Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Updated March 16, 2023
NOTE: Since the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, it is unclear whether the previous governing agencies and rules will continue in place. We are keeping the previous material here until there is clarity on the new rules. We recommend extreme caution and checking with Afghanistan-based sources for details if considering flying a drone in Afghanistan.
Proceed with caution as the following Afghanistan Drone Laws may be dated due to the Taliban takeover!
Civil Aviation Authority of Afghanistan
The CAA does not have a website related to drones. Regulations related to drones or Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) are covered in the general aviation regulations found here: Afghanistan Aviation Rules including Drone Laws.
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Afghanistan
Are drones allowed in Afghanistan?
According to CAA, drone use is allowed in Afghanistan; however, drone regulations are not mature and may be subject to local interpretation. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Afghanistan:
Several drone laws need to be followed when flying a drone in Afghanistan:
- Drone pilots must obtain authorization from the state where they plan to fly. The process for submitting a request for authorization to fly is described in the legal document linked above.
- Once authorization has been obtained, a flight plan with the local aviation authority must be filed before an actual flight.
- Drones cannot fly over the high seas without coordinating with the appropriate ATS Authority, which shall be obtained before take-off if there is a reasonable expectation when planning the operations that the aircraft may enter the airspace concerned.
- UAVs cannot be operated in a manner that would cause a hazard to persons, property, or other aircraft.
- Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds.
- Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas where aircraft are operating.
- You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
- Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas, including government or military facilities. The use of drones or camera drones in these areas is prohibited.
The Afghanistan Interior Ministry in 2016 specifically restricted the Media from flying drone cameras in sensitive areas like government and military facilities.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Afghanistan
Please see the general rules above. The Civil Aviation Authority has not created a separate framework of regulations for hobbyists versus commercial providers. Indeed, it appears that the regulations are aviation-based, commercially oriented, and applied to all at the current time.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Afghanistan
Please see the general rules above. The Civil Aviation Authority has not created a separate framework of regulations for hobbyists versus commercial providers. Indeed, the regulations appear to be aviation-based, commercially oriented, and applied to all at the current time.
Useful published information on flying drones in Afghanistan
Not much public information is available about the use of drones in Afghanistan. We recommend contacting the ACAA or using a licensed legal representative in Afghanistan for more details.
Here is a video of what you can expect using a drone in Afghanistan…
NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.
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