Drone Legislation in Egypt: What You Need to Know

Egypt has some of the strictest regulations in the world regarding drone use. Whether you’re a tourist wanting to capture aerial images of the pyramids or a professional needing a drone for a project, understanding the legal framework is crucial to avoid serious trouble. Egyptian law is designed for national security reasons and leaves very little room for recreational use.

The Main Legal Framework

The key legislation governing drones in Egypt is Law No. 216 of 2017. This law generally prohibits the import, manufacture, sale, possession, and use of drones throughout Egypt without prior authorization from the Ministry of Defense . There is no clear distinction between recreational and commercial use: all use is, by default, prohibited.

The activities affected by this general ban include:

• Importing drones into the country (even in your luggage).
• The purchase or sale of drones on Egyptian soil.
• The mere possession of a drone without authorization.
• Piloting a drone, regardless of location.

Obtaining Authorization: An Uphill Battle

Obtaining the necessary authorization to fly a drone in Egypt is an extremely complex and lengthy process, generally reserved for professional entities (film production companies, construction firms, etc.) with official contracts in Egypt. Amateurs and tourists have very little chance of having their applications approved.

The procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Submit a formal request to the Egyptian Ministry of Defense, justifying in detail the necessity of the operation.
2. Provide all technical specifications of the drone (model, serial number, camera capabilities, etc.).
3. Specify the exact dates, times and GPS coordinates of the planned flights.
4. Obtaining approvals from several other security agencies and sometimes from the Ministry of Tourism or Antiquities if the flights take place near historical sites.

This process can take several months and its outcome is very uncertain. It is strongly recommended to work with a production company or a local Egyptian agent to navigate this bureaucracy.

Tips for Travelers and Tourists

The message for tourists is simple and unambiguous: do not bring your drone to Egypt . Attempting to enter the country with a drone in your luggage will almost always result in its confiscation by customs officials at the airport. In most cases, you will not be able to retrieve it upon departure. There is no easy procedure for temporary storage at the airport.

Penalties for Offenses

The consequences of illegally using or possessing a drone in Egypt are very severe and should not be taken lightly. Offenders face:

• Significant fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 Egyptian pounds.
• Prison sentences ranging from one to seven years.
• The permanent confiscation of the equipment.

Egyptian authorities are particularly vigilant regarding unauthorized flights, especially near military areas, government buildings, archaeological sites and critical infrastructure.

Conclusion

In short, flying a drone in Egypt is a strictly regulated activity and virtually impossible for individuals or tourists. The law is rigorously enforced, and the risks involved are far too high to justify attempting it. For professionals, meticulous planning, months of paperwork, and the assistance of a local partner are essential to obtaining the necessary permit. For everyone else, the best solution is to leave the drone at home and enjoy the wonders of Egypt with your feet firmly on the ground.