The only time you can operate your drone is when you are on land, never while the ship is in process of ferrying to other country. Flying the drones at the ports is also not allowed. Because each cruise companies are unique, we encourage you to check and familiarize with their policy on drones. Reach out to get more information if possible.

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Best Drones for Netherlands

These are the best drones for traveling around the world such as Netherlands due to their flying specifications and camera capabilities. Be sure to read each drone review guide by visiting each link so that you can decide which quadcopter you want to buy before going on a vacation.

Alternatively, you can visit our shop to see a wide selection of prosumer drones that are currently for sale on the best price deals. We only recommend the best drones for traveling that are portable, compact and equipped with powerful camera capabilities, while striving to provide affordable options for those who are looking to get started.

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Contact Information

If you need additional information about drone regulations and flying in the Netherlands. Keep it in mind that we try our best to provide the latest information about drone laws. Because the drone laws are not universal, they can wildly vary from a country with lax regulations to another country that has strict regulations. For any drone regulations that you are not sure, feel free to contact the Aviation Safety Inspector using one of their contact method on the official government contact page.