Drone Laws in Rwanda

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Rwanda

Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

Updated July 21, 2022

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Rwanda

The Rwandan agency responsible for drone safety, CAA, has provided several 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 Rwanda?

According to CAA, drones are allowed in Rwanda, subject to CAA regulations. Read on for details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Rwanda:

• The CAA requires that all drones be registered. Register using the Rwanda CAA online drone registration link
• In Rwanda, the minimum age for piloting a drone is 21 years. 
• The maximum altitude at which drones may fly is 100 meters (328 feet). 
• The maximum distance allowed between pilot and drone is 300 meters (984 feet), as long as direct visual contact is maintained. 
• Drone insurance is required in Rwanda for all drones. 
• In Rwanda, drones can weigh up to 25 kilograms (55 pounds). 
• Drones are not permitted to be flown within a ten-kilometer (six-mile) radius of any airport or airfield. 
• Drones are not permitted to fly within 50 meters (164 feet) of people, structures, vehicles, ships, or animals. 
• Drones are not permitted to be flown at night. 
• Drones may not exceed a speed of 100 kilometers per hour (87 knots / 100 miles per hour). 
• Drones must be labeled with a CAA-assigned number.

Note for Foreign Operators

While foreign operators are permitted to register drones, they must be operated by a Rwandan citizen or business. 

Registration can take up to three months and costs approximately USD 150 (110,000 RWF).

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Rwanda

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Rwanda

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Rwanda

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Rwanda…

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, 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.

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