Drone Laws in Tunisia

Last updated on August 16th, 2023 at 05:53 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Tunisia

Drone Regulator in Tunisia: Office de L’Avation Civile et des Aeroports (OACA)

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Tunisia

The Tunisian agency responsible for drone safety, OACA, has not codified drone use regulations in Tunisia. Go to the link above to check for recent updates.

Are drones allowed in Tunisia?

According to OACA, Drone operations are not regulated in Tunisia. Use the ICAO’s recommendations. Read on for more details.

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

Absent explicit regulations, we suggest you contact the OACA and follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations (ICAO UAS Toolkit):

1. You should always consult your local Civil Aviation Authority since drone guidelines and regulations differ from country to country.
2. If the drone weighs more than 25 kg (55 lbs), most States require you to obtain a permit before operating it.
3. If you are paid to use the drone or if you use it for research, most States require you to obtain a permit before operating it.
4. Keep your drone within eyesight at all times.
5. Read the user’s manual thoroughly before operating your drone.
6. Check your drone before each flight.
7. Don’t fly within 50 meters (55 yards) of or over people, property, or vehicles.
8. Don’t fly more than 150 meters (490 feet) from the ground.
9. Don’t fly near an airport. Stay at least 8km (5 miles) away.
10. Always remember that you are now a remote pilot and are responsible for flying safely and avoiding collisions.

Why follow ICAO recommendations when a country does not have drone regulations?

ICAO is a United Nations Specialized Agency, funded and directed by 193 national governments to support their diplomacy and cooperation in air transport as signatory states to the Chicago Convention (1944). 

Its core function is to maintain an administrative and expert bureaucracy (the ICAO Secretariat) supporting these diplomatic interactions and to research new air transport policy and standardization innovations as directed and endorsed by governments through the ICAO Assembly or by the ICAO Council, which the assembly elects.

ICAO is not a regulator, but it provides standards to all its member states (those that signed up for the Chicago convention mentioned earlier). This means that most nations worldwide are coordinating with ICAO, and those countries with limited resources for developing drone regulations are supported by ICAO in developing regulations.

IACO provides ICAO Model UAS regulations and circulars that member states adopt.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Tunisia

See the general rules above.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Tunisia

Filming in Tunisia requires permission from several Ministries, including the Ministry of Culture. We highly recommend you work with local resources (typically called fixers) who can help arrange the details.

See the general rules above.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Tunisia

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

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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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