DRAAC - Direção Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
11 zones · Apply 10 days ahead
Drone zones · official ANAC data
Where can you fly a drone in São Jorge?
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 15 official drone zones in São Jorge. 15 zones need a permit before you fly, from DRAAC, DRPM, LPHR, and LPSJ.
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 São Jorge
| Zone | Rule | Highest you may fly | Who to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Área de Paisagem Protegida das Fajãs do Norte | 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 Costa das Velas | 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 Costa do Topo | 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 Costa Noroeste | 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 Costa Sudoeste | 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 Fajã das Almas | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| Área Protegida para a Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies das Furnas de Santo António | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| Área Protegida para a Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies do Ilhéu do Topo | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| Área Protegida para a Gestão de Habitats ou Espécies do Pico da Esperança e Planalto Central | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| ATZ - Aeródromo de São Jorge | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | LPSJ · lpsjydya@sata.pt |
| Furnas Santo António | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRPM · info.drpm@azores.gov.pt |
| Ilhéu do Topo e Costa Adjacente | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRPM · info.drpm@azores.gov.pt |
| Monumento Natural da Ponta dos Rosais | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| Reserva Natural das Furnas de Santo António | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | DRAAC · drones.sraac@azores.gov.pt |
| TRMZ da Horta | Permit needed | Up to 120 m with a permit | LPHR · horta.airport@ana.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
2 zones · Apply 10 days ahead
LPHR - Horta Aerodrome
1 zone · Apply 10 days ahead
LPSJ - São Jorge Aerodrome
1 zone · Apply 10 days ahead
Questions
Can I fly a drone in São Jorge?
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 15 zones in São Jorge 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?
Inside an aerodrome zone you may fly only up to the height of the obstacles within 75 m of you; higher needs the aerodrome's authorisation.
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.