Searching for a lost pet with a drone in Belgium
Belgium applies the EU rules with no distinction between leisure and work. Insurance is mandatory, and the conditions of each geozone on Droneguide add to the category rules.
| Aviation authority | FPS Mobility and Transport (DGTA) |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register as an operator if the drone weighs 250 g or more, or less if it has a camera (unless it is a toy). One number for all your drones, shown on each one and valid in every EASA country. Free on the Drone Portal for Belgian residents; an insurance policy number is required. Register. |
| Test or certificate | EU A1/A3 online training and exam, free; the certificate lasts 5 years. |
| Maximum height | 120 m (400 ft) above the ground. |
| Line of sight | Always in sight with your own eyes. An observer standing next to you may help. |
| Night flights | Allowed within all the open-category rules: in sight, with the green flashing light, in conditions that allow visual flight. |
| Remote ID | Required on class C1, C2 and C3 drones; not on C0 drones or drones without a class mark. |
| No-fly zones | Droneguide (skeyes) |
| Controlled airspace | If a geozone requires it, ask its manager through DAA Planner (skeyes). Controlled airspace always needs a prior DAA Planner request. |
What matters for a search in Belgium
- Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in the open category.
- Check the access conditions on Droneguide before every flight.
Before every search flight
- Check the no-fly zones for the exact area in Droneguide (skeyes).
- Ask the landowner if you take off from private land.
- Keep the drone in sight and below the height limit, away from people, roads and buildings.
- Let the owner of the animal know you are flying, and where.
Official sources
- mobilit.belgium.be/fr/aviation/voler-en-piloter/drones-uas/informations-generales/informations-generales
- mobilit.belgium.be/fr/aviation/voler-en-piloter/drones-uas/questions-frequentes
- www.skeyes.be/en/services/drone-home-page/you-and-your-drone
A summary to help you prepare a search, not legal advice. The official sources have the final word.
Reviewed on October 22, 2026.
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