Ten years ago, I packed a couple drones and a camera for a trip to the Philippines without knowing it would launch my globetrotting career in aerial storytelling. I was just an aspiring fashion photographer back then, but that first aerial shot over the Philippines’ pristine beaches changed everything. Since 2012, I’ve used drones to tell stories on seven continents—from documenting conservation work in Mongolia to filming penguin colonies near Antarctica. Along the way, I learned how to travel smart with my drone and navigate the patchwork of rules around the world. In this article, I’ll share those experiences and practical tips: from packing batteries safely to discovering which countries welcome drones (and which don’t).
Packing Your Drone for Travel (Batteries & Gear)
One of the first lessons I learned was how to pack and transport my drone gear safely while complying with airline rules. Drone equipment isn’t exactly compact, so smart packing is key. Batteries, in particular, require special attention. Airline rules (based on IATA guidelines) say lithium-ion batteries must go in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. Most airlines allow any number of batteries under 100 Wh, and up to two spares in the 100–160 Wh range, which covers almost all hobby drone batteries. I always pack each battery in a fire-resistant LiPo bag and tape over its terminals to prevent short circuits. Keeping them around 30–50% charge and properly stored has helped me sail through security checks. I also label them with their Wh (watt-hour) info, so I can quickly show they’re within legal limits if asked.
To protect the drone itself, I use a dedicated drone case/backpack with good padding. These days I travel lighter with a foldable drone (my sub-250 g model and controller fit into a small bag), which saves my back and draws less attention at customs. I remove the propellers, secure loose parts, and always keep the drone and camera gear with me in the cabin. This way, my gear stays safe and I’m ready to shoot as soon as I land.
Learning the Rules: Flying in Foreign Skies
Every country has its own drone regulations, and part of being a responsible drone traveler is doing your homework ahead of time. Before every trip, I research the drone laws of my destination—it’s as essential as checking the weather. Resources like UAVCoach’s country-by-country drone laws directory and DJI’s FlySafe map help me verify what’s allowed and identify no-fly zones in advance.
Be mindful of drone weight categories. Many countries exempt drones under 250 grams from registration or licensing, which is why my go-to travel drone is ultralight. In the U.S. and Canada, for instance, a drone under 250 g needs no registration, and many nations have similar rules. A sub-250 g drone often lets you skip paperwork and draw less attention—a huge plus in places with strict laws. Of course, even a tiny drone must still obey all safety and no-fly guidelines; low weight isn’t a free pass to misbehave.
Some countries require you to register your drone or get a permit before flying. I’ve had to fill out online registrations and even secure insurance for certain trips. It pays to do this well in advance (and maybe connect with local pilots online for guidance). Bottom line: don’t fly under the radar illegally. It’s never worth the risk of fines, imprisonment or having your drone confiscated. If the rules are too burdensome, either comply or skip flying there—better to miss a shot than lose your gear.
Favorite Drone-Friendly Destinations
Over years of globe-trotting with my drones, certain destinations stand out as especially rewarding (and generally welcoming) for aerial photography. Here are a few of my favorites and why they shine:
Iceland
After my eye-opening experience in the Philippines, Iceland was one of the next major trips that shaped my aerial filmmaking. Its wide-open spaces and jaw-dropping landscapes are a drone pilot’s dream. From majestic waterfalls to moody coastlines, I’ve captured some of my most epic footage here. Drones are legal for recreational use, and outside of national parks and airport zones, there are relatively few restrictions. Iceland’s vast wilderness practically begs for a drone’s-eye view, though I always avoid popular tourist spots at peak times out of respect for other visitors.
Switzerland
Switzerland offers a spectacular mix of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and postcard-perfect villages—basically everything a drone enthusiast craves. Think of vantage points over the Matterhorn or panoramic sweeps across alpine meadows. Swiss authorities generally allow drone flights under 250 g without licensing, as long as you respect altitude limits and avoid flying over crowds or near airports. I found it straightforward to research local no-fly zones via the DJI FlySafe map, and once I got the go-ahead, it was an unforgettable experience capturing the alpine sunrise from high above. With a sub-250 g drone, you can usually skip complicated permit requirements and stay focused on the breathtaking scenery.
Mongolia
Mongolia’s sprawling landscapes and vast skies offer a sense of freedom that’s rare in today’s crowded world. Whether it’s endless grassy steppes or dramatic desert formations, the country feels custom-built for epic aerial shots. Drone rules in Mongolia are still evolving, but I’ve found that responsible flying and showing respect to locals go a long way. It’s wise to steer clear of Ulaanbaatar’s city center and any restricted zones near government or military sites. In more remote regions, people are often simply curious to see aerial technology in action. I’ve had locals gather around to watch my live feed, amazed to see their familiar terrain from above. Mongolia remains one of my favorite spots to fly because of its raw, untouched beauty.
Places I Avoid Flying (and Why)
Not every country is drone-friendly. Through experience, I’ve learned where I generally won’t even unpack my UAV. Here are a few places I avoid flying, along with brief reasons:
- Morocco – This beautiful country has a blanket ban on drones for tourists. Customs will confiscate your drone at the airport if you try to bring one in. Unless you have special government permission (nearly impossible to get), it’s best to leave your UAV at home.
- India – India’s drone rules remain tricky for foreign travelers. Even though locals can now fly with permits, the process for tourists is murky and often ends in confiscation at customs. I decided it wasn’t worth the risk, given the conflicting information from different sources.
- Egypt & Cuba – Both have very tough anti-drone stances. Egypt bans civilian drones entirely, and customs will seize any you try to bring in. Cuba also heavily restricts them, often holding tourists’ drones until their departure. As much as I’d love aerial shots of the pyramids or Havana’s coastline, it’s not worth the legal headaches.
(Note: I also steer clear of flying in sensitive locations like military bases or near critical infrastructure anywhere in the world. Common sense and local laws always rule.)
Preparation, Safety, and Etiquette Tips
Traveling with a drone requires more than just legal awareness—it also calls for careful preparation and respectful flying habits. Here are some final tips I’ve picked up over years of trial and error:
- Use Helpful Apps: I rely on airspace map apps (like DJI FlySafe or Aloft) to check where it’s safe to fly, and on UAV Forecast to watch weather and wind conditions. These tools are invaluable in unfamiliar skies, alerting me to hidden risks before I take off.
- Carry Your Paperwork: If a country requires a permit or registration, keep those documents (and maybe a translated copy) with you while flying. Showing local authorities that you’ve followed their rules goes a long way if questioned.
- Respect People and Wildlife: I prefer flying during off-peak times to avoid crowds. If I see people nearby, I’ll often give a friendly heads-up. Turning a potential annoyance into a shared experience can build goodwill. I never fly directly over people or private property, and I avoid disturbing wildlife—no buzzing animals or scaring birds. If a location is crowded or environmentally sensitive, I simply don’t fly there.
- Don’t Be a Daredevil: Even if you’re comfortable flying at home, fly conservatively abroad. A crash in a foreign location—especially near a historic site—can end a trip on a terrible note. Keep your drone within line of sight and below the local altitude limit (usually 120 m/400 ft, unless it’s lower). If something feels off—weak GPS, birds of prey eyeing the drone, or uneasy locals—I land immediately. Losing a shot is better than losing your drone or causing an incident.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with a drone has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey as a visual storyteller. It adds an extra dimension—literally—to how you experience a place. Over the past decade, I’ve watched drones transform from novelty gadgets into indispensable travel companions. Along the way, regulations have tightened, requiring us as pilots to be more mindful than ever.
In my experience, the key is finding balance: enjoy the creative freedom drones give you, but always respect the laws and local communities. My most memorable shots—like a sunrise over hidden coves in the Philippines—happened because I did the homework and secured permission to fly. I remind myself on every trip that each flight is a privilege. If you approach every drone launch with respect, preparation, and a willingness to adapt, you’ll come home not just with incredible footage but also with your drone in one piece—and plenty of stories to tell.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Iceland, capturing alpine vistas in Switzerland, or wandering the vast steppes of Mongolia, there’s a spectacular world waiting to be discovered from above. Enjoy the journey, fly responsibly, and let your drone open the door to perspectives you never imagined possible. Safe travels and happy flying!
