The usage of drones has grown across the globe. Professionals and hobbyists are using drones to create amazing videos. Some people are using drones to market their business. On the other hand, professional drone users are entering new possible businesses to make more money. Even though drones have gained popularity but few countries have set some rules and regulations regarding drones.
There are a lot of countries that have banned the flying of drones. More than 25 percent of countries have banned them or have implemented strict rules and regulations. The countries having restrictions confiscate them at the point of entry and sometimes they are not even recovered
Reason For Ban
There are two main reasons behind the ban on drones:
1. They don’t know what to do with drones. As a result, they have decided to ban them completely until they develop appropriate legislation.
Likewise, the countries with strict policies of flying a drone require the user to get approval from three different government entities. As a result, the users have to pay a huge registration fee or apply for permission beforehand for each flight.
2. They want to control information and the ability of the people to get it.
As drone adoption grows around the world, some countries still don’t have implemented the restrictions. Some countries have banned the usage of the drone because they don’t want others to gain information which might be a secret from the public. Sooner or later, there will be a time when every country will be using drones for different purposes like agriculture or industrial.
Role of CTA
On the other hand, these countries will start using a drone for commercial purposes like shipping and delivery, search and rescue, business marketing, etc. in some areas the emerging organizations are promoting the adoption of drones for boosting the economy. For example, the Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) was created in partnership with Parrot, a drone manufacturing company. It was to promote the establishment of the drone or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Countries That Have Banned Drones
If you are a drone user and you love to explore places, then you are not going to leave the drain at home. But there are some countries where you cannot use the drone or they might confiscate them at the point of entry. So, before you take the drone on the trip, make sure that you are aware of the country’s rules and regulations regarding the usage of the drone.
Algeria
According to the Algerian national aviation authority, the Algerian Directorate of Civil Aviation and Meteorology (DACM), drones are prohibited in Algeria. In this case, if you enter Barbados with a drone, the customs will confiscate it. After that, you don’t know if you will ever see it again or not.
Barbados
It was until 2019 when Barbados temporarily banned the usage of drones. It was the time when the country began allowing people to apply for 6 weeks permit before their trip to the country. This policy affected the new imports of drones in the country. It was regardless of the size of the drone, even if it was a hobby or toy drone.
For tourists, it was hard to get a 6-week permit before their trip. A lot of tourists did not want to go through the process. In 2020, under the Barbados UAV Association, the authorities are working to lift the ban.
France
When you visit France, there are a lot of places where you want to capture different moments by using a drone. The flying of a drone is not banned in France but there are some rules and regulations regarding it. It would be great if you leave it at home rather than taking it to an amazing place.
Antarctica
Under the Antarctic Treaty, the recreational use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles is not permitted. Also, drone activity throughout the region is banned completely. The entire content of Antarctica has been named as a nature reserve. It was dedicated to science and peace by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).
It means that the drone activity in Antarctica might be an effect on the current environment of the continent. This is the reason that usage of drones is banned in Antarctica.
Bhutan
In Bhutan, before flying a drone, you need approval. The approval comes from the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) at Paro International Airport. To your surprise, this approval is granted to only government officials but not the tourists. So, when you land in Bhutan, the customs will confiscate the drone.
India
To operate the drone in India, there are laws to apply for the permit. This might be a problem for the foreigners in India because the permit is not granted to them. The drones get confiscated and they are never recovered. Commercial drones in India require the foreigner to rent the drone from an Indian Citizen, who is given a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
Brunei
At present, there is no law in Brunei regarding the treatment of multiple helicopters. The competent authority has banned the drone applications until a legal framework is approved. Therefore, you can consider that they are prohibited in Brunei. If you land in Brunei with a drone, then it will be confiscated by customs.
Iran
In Iran, drones have been banned by the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran. There is a popular story of an Australian couple who were detained in Iran after flying the drone. They visited Iran as travel bloggers but the ban on the usage of drones got them caught up.
Kuwait
In Kuwait, flying drones have been banned by the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority (DGCA). So, if you travel to Kuwait with a drone, then it will be confiscated by customs.
Egypt
In Egypt, the usage of the drone is not banned but you must obtain permission from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority to fly the drone. If you are a foreigner, then it might be difficult for you to get permission.
Saudi Arabia
There are strict laws about the usage of drones in the country. It has been banned by the Saudi Arabia General Aviation Authority (GACA). Hence, you cannot take the drone to Saudi Arabia.
Kenya
In 2019, the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) drafted a set of regulations for drones but it was removed in the country. As a result, the drone users were asked to get a license before flying them. Also, the foreigners had to obtain a license before visiting Kenya. In Kenya, it is not impossible to get a license to fly a drone but sometimes it is difficult to obtain it.
Drone Laws – Flying A Drone Is Prohibited
The drones we use or see these days are nothing but flying devices with cameras attached to them. They are used by professionals and hobbyists to make money or capture special moments in their lives. But a drone can pose some serious privacy and security issues. Considering all the factors, the national civil aviation authorities of various countries have banned drones in their countries.
In some countries, the rules and regulations regarding flying a drone are not strict but the users have to obtain permission or a license. Also, it is difficult for foreigners in some countries to get a permit. Hence, if you are traveling to one of the countries where flying a drone is prohibited. It is advised to leave them at home, otherwise, they will be confiscated by the customs as soon as you reach their airports.