Flying a Drone in the EU on Holiday: What UK Pilots Need to Know

Taking your drone on holiday abroad is a great way to capture stunning footage, but if you’re a UK-based pilot or FPV UK member flying in the EU, there are some important rules you need to understand before you travel.

Since Brexit, flying a drone in the EU is no longer covered by UK registrations. This guide explains what you need to know and do when flying a drone in the EU on holiday, including registration requirements, insurance, and how to obtain an EU Operator ID using the French AlphaTango system.

Is Your UK CAA Drone Registration Valid in the EU? No. Your UK CAA Operator ID is not recognised in the EU.

The UK is no longer part of EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), meaning UK-issued drone registrations cannot be used when flying abroad in EU countries.

If you want to fly a drone in the EU while on holiday, you must register as a UAS Operator with an EU member state.

The good news?
You only need to register once, and that registration is valid across:

• All EU countries
• Norway
• Switzerland

FPV UK Membership and Drone Insurance Abroad

If you’re an FPV UK member, you’re already covered from an insurance perspective.

FPV UK membership includes drone insurance that covers flying throughout the EU, Norway, and Switzerland, making it ideal for holiday flying.

When travelling, you should always:

• Carry proof of FPV UK membership
• Carry proof of insurance (digital or printed)

Local authorities may ask to see this if you are stopped while flying.

What Is an EU Operator ID?

An EU Operator ID is a mandatory registration number for drone pilots flying in the EU.

You will need an EU Operator ID if:

• Your drone has a camera or sensor, or
• Your drone weighs 250g or more

Once issued, your EU Operator ID must be clearly displayed on your drone.

Most recreational drone pilots flying on holiday will need one.

Do I Need an EU Flyer ID?

If you fly a drone with a mass greater than 250g, you will also need an EU Flyer ID (sometimes referred to as a remote pilot competency).

This shows that you understand basic EU drone rules and flight safety.

Both the EU Operator ID and EU Flyer ID are free of charge and can be obtained through the French aviation authority’s AlphaTango platform.

How to Get an EU Operator ID Using AlphaTango

Registering via France’s AlphaTango system, which is open to UK residents and recognised across the EU. Link to AlphaTango

Important Tips Before You Start

• Manually switch the website language to English (“Anglais”)
• Do not rely on browser translation, as this can cause issues
• Browser translation can prevent “United Kingdom” from appearing in country drop-down menus

Registration Overview

You will need to:

• Create an account using manual input
• Register as an Individual / Sole Trader
• Select United Kingdom for:
  • Native country
  • Nationality
  • Address
• Leave identification number and trading name blank
• Confirm France is the first EASA country you intend to operate in

Once completed, you will:

• Be assigned an EU Operator ID
• Receive a confirmation email (usually in French)
• Be able to download a PDF statement of registration

Your EU Operator ID can be viewed under “My Operator Activity” in your AlphaTango account.

Final Checks Before Flying Your Drone Abroad

Before flying your drone on holiday in the EU, make sure you:

• Display your EU Operator ID on your drone
• Carry FPV UK membership and insurance proof
• Check local drone laws and restrictions for each country
• Respect altitude limits, no-fly zones, and privacy laws

With the correct registration and preparation, flying a drone abroad in the EU can be straightforward and stress-free.

Want more help with Drone Regulations? Not already an FPV UK member? Please see our list of membership benefits here.