The Texel landscape is, of course, also beautiful to see from the air. But is flying a drone actually allowed? On this page, we explain the applicable rules.

Are you allowed to take photos or film with a drone on Texel?

Taking photos and videos with a drone is, in principle, prohibited on Texel. This is because Texel falls within the Wadden Sea environmental protection area.

Environmental protection area

The Wadden Sea environmental protection area is a designated zone for the protection of peace and nature, where civil air traffic with motorised aircraft up to an altitude of 450 metres is not permitted, except in specific exceptional situations with permission/exemption, such as for emergency services, surveillance/inspection or research.

Natura 2000

In addition to being an environmental protection area, the Texel nature reserve is also a Natura 2000 area. Flying a drone illegally in a Natura 2000 area can result in a fine. You may only fly a drone in and above Natura 2000 areas if you have explicit permission from the province and the site manager, and sometimes a nature permit is also required.

Are there any exceptions?

The prohibition does not apply if, on the basis of Articles 3 or 19 of the Air Traffic Decree 2014, an exemption or dispensation has been granted in advance for:

• assistance and rescue operations;
• surveillance and investigation by authorised authorities;
• checking the condition of high-voltage power lines and pipelines;
• measurements in the interests of public health, management or science; or
• occasional photography and filming in the interests of news provision or information.
  

Source: wetten.overheid.nl

Obtaining permission

If you want to fly a drone legally above Texel, you need two separate permissions: an aviation exemption for the Wadden Sea environmental protection area (via ILT/IenW) and permission/a permit for Natura 2000, via the competent authority (environmental service/province), with written permission from the site manager.

More information and regulations

Further information can be found via the following links:

• Natura 2000 management plans
• Central government, subject drones
• Decision on Restrictions on Civil Aviation in the Wadden Sea

Questions?

If you have any questions about this, please contact the Municipality of Texel: 14 0222 or gemeente@texel.nl.

More practical information about Texel