Where Are Drones Banned And Flying? Best Full Guide 2023

Drones are banned in many places around the world. The United States has a list of restricted airspace that drones cannot fly into, for example. It’s important to check your local laws before flying your drone anywhere where it might be against the law.

This blog post is intended to help customers know when they should or shouldn’t fly their drones and Where are drones banned? 

Where Are Drones Banned?

No-fly zones

TFR

The FAA can impose TFR (Temporary Flight Restrictions) at any location, in addition to the above. These restrictions are in place to override any other airspace rules and restrict all unapproved flights for a specific period. Most TFRs are in place to prevent air traffic from dangerous areas such as emergency situations, construction sites, military operations, and other situations that could potentially cause interference with vital operations or undue risk to others.

Airports

Do I need to tell you all this? I don’t think so. Although you can obtain waivers and authorizations to fly over or close to airports, it is generally not possible for most people to fly at airports or on flight paths.

Remind me that you must take steps before you can fly within 5 miles of an airport. You can find out more in our FAA drone laws series.

The White House

The White House and the surrounding area are no-fly zones. The Secret Service is not afraid to protect The President or the privacy of the nation. Don’t test them. Flying within 15-miles of Washington DC will result in a fine and possible jail time.

Too bad. The White House could be a great place to fly a drone. It would be amazing to see the stunning photos.

Wildlife refuges

Respect animals are what the FAA requires. You won’t fly your drone over designated wildlife areas in many parts of the country. The FAA requires that all aircraft be at least 2,000 feet above the ground.

Since your drone flight is limited to 400 feet above the ground. There are some exceptions to the rule, but other than those rare cases, there is no restriction on flying drones.

Forest fires

The FAA will issue a temporary flight restriction if a wildfire or forest reaches a point where manned aircraft can get involved in fighting the fire and saving lives. All aircraft are subject to this flight restriction. You cannot fly around fires, regardless of whether you’re flying an airplane or a drone. The drones that are part of wildfire operations can cause manned aircraft to divert. If your drone hinders a manned craft from carrying out a critical task, you can be held responsible for any additional lives or acres that are lost.

Military bases

In the beginning, drone use was allowed by the FAA within a range of military bases. Although it was not encouraged, and there were restrictions on drone usage in security-sensitive areas that prevented them from flying, the FAA eventually allowed it. This has now changed.

Nearly all military bases have restricted airspace for drones. This includes the Army and Navy, Coast Guard, Air Forces, Air Forces, National Guard, and many others. You never know when a high-speed, low-flying military craft will fly by.

28 Countries That Have Banned Drones

1. Algeria

Drones are prohibited in Algeria, according to the Directorate of Civil Aviation and Meteorology of Algeria (DACM), Algeria’s national aviation authority.

You will be refused entry to Barbados if you bring a drone. It is not clear if the drone will be seen again.

2. Antarctica

The Antarctica Treaty prohibits recreational drone and UAV use. They also ban all drone activity in the entire region.

The Antarctic Treaty System entitles Antarctica’s entire continent to be designated as a natural preserve, dedicated to science and peace by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

This means that any activity with the potential to affect the current state of the environment will be monitored closely.

Drones are therefore strictly prohibited in Antarctica.

3. Barbados

Barbados had a temporary ban against drone use until November 19, 2019, when it allowed people to apply for permits six weeks prior to their visit.

All new imports to the country are affected regardless of size. This includes drones that were used for toys or as a hobby.

People found it difficult and tiring to apply for permits six weeks before they traveled. Many people didn’t recommend the process, stating that it was “not worth it” or “not guaranteed.”

The ban was extended to October 2020 by the country on May 2, 2020. BUAVA (Barbados UAV Association) is working with authorities to lift the ban.

4. Bhutan

Before you can fly drones in Bhutan, you must have their approval. This must be done through the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), Paro International Airport.

This approval is only granted to government agencies so that a traveler cannot use a drone.

Simply put, do not attempt to enter Bhutan using a drone. Customs will confiscate it when you land.

5. Brunei

Brunei currently does not have a law that regulates multi-copters. The competent authority has therefore banned all drone applications until a legal framework can be developed.

You can therefore consider drones to be banned in Brunei. If you bring a drone into Brunei, it will be confiscated by customs.

6. Cuba

The Civil Aviation Institute of Cuba (IACC), Cuba’s national aviation authority, has declared that drone operations are prohibited in Cuba.

You can’t enter the country with a drone. Customs will confiscate it at the airport.

7. Cote d’Ivoire

According to the National Authority of Civil Aviation (ANAC) in Cote d’Ivoire, drone operation is prohibited in this country.

You risk losing your drone if you try to enter the country using a drone.

8.  Egypt

Although drone operation is technically legal in Egypt, you must get permission from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority to fly.

According to my research, it is almost impossible to obtain this if you are not a native speaker.

9. India

Indian drone laws require that you apply for a permit to operate your drone. This has been a problem for many travelers, including me.

Many drone owners are instructed to declare their drones. The drones are confiscated and never returned.

India’s drone industry requires that a foreigner lease the drone to an Indian national to fly commercially. The Indian national will then receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN).

You can find more information on this process at the DGCA website (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).

10. Iran

According to the CAOI (Civil Aviation Organization of Iran), drones are banned in Iran.

There was a well-documented case where two travel bloggers were detained in Iran for illegally flying their drones. They were later released, but it was a sobering incident for all drone flyers.

11. Iraq

The Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) states that drones are not permitted in Iraq.

Upon entry to the country, customs will confiscate your drone.

12. Kenya

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), which produced a draft set of regulations for Unmanned Aircraft System in 2019, reportedly lifted the ban on drones within Kenya.

Before you can fly a drone in the country, you must have a permit.

Like in other countries, this permit is difficult to obtain. Although it is possible, some people feel that it is difficult to get through all the bureaucratic hoops.

13. Kuwait

According to Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which is Kuwait’s national air authority, drones are prohibited from flying in Kuwait.

If you attempt to enter the country carrying a drone, customs will seize it.

14. Kyrgyzstan

According to Kyrgyzstan’s national aviation authority, Civil Aviation Authority of Kyrgyzstan [CAA], drones are prohibited in Kyrgyzstan.

It is best not to bring a drone into the country, as customs will confiscate it upon entry.

15. Madagascar

The Civilian Aviation Directorate of Madagascar, Madagascar’s national aviation authority (CAD), has declared that drones are prohibited for personal use as of March 2015 and will be confiscated upon entry to the country.

However, you can apply to CAD for permission to fly a drone within the country. Be prepared for a fight!

16. Morocco

Morocco is a beautiful country, with stunning scenes and beautiful desert landscapes. Unfortunately, drones are not allowed to film these amazing scenes.

Morocco bans drones, and customs will seize them if they are brought into the country.

17. Nicaragua

Drones are banned in Nicaragua, and drone-owners who try to enter the country using drones have their drones confiscated.

18. North Korea

Although North Korea doesn’t have any drone laws, it is not safe to assume that drones are allowed to enter the country.

A lack of drone laws usually means that authorities in the country will oppose the use of drones.

Some officials will confiscate drones while others won’t. It’s basically a game of dice.

A drone is not recommended for North Korea. It poses a risk that could prove fatal.

19. Oman

Although you can fly a drone in Oman, it is not allowed if you are using it for commercial purposes.

For any commercial flights, you have to have a permit which you need to apply for and get before entering Oman.

Drone flights for recreational use are banned.

20. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia prohibits drones. However, the Saudi Arabia General Authority for Aviation’s (GACA) website has a UAS registration button that will take you to a registration page.

Abdulhakim Al-Badr (Deputy President of GACA’s President For Safety and Air Transport) stated that all drones within the Kingdom’s airspace were prohibited.

This makes me believe that UAS registrations are only for nationals. However, I hope this will open up to foreign visitors.

21. Senegal

Senegal has a strict ban on drones, and you could have it confiscated at the border or airport by authorities if your drone is brought into the country.

22. Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, bombings occurred in Easter 2019. Drones were then banned.

You can now fly your drone in 2020, but you will need to go through many red tapes and hurdles to get permission.

You will also need to pay an application fee.

After considering all of this, I recommend leaving your drone at home when you visit Sri Lanka.

23. Syria

Syria bans drones, and drones can’t be passed through customs or border security without being confiscated.

24. Tunisia

It is not a matter of law whether it is legal or illegal in Tunisia to fly drones.

However, this doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with a drone.

Authorities will do whatever they can to maintain peace, just like any country without clear laws. This could mean that your drone is confiscated by customs.

25. Uzbekistan

I strongly recommend that you do not attempt to bring a drone into Uzbekistan. This is why?

Mainly because Uzbekistan has banned drones and importing or operating one could land you with a jail sentence in the country.

26. Bahrain

There are laws that prohibit the use of drones within the country.

The Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Interior Customs Affairs has declared that any wireless electronic aircraft (which unfortunately includes drones, other model aircraft, are prohibited.) is prohibited.

You will be charged if you are caught with a drone at customs.

27. France

It is legal to fly a drone in France, but I have added it to this list because of the strict drone regulations and drone rules in France. While it is an incredible place to fly a drone there, it may be safer to leave it at home while you are visiting.

If you are serious about bringing a drone to France and flying it, you should contact the French Civil Aviation Authority before you go.

28. Austria

Austria is not like France, does not have a drone ban but a permit from Austro Control is required if the drone is flown above 98 feet in Austria.

Without being registered, your drone cannot have more than 79 Joules of kinetic energy.

These laws are extremely strict for hobby flying.

Where Can I Fly My Drone?

1. Fly below 120m (400ft)

Flying under the legal height limitation of 120m (400ft) will lessen the probability of coming along with additional aircraft, which generally fly greater than that.

Constantly look and listen for other aircraft flying under 120m (400ft), for example, air ambulances and police helicopters.

Flying where you will find mountains, mountains, or waterfalls

Your model or drone aircraft shouldn’t be more than 120m (400ft) in the nearest point of the planet’s surface.

Should you fly where the earth falls or rises, like over hills, hills, or mountains, you might have to correct your flight route for your model or drone aircraft is more than 120m (400ft) in the nearest point of the planet’s surface.

2. Don’t fly closer to people than 50m

Including individuals in buildings and transportation, including cars, lorries, trains, and boats.

You have to maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 50m involving your drone or model aircraft as well as individuals. This produces a no-fly zone about individuals that goes all of the ways up into the legal height limitation. It can help think of the no-fly area for a cylinder.

It would help if you didn’t fly people in this fly zone, even if you fly greater than 50m.

People involved in what you’re doing

The rule on minimum distances is different for individuals involved in what you are doing.

You can fly closer than 50m to individuals with you and be involved in everything you do, like friends, family, or coworkers outside flying with you. But always remember that you should never put anyone at risk.

Small drones and model aircraft: below 250g, C0 or C1 class

The principle minimum distances to individuals are different when flying little drones and model aircraft under 250g or C0 or C1 class.

If you are flying a drone or design aircraft that is milder than 250g or is C0 course, you can fly closer to people than 50m, and you can pass.

If you consider how close you can fly, bear in mind that you need never place people in danger. Even tiny drones and aircraft may injure people if you do not pass them securely.

If you fly a drone or design aircraft between 250g and 500g or can be a C1 course, you can fly closer to people than 50m. However, you shouldn’t pass.

Always keep a safe distance

You ought to grow the 50m minimum space from individuals to ensure your flight stays secure from time to time.

Follow these basic rules:

Should you fly greater than 50m, then you ought to keep the identical space horizontally. By way of instance, maintain 80m off in case you fly at the height of 80m.

If poor weather conditions imply a higher risk to individuals, fly farther away from them. For example, if it is very windy, you need to fly farther away from individuals.

Should you fly at high rates, fly farther away to give yourself additional time to respond.

See more: How To Fly A Drone

3. Never fly over individuals That Are crowded together

A bunch is any number of individuals who are not able to move away fast due to the number of different folks around them.

Never do so, regardless of what size of model or drone aircraft you’ve got.

Examples of areas where individuals tend to be crowded together comprise:

• Shopping places
• Sports events
• Spiritual parties
• Political parties
• Music festivals and concerts
• marches and rallies
• In a busy beach or playground
• Parties, carnivals and fêtes

4. Keep at least 150m away from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas

150m is the minimal space

Be ready to grow the space should you want to do this to fly.

Small drones and model aircraft: below 250g, C0 or C1 class

You’re able to fly little drones and design aircraft which are milder than 250g, or C0 or C1 course, in recreational, residential, industrial, and commercial locations.

Bear in mind that always have to fly safely.

Examples of residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas

Residential areas include:

• Cities and towns
• villages
• housing estates
• schools

Recreational areas include:

• Tourist attractions
• sports facilities
• Parks and beaches
• Theme parks

Commercial areas include:

• Shopping centers
• warehouses
• business parks

Industrial areas comprise:

• factories
• docks
• Railroad and transportation hubs

5. Stay away from airports, airfields, and aircraft

Should you undermine the security of an aircraft, then you can go to jail for five decades.

Most airports and airfields possess a flight limitation zone (FRZ).

Never fly in this zone if you don’t have permission in the airport. The site is set up to prevent any accidents with aircraft at or close to the airport.

The DroneSafe site (opens in new tab) provides details of airfield limitations and more info on getting consent.

Some drone programs also supply details of flight restriction zones.

See also: What Is A Drone

6. Follow any flying restrictions and check for hazards

Constantly check for constraints and dangers until you fly.

Examples of restrictions and hazards

Restricted airspace

Flying may be confined around some websites, like prisons, army ranges, imperial palaces, and government buildings.

Occasions

Flying could be temporarily prohibited in certain areas during certain events, like airshows or festivals. This is to keep everybody safe.

There can also be safety motives for banning flying, like at political conventions.

Emergency events

Temporary restrictions might be established at relatively short notice because of emergency events, such as road traffic accidents, floods, and fires.

If you are close to the scene of a collision or similar crisis, you need to keep out of the way rather than do anything that may hamper the emergency providers.

Byelaws

Byelaws may limit where and when you can fly from.

Keep an eye out for local signals for information along with contact information where you can learn more. Byelaws will probably not be shown on programs or drone sites.

Tall structures

Assess for any tall structures, like cranes, masts, and cables.

Don’t fly if there are constructions in the region which will mean it is not legal or safe.

Animals and wildlife

Don’t fly at which you’re disturb or endanger wildlife and creatures.

Other aircraft

Be prepared to answer in the most secure manner possible when the aircraft seem in which you are flying.

Look and listen for unusual or expert flying actions, like air ambulances, police helicopters, light aircraft, military aircraft, crop spraying, and electricity pylon surveying.

Useful places to check for restrictions and hazards

Evidence

Assess for signs that state you can’t fly drones or aircraft.

Some websites might have limitations that aren’t recorded in programs as well as other providers.

NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)

NOTAMs are official finds that inform people about actions that might be a danger to flying. By way of instance, a balloon series.

Many drone programs include details of NOTAMs. You can also find NOTAMs in the NATS drone site (opens in new tab)

Programs and other tools with details of constraints

Some flying limitations are given in the following:

• Drone programs (opens in new tab), like the ones recorded on drone safe UK
• The NATS drone site (opens in new tab) (NATS is your air traffic management firm )
• the Aeronautical Information Publication

Ensure to know just what information these tools will provide you.

7. Get the right authorization before flying outside this Code

This Code covers flying from the Open A1 and A3 categories. If you would like to fly out of the Code principles, you must first get the proper authorization (opens in a new tab).

By Way of Example, you’ll need authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority If You Would like to fly:

• At different heights or distances to those in this Code
• Closer to some residential, recreational, industrial or commercial location
• Over audiences or groups of individuals

If you would like to fly near or at an airport, you will need consent from the airport.

Why Ban Drones

We found two main reasons why countries ban drones in general:

1) They aren’t sure what to do with drones, so they decided to ban them until they have the right legislation.

Similar to this, we have come across several countries that require you to get approval from three government entities, pay a large registration fee, or request permission before you fly a UAV. These policies are similar to those in the United States, which has effectively banned drone use.

2) They want information control and to limit the population’s access to it.

Although we won’t name any names, the list below will show you all of these countries. These are authoritarian states that often impose severe restrictions on the freedoms of their citizens. It’s not surprising why drones have been banned in these cases. Things like Facebook or open access to the internet might also be banned.

We expect drone adoption to grow around the globe. Many countries that don’t have drone laws or have banned drones because of the reasons listed above will pass drone legislation. It won’t take too long for drones to be accepted as a tool for delivery, agriculture, and other commercial work. Those countries that don’t regulate drones will be left behind.

Some areas have organizations that promote drone adoption to boost the economy.

Many African countries have not yet adopted drone laws or banned them altogether. However, some, such as South Africa, Namibia, and Rwanda, have developed strong drone laws and are leading the charge for other nations.

Drone Bans: Why are They Still in Use?

Drones can be a wonderful piece of machinery. They are so useful when added to different industries to help or for regular consumers who visit new places.

Drones can be thought of as flying cameras. When you travel, all you need to do is snap pictures of the places you visit and your loved ones.

You wouldn’t even consider traveling without your drone if you had one. Drones have one problem.

Drones can pose a danger to the safety and could be prohibitive in some areas.

What Happens If You Are Caught?

You may be wondering what happens if your drone is illegally flown in a country you are not authorized to fly.

This is a complex question because every country has its own rules and regulations regarding drones. They also have their own methods of dealing with people who violate these laws.

If you fly the drone in an area that is a No-Fly Zone and it turns out that the drone was accidentally flown there, the drone will likely be confiscated and handed over to the authorities.

You could have your drone confiscated if it is found in an area where it is not allowed to fly. Or, you could be fined and arrested.

If the country you are visiting does not allow drone flight, then it is practically pointless to bring a drone along on your trip.

You might have to surrender the drone at the airport.

If you’re not allowed to fly drones in the country where you plan on traveling, it may not be worth taking the drone with you.

Because if you are caught flying drones, you could face legal trouble and lose your drone forever. This is not worth the risk.

FAQs

Do I really require a drone license?

Yes. Hobby pilots will need their TRUST certificate by June 2023. Commercial pilots will need their Part107 certificate.

The FAA doesn’t care about what drones are made for. They care about what you use them for A $30 toy can be used for commercial operations by simply snapping a photo from the sky and selling it for commercial use later. Your drone operation can also be compensated by YouTube videos. Unless you’re flying for government purposes, the FAA states that you’re either flying solely for entertainment under the TRUST certificate, or it’s a commercial operation that requires you to have your Part 107 certification.

Are there drone no-fly zones?

The no-fly zone extends almost to Dale Street in the west, past the southern city limits into Garden Grove, and up to Riverside (91) Freeway to north and Orange (57) Freeway east. This puts Anaheim’s eastern part out of reach for drone use

Can my drone be flown around my neighborhood?

Can a drone fly above my property/home? Yes, the short answer is yes. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the air above your house. Property lines don’t extend into the sky.

What happens if you fly your drone without a permit?

The FAA can penalize drone pilots for as much as $32,666 per incident if they find out that any of these activities were not authorized. You must ensure that you have a valid license if you fly a drone.

Which countries are considered a no-fly zone?

The FAA is often in the latter category. It is possible for the composition of its prohibited airspaces list to change rapidly. This list includes Iran, Libya, Somalia, and North Korea.

Can I fly in sensitive areas with a drone remote ID?

No. No. It is similar to your car’s license plate. A legal plate doesn’t grant you the right to drive wherever you like, additional permissions are required. You will still need to obtain airspace authorization for drones and waivers if required.

Read More: 

• Where Can I Fly My Drone In San Francisco
• Where Can I Fly My Drone In Michigan
• Where Can I Fly My Drone In Nyc
• Where To Fly Drones In Houston
• Where To Fly Drone In Los Angeles
• Where Can You Fly Drones In Colorado
• Best Places To Fly Drones In Georgia
• Best Places To Fly A Drone

Conclusion

You might know that drones are banned in some areas, but did you also know they’re restricted by the FAA? Whether it’s a temporary flight restriction or an area closed for military use, there is a lot of information to sift through when looking at where drones can’t fly.

Lucidcam hopes this article has been helpful, and we encourage you to learn a few things more about drone laws before getting your new quadcopter. Have any other questions on what kind of restrictions may be in place near you? Let us know!