When a UAS operator intends to carry out a Specific category operation, previously authorized (under PDRA or SORA) by another EASA Member State, that will take place partially or entirely in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, a cross-border application must be submitted to FOCA. If you hold an authorization issued by FOCA and wish to operate in another EASA Member state, please refer to the competent authority abroad.
Application process and fees
The cross-border application must be submitted by email to FOCA (rpas@bazl.admin.ch) at least four weeks before the planned date of the operation. Once FOCA is satisfied, it will provide the competent authority of the Member state of registration and the UAS operator with the confirmation of acceptability (CoA). Only after receiving the confirmation of acceptability, the UAS operator may start its operation.
Processing fees: on an hourly basis (CHF 160 per hour).
Documentation
The application for a cross-border operation must include the following documents:
- Duly completed and signed cross-border application form: FOCA-UAS-APP-CBO (DOCX, 107 kB, 29.07.2025).
- A copy of the operational authorization (PDRA or SORA) OR luc issued by the Competent Authority of the Member State of registration.
- The operations manual (OM), including the adapted operational procedures and mitigation measures to comply with the applicable local conditions in Switzerland (see Local Conditions in Switzerland below).
- For location-specific operations, a .kml file indicating the proposed flight location(s).
Local conditions in Switzerland
The following document outlines the local conditions in Switzerland that UAS operators must consider when planning a cross-border operation:
Applicants are also encouraged to consult the FOCA guidance material on the SORA page, which provides further details on the applicable local conditions.
Further information
Last modification 29.07.2025
