Do I have to declare unmanned aircraft (drones) at Germany customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare unmanned aircraft (drones) in Germany?

If you declare the excess yourself, a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Abgabenordnung, § 375 Absatz 2 Satz 1, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship unmanned aircraft (drones) to Germany instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.

Can I take unmanned aircraft (drones) out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking unmanned aircraft (drones) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for unmanned aircraft (drones) apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft, Article 14(5). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Germany compare with other countries on unmanned aircraft (drones)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit unmanned aircraft (drones), 9 limit it and 11 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

How much Unmanned aircraft (drones) can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Unmanned aircraft (drones) into Germany only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft, Article 14(5) European Commission (EUR-Lex, Official Journal L 152/45)

Questions about Unmanned aircraft (drones) in Germany

Do I have to declare unmanned aircraft (drones) at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare unmanned aircraft (drones) in Germany?: If you declare the excess yourself, a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Abgabenordnung, § 375 Absatz 2 Satz 1, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship unmanned aircraft (drones) to Germany instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.
Can I take unmanned aircraft (drones) out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking unmanned aircraft (drones) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for unmanned aircraft (drones) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft, Article 14(5). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on unmanned aircraft (drones)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit unmanned aircraft (drones), 9 limit it and 11 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

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