Countries With the Strictest Drone Laws

For travellers, bringing a drone with you on a trip offers an opportunity to take good videos and photos of a new place from above. Some countries, however, prohibit tourists, and in some cases, their own citizens, from using or even possessing a drone without permission from local security authorities.

This article explores the countries with the strictest drone laws and the potential punishments for bringing a drone with you.

Canada

Canada doesn’t have the most restrictive laws on drones compared to many other countries around the world, but there are some variations to Canadian law for unmanned flights. Like the U.S., Canada prohibits drone flights over national parks in an effort to eliminate safety risks to visitors and wildlife.

It also has fewer rules regarding the use of what are called micro-drones, which weigh less than half a pound. These do not need to be registered and are very among hobbyists because they are easy to fly and need no paperwork. While there are fewer limitations, it’s important to note that small drones are still prohibited from flying near some airports, advertised events, and sites experiencing an emergency.

Bahrain

Many won’t know where Bahrain is located, and our best hint is that the small country is an island in the Middle East that is close to Kuwait and Qatar. Drone flyers will have to go through the island government to be able to fly a drone — and will have a hard time at that. A traveler bringing a drone into Bahrain should also obtain permission ahead of time, as the country’s customs officials will likely seize the drone otherwise.

Bahrain’s laws are unique because they are not only tough but also apply to a small area. When permission is granted, the rest of the laws aren’t too unusual, as one cannot fly over large crowds and must respect people’s privacy.

Nicaragua

Not many countries have banned the usage of drones regardless of size, but Nicaragua just doesn’t welcome them at all. Generally speaking, the country doesn’t have the same level of civil unrest that would get a drone enthusiast into more serious trouble for trying to bring one in, but customs will likely take it, and you may not get it back.

Nicaragua has some beautiful landscapes that are drone-worthy, and entertainment can be found in better ways. Instead, you could choose to go on a hike, explore the city, or try to win some cash through online casinos where you can start playing without depositing. These are all far more fruitful efforts than trying to get a seized drone back!

Egypt

Egypt’s Ministry of Defense prohibits drones on many levels, including importing, selling, or even having a drone. The penalties are rather harsh, too, with fines of several hundred dollars or more and a potential prison sentence of more than a year.

With that said, some people can get permission from the Ministry of Defense to fly a drone, so they aren’t completely banned, but getting a permit for a drone isn’t exactly easy. 

So, why are they banned? The Egyptian government knows that terrorists have access to drones and could use them in plots involving explosives or spying. Or at least that’s their excuse…

Kenya

Only citizens, residents, the government, and businesses may operate a drone in Kenya, tourists cannot. Kenya’s laws are reportedly strict in part due to security concerns, but more for the protection of privacy amongst their population. The inclusion of even businesses and citizens being allowed to operate drones is also a major change that has only happened in the last few years.

The penalties are pretty stiff, too. A drone operator could receive a $50,000 fine and face prison time. Yikes!

Iran

Iran has a deep, and likely reasonable, fear of spies entering the country. It has relaxed its lois sur les drones a bit more in the last few years, from an outright ban to allowing citizens to use drones with some limitations, such as not flying over crowded public places and flying only during daylight hours.

Some drone enthusiasts believe that getting a permit to use a drone as a tourist is nearly impossible. This stems from the government wanting leeway in its treatment of foreigners entering with electronics like a drone. People who have entered Iran with a drone have been subject to questioning and, in some cases, have been detained and even imprisoned. 

Generally speaking, we just wouldn’t bring a drone into Iran.

India

India, like Iran, is fairly friendly to its own citizens drones volants. Everyone else needs to get express permission from the Director General of Civil Aviation before flying their drone. Not getting the required permission can lead to serious consequences, including fines in excess of $1,000 and potential jail time.

Kenya

This African country has quite a few drone restrictions, maybe a bit more than normal. First, a drone operator will need a license through a company to get started. Then, drones can’t fly over public roads.

So, much like India, Kenya is concerned about tourists and some private citizens drones volants safely and effectively. If caught flying or even bringing a drone into the country, a traveler will likely have the drone taken away.

That’s a Wrap

Le laws for drones do change over time, so we suggest looking up any information for a country before heading there. Just be sure to register a drone if required to avoid potential confiscation or worse yet, ending up in jail or paying a big fine.