| Topic | Rule (read 30 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Recreational drone | Banned over urban areas and crowds (AESA reminder) |
| Barajas airport | Exclusion zone, drone sightings have closed its airspace |
| Fines | From 60 EUR to 225,000 EUR depending on severity (sources) |
| Guernica (Reina Sofia) | Photos allowed since September 2023, no flash or selfie stick |
| Prado | Sources differ: check at the entrance, no flash, tripod or selfie stick |
| Royal Palace | Interior photos not allowed according to one guide; foyer and courtyard permitted |
Drones: what to know
Since 2021 the European rules mostly apply; check the official AESA map and the European tool before flying. In Madrid, exclusion zones overlap dense areas, airports, military sites and protected spaces, including the Retiro. For a tourist stay, the prudent choice is not to fly in the city.
Photos in museums and palaces
At the Prado, several guides speak of permission limited to certain rooms, so sources differ and the rule posted at the entrance prevails. Flash, tripods and selfie sticks are always excluded. At the Royal Palace, guides read say interior photos are not allowed. In the street, photographing monuments is no problem.
FAQ
Can I fly a drone in the Retiro? It is among the places where flying is very limited.
Can I photograph Guernica? Yes, since September 2023, without flash.
Does the Prado allow photos? Check the rule posted at the entrance.
Go further
A session with a professional photographer spares you the equipment hassles: see the private Madrid photo tour with a professional photographer. Also read the private photoshoot in Madrid, Prado or Reina Sofia and fines and bans in Madrid.
The Madrid Authority editorial team
