Drone Laws in Rwanda

Summary of Drone Laws in Rwanda

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Rwanda

Drone Regulator in Rwanda: Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

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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.

What are the most important rules 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 should fly is 100 meters (328 feet). 
• The maximum distance between the pilot and the 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 cannot be flown within a ten-kilometer (six-mile) radius of any airport or airfield. 
• Drones cannot 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.

How do you get a Rwanda Drone Pilot Certificate?

All UAS remote pilots flying in Rwanda should have a Rwandan remote UAS Pilot Certificate that meets the requirements stipulated in Rwanda UAS Regulations.

The Rwandan remote UAS Pilot Certificate applicant will apply by submitting an email that details the type of drone they are qualified to fly and attaching an applicant information form via info@caa.gov.rw  and copying UAS.SSP@caa.gov.rw

Following the response from the authority, the applicant shall follow the procedures stipulated in the advisory circular to create a drone portal account and apply for a remote pilot certificate. 

The applicant is required to complete and submit to the Authority the following Forms:

• RCAA UAS applicant form

How do you Register a UAS in Rwanda?

All UAS/ Drones operators in Rwanda are required to register their UAS per Rwanda UAS Regulations. The operator is required to formally apply to RCAA by submitting a formal letter entailing the UAS use case and attaching an applicant information form via info@caa.gov.rw  copy UAS.SSP@caa.gov.rw

Following the response from the Authority, the applicant shall follow the procedures in the advisory circular to create a Drone Portal account and register their UAS/ Drones.

For more information regarding UAS Remote Pilot Certificate service charges, visit the new drone charges and RCAA bank accounts links below.

The Rwanda Civil Aviation Regulations (RCARs) related to Rwanda UAS Regulation are: –

• RCAR Part 27: Rwanda UAS Regulation

The following Advisory Circular (AC) has been provided for additional insight into Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in Rwanda:

• RCAA-AC-UAS-21-001 – Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Advisory Circular. 

The applicant is required to complete and submit to the Authority the following Forms:

• RCAA UAS applicant form

Other relevant UAS forms and tools include: 

• Drone Charges
• RCAA Bank Accounts Info
• Drone Portal

Can Foreign Operators operate a drone in Rwanda?

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…

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: 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.

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