DRAAC - Direção Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
5 zones · Apply 10 days ahead
Drone zones · official ANAC data
Where can you fly a drone in Santa Maria?
Short answer
Outside the official zones you may fly in the EU open category: up to 120 m above the ground, within sight and away from people.
There are 9 official drone zones in Santa Maria. Flying is prohibited on the strip along the runway at Aeroporto de Santa Maria. Near Aeroporto de Santa Maria the limit drops to 30 m and 60 m above the ground. 6 zones need a permit before you fly, from DRAAC and DRPM.
Taking photos or video from a drone anywhere in Portugal also needs an authorisation from the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN).
Zones as published by ANAC on October 15, 2026. Official ANAC map
Drone zones on Santa Maria
| Zone | Rule | Highest you may fly | Who to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroporto de Santa Maria - Área Proíbida | No-fly zone | No flights | - |
| Aeroporto de Santa Maria - Área 1 | Height limit | Up to 30 m above ground | - |
| Aeroporto de Santa Maria - Área 2 | Height limit | Up to 60 m above ground | - |
| Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| Área Protegida para a Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies da Ponta do Castelo | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| Área Protegida para Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies da Baía do Cura | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| Área Protegida para Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies da Costa Sudoeste | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| Reserva Natural do Ilhéu da Vila | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| ZPE do Ilhéu da Vila e Costa Adjacente | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRPM · info.drpm@azores.gov.pt |
Rules that apply everywhere
- Stay below 120 m above the ground, keep the drone in sight and never fly over crowds or gatherings of people.
- Register as a drone operator if your drone weighs 250 g or more, or carries a camera and is not a toy. A registration from any EU country is valid in Portugal.
- Drones of 250 g or more also need the free online A1/A3 pilot certificate.
- Photos and video need an authorisation from the AAN, requested in the free e-AAN app. It lasts up to 30 days; request it about 10 days ahead.
- Temporary restrictions for events or emergencies are published as NOTAMs and may not be on this map.
Who gives permits
Each zone names the body that decides. Write to them with the dates, the exact place, your drone and your operator number.
DRPM - Direção Regional das Politicas Marítimas
1 zone · Apply 10 days ahead
Questions
Can I fly a drone in Santa Maria?
Yes, outside the official zones and within the EU open-category rules: below 120 m above the ground, in sight and away from people. There are 9 zones in Santa Maria where the rules are stricter, all listed on this page.
Do I need permission to film with a drone?
Yes. In Portugal any photo or video taken from a drone needs an authorisation from the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN). It is free, requested in the e-AAN app and valid for up to 30 days.
How close to the airport can I fly?
Not at all in the no-fly strip along the runway. In the areas around it you may fly only up to 30 m and 60 m above the ground, and your drone must be able to show its height.
Can I fly over the nature reserves?
Only with a permit from DRAAC and DRPM. The protected areas are listed on this page as zones that need a permit; apply at least 10 days ahead.
Where does this map come from?
From ANAC, Portugal's civil aviation authority, which publishes the official drone zones in the European ED-318 format. This page shows the version of October 15, 2026. It is for information: check the official map at dnt.anac.pt before every flight.