New administrative law on drone permits in protected areas

The Icelandic Professional Photographers Association expresses serious concern regarding a new administrative policy adopted by the Icelandic Nature Conservation Agency (Náttúruverndarstofnun), which took effect on May 17, 2026. Under this policy, drone permit applications submitted for “recreational and educational purposes” are being denied in more than 25 protected areas across the country, including Goðafoss, Gullfoss, Geysir, Lake Mývatn, Háifoss, Látrabjarg, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Hornstrandir, Snæfellsjökull National Park, and the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. At the same time, permits continue to be granted in these same areas for film productions, advertising projects, television, and news media. It is also worth noting that the Nature Conservation Agency has approved permits for events and helicopter landings at Jökulsárlón, as stated in the agency’s own permit documentation.

Drone photography has become an integral part of the work of modern photographers. The Association believes that this policy discriminates against the profession: the same flight, using the same equipment and with the same potential impact on nature and visitors, is permitted for one group but prohibited for another depending solely on the purpose of the flight. Large international productions retain access to these locations, while Icelandic photographers, instructors, and small businesses are excluded, even though their activities have until now been classified and charged as commercial operations. This issue therefore concerns not only technology, but also working conditions, access to professional tools, and the future of a particular form of visual creativity in Iceland.

Furthermore, we believe that the administrative practice now being adopted is more likely to increase illegal drone flights than reduce them, because those who wish to follow the rules and formally apply for permits are effectively excluded from these areas, while enforcement against unauthorized drone operations remains limited.

The Association is not aware of any evidence presented by the agency to support these rejections. Decisions that restrict the professional freedom of members must be based on evidence and objective reasoning and must withstand scrutiny. This is particularly important when the agency’s own existing data does not appear to indicate that the activity in question causes disturbance.

The Association points out that a model solution already exists within the same agency: in Vatnajökull National Park, tiered and location-specific drone regulations are in place that take into account the circumstances of each site. Such an approach balances nature conservation and professional freedom far better than a blanket ban aimed at a specific group.

The Icelandic Photographers Association calls on the Nature Conservation Agency to reconsider this policy and urges the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate to ensure that appeals concerning the policy receive substantive and prompt consideration. The Association supports members seeking to defend their rights in this matter, including Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, who has appealed the agency’s decision to the Ministry. The Association stands behind photographers’ right to work under fair, transparent, and professionally justified conditions while also respecting and supporting the protection of Icelandic nature.

What has the Association done?

The Board of the Icelandic Professional Photographers Association has already taken the following actions:

  • Published a statement on the Association’s website and social media channels expressing serious concerns about the policy and explaining our position.

  • Prepared and submitted a formal letter to the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate, Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson, urging the Minister to support a review of the policy and ensure substantive and timely handling of appeals.

  • Prepared and sent a letter to the Director General of the Nature Conservation Agency, Sigrún Ágústsdóttir, requesting a review of the policy, transparency regarding the evidence on which the decision is based, and formal consultation with stakeholders, including the Icelandic Professional Photographers Association.

  • Provided support to members who have already received permit denials, including Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, who has appealed the Nature Conservation Agency’s decision to the Ministry.

What can you do?

We encourage members and other photographers who:

  • have received drone permit denials under the new policy, or

  • believe the changes have a significant impact on their work,

to report their cases to the Association by email at stjorn@ljosmyndarafelag.is (including a brief description of the case, where and when it occurred, and whether it concerns commercial activity). Such information strengthens the Association’s case and may assist in ongoing discussions with government authorities and agencies.

We also encourage those who wish to learn more about the issue to read Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove’s coverage:

The matter has also been covered by mbl.is.

The Board of the Icelandic Professional Photographers Association will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for fair, transparent, and professionally justified regulations that both protect sensitive natural environments and provide reasonable opportunities for professional photography and education.

See the announcement regarding the new administrative rules on the website of the Nature Conservation Agency.

Board of the Icelandic Photographers Association – June 5, 2026