Can I actually fly a drone where I plan to? Is the place I want to photograph inside a no-fly zone? Do I need permission from the site manager? What are the height limits and safety rules? These are good questions — before you take your drone out in Krakow, it’s worth asking them and checking the answers.
In short: flying a drone in Poland is possible, but it’s regulated. In city centres and above important monuments there are often prohibited or restricted zones, and some sites (for example the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial) are covered by special restrictions.
Below you’ll find a practical guide on what to do before takeoff, how to behave during flight and what to avoid when visiting Wawel or planning a trip to Auschwitz.
I write this article in a friendly tone — I want to help visitors to Krakow see the city from a great perspective, but also to do so safely and with respect for memorial sites and historic monuments.
If you have a specific question about a location or the date you plan to fly, write to me — I’ll advise you how to check step by step.
General rule: every drone flight must comply with aviation regulations and local zone rules. For most recreational flights there is a height limit of 120 m above ground level and a requirement to keep the drone within the visual line of sight of the operator.
Poland designates geographic zones where flights may be prohibited or restricted. Sometimes site managers (museums, national parks, government facilities) introduce additional bans — in that case you must follow their rules.
In a city this means: Krakow’s centre and the surroundings of major landmarks may be subject to restrictions; you must not fly over crowds; flights near airports and some units require permission. Always check a zone map first, then plan your flight.
Important insurance note: from November 13, 2025, new regulations in Poland will require third-party liability insurance for drone operators above certain weights — keep this in mind when planning commercial flights or higher-risk shoots.
A few practical safety rules: don’t fly over crowds, don’t approach monuments at a distance that threatens their structure, respect the privacy of residents and other visitors. If you’re unsure — don’t fly or hire a licensed operator.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is covered by a special no-fly zone. Flights over the camp grounds are formally restricted and recreational drone use over this site is prohibited.
Exceptions: sometimes the museum issues permissions (for example to film crews) — such permits are rare, usually arranged outside visiting hours and require formal agreements with the site manager. For an average tourist: do not launch a drone near Auschwitz.
Why the ban? It’s about respect, visitor safety and protection of authentic elements of the site. Drones can disturb ceremonies, guided tours and research activities, and flights above a place of remembrance are often perceived as inappropriate.
If you plan a visit to Auschwitz and really want aerial images, consider alternatives: archival photos from the museum (if available), photos taken from any safe and permitted distance, or contacting the museum well in advance to discuss possible, special permissions.
For safety and out of respect for the victims and the museum’s educational mission — do not operate a drone over the Memorial grounds.
Wawel Hill and the Old Town surroundings are among Krakow’s most picturesque spots — many people think about aerial photos. Remember, however, that city centres and areas around monuments are often subject to zone restrictions and local rules for heritage protection and public order.
What to do: before your planned flight check the drone zone maps and any local bans. Even if you can technically fly (for example your drone is small and fits into a category that allows it), consider whether you might still violate heritage protection rules, privacy or public order.
The Cathedral and Wawel grounds also have visitor regulations and days with ceremonies — during such events flying a drone is definitely inappropriate and often forbidden.
If you want to film Wawel for a commercial project, consider obtaining permission from the relevant institutions and planning flights at times of low foot traffic — ideally with a professional operator who will handle the formalities.
Short common-sense rule: if you’re on a tourist walk around Wawel or the Old Town — better to leave the drone in your bag. Crowds, narrow streets and the feelings associated with sacred and memorial places make this area less suitable for casual flying.
1) Check the drone zone map — this is the first source to know whether a place is under a ban or restriction.
2) Make sure your planned flight fits the limits (height up to 120 m, visual line of sight, etc.) and that you are not flying over gatherings of people.
3) If the flight is commercial or requires entry into controlled airspace — prepare the necessary permissions and register the flight in the system required by air traffic services.
4) Check local rules from the site manager (museum, park, religious site) — often the site manager decides on additional restrictions.
5) Before takeoff inform nearby people and secure a landing area; always have a contingency plan in case of sudden weather changes or heavy pedestrian traffic.
If you don’t know the procedures well, a good solution is to talk to a local drone operator or hire a professional pilot — it will save you paperwork and stress.
- Drone zone maps: these are basic tools to quickly see whether a location is allowed for flights. Before takeoff open the map and make sure your planned spot isn’t in a no-fly area.
- Flight reporting and “check-in” systems: in some areas you must register a planned flight in a dedicated system. Check this in advance, especially near airports or in controlled zones.
- Information from the site manager: museums, parks and religious sites sometimes publish detailed guidelines for drone use — if you plan commercial filming, contact them ahead of time.
- Weather and flight-planning apps: monitor forecasts and wind — safety comes first.
Remember that an app can’t replace common sense. If the situation on site seems unsafe (crowds, unstable buildings, an unexpected event) — skip the flight.
Can I fly a drone over the Vistula next to Wawel? - It depends on the exact spot and current zone restrictions. Often there are limits near the river and bridges because of air traffic and crowds. Check the map and avoid flights over gatherings.
Can I film a short drone video of my stay in Krakow? - Yes, as long as your flights follow the rules, don’t fly over crowds and don’t violate local bans. If you plan commercial shots at a monument — better to have permission.
What if I see a drone over Auschwitz? - If you notice a drone above the Memorial grounds, you can report it to the museum services — recreational flights over this site are not allowed.
Does a small drone (for example up to 250 g) always have free rein in the city? - Even small drones are subject to zone and privacy rules. Being light doesn’t exempt you from checking whether the place you want to fly in is restricted.
If any topic is important to you (for example commercial filming formalities), write to me — I’ll prepare detailed steps tailored to your plan.
- Planning: plan your flight in advance. Great shots are not everything — avoiding stress and ensuring you don’t break the law matters too.
- Respect for the place: don’t fly over memorials, churches or during ceremonies. It’s a matter of culture and respect for other visitors.
- Quiet takeoff: carry headphones and minimize noise if possible. Drones and crowds are not good friends.
- Alternatives: if you can’t fly, consider viewpoints, panoramic terraces, and for commercial material work with a licensed pilot who has experience and the paperwork.
Remember — Krakow’s beauty can be captured in many ways. A drone can add magic, but safe and courteous practice is most important.
Krakow tempts you with aerial frames, but the city and its monuments often require restrictions. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial has a formal flight ban over its grounds — for tourists this is a clear signal: don’t operate your drone there. Wawel and the Old Town are places that call for caution and often local limits — check zone maps and site regulations.
Before you take off: check the zone map, make sure your flight follows the rules (height, distance from people), consider insurance and, if in doubt, use a professional operator.
If you’re visiting Krakow — have fun, take beautiful photos and respect places and other people. If you want help checking zones or formalities for a planned drone flight — I’m happy to help. Great shots and safe flights!
Enjoy your visit, Małgorzata Kasprowicz
PS. If you’d like, I can prepare a short list of apps and a “same-day” checklist for a specific date of your visit — tell me when you plan to come and I’ll check what needs to be done.
