This little-known rule could get tourists slapped with a huge fine
The tourist hit with the hefty fine was staying in Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife(Image: Norberak egina)
A holidaymaker has been hit with a fine of up to €200,000 for flying a drone without authorisation at a festival in Spain.
The National Police confirmed that a tourist was flying a drone during the crowded Virgen del Carmen festival in Puerto de la Cruz on July 15, which they were not authorised to do, reports Canarian Weekly.
The incident took place during the popular maritime procession attended by thousands of onlookers, where police officers monitoring the event noticed an unauthorised drone in flight.
The operator was quickly traced to Hotel Las Águilas, in the upper part of the town. Upon questioning, the tourist admitted to not having a pilot licence, insurance, or knowledge of Spanish drone regulations.
Tourists are being reminded of the rules surrounding flying drones in Spain(Image: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos)
The drone was confiscated, and the case was referred to Spain’s State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) for administrative proceedings.
Under Spanish and EU law, all drone flights in urban areas or over crowds require prior authorisation, and pilots must be registered, insured, and trained.
Only three drones were authorised nad allowed to fly at the festival, two operated by the National Police for security surveillance and one for official event coverage.
Tourists are being warned by Spanish authorities that Spain’s drone laws are strict and violations are taken seriously. Depending on the severity of the crime, drone fines can range from:
- €60 to €45,000 for minor infractions (e.g., flying without insurance)
- €45,001 to €90,000 for serious offences (e.g., flying in restricted areas)
- €90,001 to €225,000 for very serious breaches (e.g., endangering people or interfering with airspace)
If a drone weighs more than 250g or has a camera there are actions you must take (Image: shared content unit)
For those tourists wanting to operate a drone, even for recreational use, you must do the following if it weighs more than 250g or has a camera:
- Register as a drone operator with AESA
- Complete basic online training (open category – free)
- Label your drone with your operator ID
- Have civil liability insurance (strongly advised)
- Check approved flight zones using the ENAIRE Drones app
- Avoid flying in urban areas, over people, or near airports and protected areas, unless specially authorised
Spanish authorities are urging tourists that drones are not toys and flying one without meeting legal requirements can carry serious legal and safety consequences, particularly during public events.
Anyone visiting the Canary Islands and planning to fly a drone is strongly advised to check the latest regulations and secure any necessary approvals well in advance.