Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Drone Regulator in Iran: Civil Aviation Organization of Iran (CAOI). Please note that the websites are frequently not reachable.
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Iran
The Iranian agency responsible for drone safety, CAOI, has provided many internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Iran?
According to CAOI, drone use is allowed in Iran, subject to strict CAOI regulations. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in the Islamic Republic of Iran:
- Avoid flying your drone over people or crowds.
- Maintain a minimum of 250 meters between your drone and residential areas, schools, cinemas, or crowds.
- When flying your drone, be mindful of other people’s privacy.
- Avoid flying your drone near military installations, power plants, or other areas that may cause local authorities concern.
- Keep your drone’s altitude below 50 meters (165 feet)
- You must fly during daylight hours and only in favorable weather (visibility greater than 3km)
- Avoid flying your drone within 2 kilometers of airports or in areas frequented by aircraft.
- Any drone weighing more than 300 grams requires a permit, making the DJI Spark the only mainstream drone permitted to fly in Iran.
Areas restricted to drone use
The following areas are prohibited from being used by drones:
- Military zones
- Tehran the capital
- Police stations
- Nuclear power plants
There have already been incidents in Busher, Natanz, Qom, Arak, and Isfahan in which spy allegations have been leveled concerning the use of drones.
Note for Foreign Operators
Iran’s current legal situation regarding drone use is unclear. However, numerous reports have emerged of drone users having negative experiences. As a result, bringing your drone into the country is not recommended unless you can obtain permission.
In Iran, arrests for using GPS-enabled devices or cameras can occur very quickly. When you enter the country using appropriate technology, the Iranian security authorities quickly assume you are a spy. In some instances, the accused were not permitted to leave Iran until a court ruling was issued.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Iran
If your drone weighs less than 300 grams, you are not required to obtain a drone permit.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Iran
All aerial operations considered for a “commercial purpose” require a license, which you must apply for with the appropriate authority.
Useful published information on flying drones in Iran
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in The Islamic Republic of Iran…
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.
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