Drone Filming — Romania Legislation 2026

Introduction

Drone filming has exploded in popularity in Romania — from weddings and real estate to professional video production, agriculture, and inspections. But drone filming legislation is strict and constantly updated through EASA regulations.

A single flight without the correct authorizations can bring fines from 1,000 to over 10,000 lei, drone confiscation, or even criminal charges.

In this updated 2026 guide we explain everything you need to film legally: EASA rules, flight categories, mandatory registration, required approvals, the restrictions map, real fine examples, and a practical checklist.

What EU and national legislation says in 2026

Romania fully applies EU regulations:

• Regulation (EU) 2019/945 — technical requirements for drones (C0–C6 classes, Remote ID, geofencing)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/947 — operating rules
• Romanian Air Code + AACR (caa.ro) and ROMATSA (romatsa.ro) supplements

What EU and national legislation says in 2026

Since 1 January 2024 (largely unchanged in 2026), drone flight is divided into 3 main categories:

• Open — most used for recreational and semi-professional filming
• Specific — for complex commercial filming, BVLOS, etc.
• Certified — high risk, rarely used for filming

What EU and national legislation says in 2026

For most video filming (weddings, ads, real estate, YouTube) you stay in the Open category, but must follow subcategories A1, A2, or A3.

Rules for drone filming in the Open category

Open subcategories for filming:

A1 (under 250 g, C0): film near people, but not over crowds — no minimum distance (but be prudent). Certificate: none, only free online training.

A2 (250 g – 4 kg, C1/C2): film near people — minimum distance 30 m (or 5 m in low-speed mode). A2 certificate required (theory exam).

A3 (any weight): film away from residential areas and crowds — minimum distance 150 m. A1/A3 certificate required (online exam).

Common rules for all filming:

• Maximum altitude: 120 meters above ground (AGL)
• Visual line of sight only (VLOS) — you can't film by looking only at the phone screen
• Maximum speed: 19 m/s in A2 low-speed mode
• Civil liability insurance mandatory for commercial operations
• Remote ID active (mandatory for C1, C2, C3 and certain cases)

UAS operator registration — Mandatory for filming

Any drone with a camera or mass ≥ 250 g requires:

1. Registration as a UAS operator on the AACR website (www.caa.ro)
2. Payment of fee ≈ 20 euro/year
3. Receiving a unique operator code (e.g. ROM-123456)
4. Affixing the code visibly on the drone

UAS operator registration — Mandatory for filming

Without this code → immediate fine at any inspection.

When do you need MApN approval for aerial filming?

Important and often overlooked:

• If filming in the Open category and outside restricted zones (checked on the ROMATSA map) → you NO LONGER need MApN approval (per updated HG 859/2021).
• If the ROMATSA map shows a purple zone or contact point aerofoto@mapn.ro → you must obtain electronic approval from MApN via https://aerofoto.mapn.ro/

When do you need MApN approval for aerial filming?

For professional filming in sensitive areas (near airports, military zones, Danube Delta, national parks) — approval is mandatory.

Restrictions map — Mandatory tool before any filming

Always access the official ROMATSA map: https://flightplan.romatsa.ro/init/drones and the MApN platform: https://aerofoto.mapn.ro/

Colors and meaning:

• Purple — military or special restricted zones (MApN approval needed + often phone approval)
• Yellow — active NOTAM (temporary restriction — check exact hours)
• Blue — controlled airspace (CTR/TMA) — usually requires coordination with control tower

Restrictions map — Mandatory tool before any filming

Practical tip: Take a screenshot with date/time before takeoff. It can be your proof during an inspection.

Real fines for illegal drone filming in Romania

Recent examples (2024–2026):

• Flight without UAS operator registration → fines between 1,000 – 5,000 lei
• Filming over crowds without A1/A2 subcategory → 2,500 – 8,000 lei
• Entering restricted zone without approval → fines of 5,000 – 15,000 lei + drone confiscation
• BVLOS flight without Specific authorization → large fines + possible criminal case

Real fines for illegal drone filming in Romania

Police, Gendarmerie, and AACR conduct increasingly frequent checks, especially at public events, weddings, or tourist areas.

Complete checklist before any drone filming (2026)

Check these steps before every filming session:

1. Valid UAS operator registration?
2. A1/A3 or A2 certificate (if applicable)?
3. Drone has active Remote ID and operator code affixed?
4. Valid liability insurance (for paid filming)?
5. Checked ROMATSA map + aerofoto.mapn.ro?
6. Obtained MApN approval if required?
7. Notified control tower (if blue zone)?
8. Weather conditions OK? (wind, visibility)
9. Flight plan saved + screenshots

Differences between recreational and commercial/professional filming

Recreational (personal YouTube, hobby): stay in Open, simpler rules.

Commercial (paid by client — weddings, real estate, ads): mandatory insurance, Specific category recommended for complex flights, client contract stating responsibilities.

Conclusion

Drone filming can be highly profitable and creative, but only if you follow 2026 legislation. A responsible pilot who checks the map, has documents in order, and flies prudently will never have problems.

Don't risk large fines or confiscation of equipment worth thousands of euros. Always check official sources (AACR, ROMATSA, MApN) before every takeoff.