1 · The open category
The European regulation applies in Cyprus, and the authority is the DCA (the Department of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport). Its portal: under 25 kg, direct line of sight, 120 m at most, or an observer — see the European framework. There is no national rule of its own on height or distances.
- Minimum age of the remote pilot: 16. Below that, flying is possible under the supervision of a person aged 16 or over.
2 · Zones: the national geozones
Cyprus has set its geographical zones by decree 190/2024, amended in 2025. The official map and its file are published on the portal. The DCA warns that most DJI drones contain a preinstalled zone map for Cyprus that is not the right one.
- Zone A, around the Larnaca and Paphos airports: flying is strictly prohibited, and the DCA speaks of heavy fines and prison.
- Zone B: open-category operations are restricted, with a special DCA permission, a form submitted 7 working days beforehand (the airport pages say 10), and liability insurance of €1,000,000.
- Outside a zone, an operator from another EU State stays at least 8 km from airports and heliports, outside prohibited zones.
⚠️ Glydar’s map does not display Cyprus’s regulations: the DCA’s official geozone map prevails, to be consulted before every flight — see the coverage, country by country.
3 · Registration, exam and insurance
- Operator registration: from age 18 (otherwise, a responsible person registers); €15, valid for 3 years.
- A1/A3 exam: 40 questions, 75%, 3 attempts, €15; certificate valid for 5 years. A C0 under 250 g: exam not mandatory, recommended.
- Insurance: only zone B carries an obligation stated in the sources consulted (€1,000,000).
4 · FPV and night flying
FPV: the DCA states that an observer may be relied on to watch the airspace.
At night: no Cypriot rule is stated in the sources consulted; the European framework applies (flashing green light).
5 · Before every flight
- Checking the DCA’s geozone map, not the manufacturer’s.
- Zone A: no flying. Zone B: permission and insurance.
- Operator registered (3 years); A1/A3 certificate depending on the class.
This guide simplifies — it replaces neither the official texts nor an up-to-date check. In case of doubt: the DCA (Department of Civil Aviation).
6 · Penalties: what the law says
Decree 190/2024 (art. 7) says that anyone who breaches it is subject to articles 243 to 258 of law 213(I)/2002, applied by analogy. The text of these articles is not available in an official source consulted:
- The DCA writes that a breach of the law is an offence punishable by penalties, and that zone A carries heavy fines and imprisonment. No amount is given.
The text of the law prevails, not this page; in case of doubt, see the DCA.
7 · Your responsibility, and what Glydar does
Glydar informs; it exempts from nothing. This guide draws on official sources but is not an official source, does not guarantee that they are exhaustive or up to date, and does not amount to authorisation to fly.
The remote pilot remains solely responsible for the flight and its compliance, as the terms of use recall. Everything needed to check is within reach: the coverage, country by country, the official map and the texts cited below.