Drone Laws in Seychelles

Last updated on August 12th, 2023 at 08:15 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Seychelles

Drone Regulator in Seychelles: Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA)

SCAA Drone Section: The section on the SCAA website related to Drones

Link to Seychelles Drone Laws Online: Seychelles Drone Regulations Circular

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Seychelles

The Seychelles agency responsible for drone safety, SCAA, 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 Seychelles?

According to the SCAA, flying drones is legal in Seychelles, but certain regulations must be strictly followed. Read on for more details.

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

Do:

• Always read the product user manual of your drone to familiarize yourself with its operating principles, performance, and safety limitations. 
• Check the condition of your drone and its remote controller before use. 
• Keep your drone within line of sight at all times. As a general guide, your drone should not be operated higher than surrounding buildings, infrastructures, or trees within your immediate vicinity. 
• If an airplane or helicopter is spotted operating near your drone, land your drone immediately. 

The Don’ts 

• Do not fly your drone near Seychelles International Airport unless you have been approved so by SCAA. Always follow the terms and conditions of such an approval. 
• Do not fly your drone in Seychelles International Airport’s approach and departure paths or the immediate vicinity of active heliports. 
• Do not fly your drone near Praslin Airport unless you have been approved so by SCAA. Always follow the terms and conditions of such an approval. 
• Do not fly your drone in Praslin Airport’s approach and departure paths or the immediate vicinity of active heliports. 
• Do not fly your drone near the La Digue island heliport. 
• Do not fly your drone over towns, congested areas, groups of people in public areas, or public events unless you have authorization from the appropriate local authorities, including SCAA. 
• Do not fly your drone over private properties or industrial areas or take photographs of any kind, which may constitute a breach of privacy, where this is considered an offense under the laws of Seychelles. 
• Do not fly your drone near telecommunication infrastructure, power lines, fuel storage facilities, over security-sensitive areas, such as the State House, prisons, and military infrastructure, including restricted airspace, as published by SCAA. 
• Do not carry hazardous substances on your drone. 
• Do not drop any item or discharge any substance from your drone that could cause harm to a person on the ground. 
• Do not operate your drone if you are under drugs or alcohol. 
• Do not fly your drone in an area with an emergency response effort unless you have permission from the appropriate local authorities, including SCAA. 
• Do not operate your drone at night, as the risk of colliding with nearby objects and buildings could cause damage to property and serious injuries to persons in the immediate vicinity. 

Drone Registration Requirements in Seychelles?

• Civil Aviation Regulations 2017 requires all drones having a maximum weight of 200 grams or more to be registered with the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority before their operation within the territory of Seychelles. 
• All drone operators must register their drones using SSR Drone Registration and submit them to SCAA for processing. SCAA will initiate a registration confirmation once the process has been completed.
• Use SCAA Drone Operation Request and submit to SCAA for necessary approval when planning to operate within controlled airspace or restricted areas. 

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Seychelles

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 Seychelles

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 Seychelles

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

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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.

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