Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Lebanese Republic (Lebanon)
Drone Regulator in Lebanon: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport
Request For Filming Permit Process By Lebanon Army: Lebanon Army Drone Application Process
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Lebanon
The Lebanese agency responsible for drone safety, DGCA, has not provided any regulations on flying a drone for fun or work. However, The Lebanese army has established requirements for drone flights in Lebanon. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Lebanon?
According to DGCA, drone use is allowed in Lebanon, subject to very strict DGCA and Lebanese Army regulations. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Lebanon:
Flying a drone is legal in Lebanon, subject to following strict regulations.
The Lebanese Army requires that companies and individuals operating drones or other remotely controlled aircraft equipped with a camera in Lebanon must obtain a special permit before flying.
How To Get A Drone Permit In Lebanon?
The general documents required for a filming permit using a flying camera:
A written request signed by the concerned party that includes:
- The subject and objective of the permit
- The type of drone and camera and the serial number of each
- A schedule displaying the location and date of the filming.
- The phone number of the concerned party
Special documents required:
- A license issued by the air force
- A copy of the Identification Card belonging to the drone operator
- A copy of the passport and the entry stamp for the drone operator (if a foreigner)
- A picture of the drone and its serial number (scan)
What to do with the documents:
The application should be presented via one of the following means (no fees required):
- Personally to the Army Command – Secretary of General Staff
- Email: press@lebarmy.gov.lb
- Fax to the Directorate of Orientation: 01/424104
How long will it take to process your application?
- Minimum of 1 week after the date of presentation of the application with all the requested documents
Notes for Foreign Operators
Foreign visitors wishing to fly a drone during their visit to Lebanon must follow the permitting process outlined above.
Note: One of our readers, Fred (see comments below), reports following the process and was told the following drones are not allowed: DJI Mavic Air 2, Mavic mini 2, FPV, and Mavic Air 2S
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Lebanon
See the general rules above.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Lebanon
See the general rules above.
Useful published information on flying drones in Lebanon
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Lebanon…
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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Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.
NOW ITS YOUR TURN
Hello!
I just got Dji mini 2, is it possible to use it in Beirut on Beil area or do I need permit for it?
Thank you.
That drone has a camera that is not exempt. You will need to register it
I am traveling to lebanon and then turkey, would they allow me to get it into lebanon even if i dont intend on using it?
There is typically a holding area at customs on arrival where you can retrieve the drone on departure. However, we don’t have any feedback from recent travelers to share.
Hi, i’m planning on selling my drone, I have the Parrot Beepop FPV 2. I was wondering what are the procedures for me to transfer the agreement I signed to him? And where should I go? Thank you
George, assuming you are Lebanese and have a properly registered Parrot, you should contact the DGCA for instructions on transferring the registration.
In planning for a family visit trip to Lebanon in October I inquired into flying my drone while visiting. I followed all the necessary steps to obtain a permit and license from the Lebanese Army and Air Force. During the process I was informed that the following drones are not permitted: DJI Mavic Air 2, Mavic mini 2, FPV and Mavic Air 2S. I was very disappointed to hear this and was not given an explanation as to why they are not allowed.
Thank you Fred. We will share your experience with others. Did they say which drones were allowed?
That’s false. We use them on filmsets.
Mike. Thank you for your comment. The regulators will often differentiate between commercial applications and hobbyist requests.
what does “not allowed” means? they wont authorize to fly, or its forbiden get in the country with one?
I understood it as not permitted to fly, becasue of that I chose not to take it with me for fear it would be confiscated. I figured, if I can’t fly it why take it.