Drone permit in Morocco
Drone use in Morocco is strictly regulated, primarily for national security reasons. For most productions, bringing your own drone is not recommended unless you need a specialized model unavailable locally.
This guide explains the key procedures and requirements to ensure your drone operations comply with Moroccan regulations, keeping your production safe and hassle-free.
Why you should consider local suppliers
Sourcing drones from local suppliers offers several advantages. Licensed Moroccan operators are familiar with the country’s regulations, permitting procedures, and flight restrictions, which minimizes the risk of delays or legal complications during your shoot. Working with local providers also gives productions access to equipment that is already cleared for use, along with experienced pilots who know the terrain and how to capture the best aerial footage in Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
In short, choosing a local drone supplier avoids the red tape of importing your own equipment while ensuring compliance with national security laws.
Procedures for Obtaining a Drone Permit in Morocco
1. UAV pilot license and insurance:
While Morocco does not officially require a specific UAV pilot license, it is advisable for any drone pilot to hold a recognized license, such as those from EASA (EU) or the FAA (USA). All drone pilots must also have UAV insurance that covers the specific drone class they will be operating.
2. Local drone flight authorization:
In Morocco, foreign pilots can operate drones legally. The key requirement is that each planned drone flight is declared and authorized through the provincial (Wilaya) authorities as part of the filming permit process. The application must specify the drone being used (supported by an importation permit if the drone is brought in from abroad) and the exact locations where flights will take place. Once provincial approval is granted and attached to the CCM permit, the foreign pilot listed in the file is fully authorized to fly.
Strict flight conditions may apply, and these restrictions are clearly stated on the drone permit for each approved location, identified by GPS coordinates.
If you request to fly a locally rented drone, a licensed local operator or production representative with relevant experience will be present. Their role is to guide you through the applicable restrictions and maintain communication with local authorities, ensuring operations remain fully compliant.
3. Application for drone permit:
To obtain a drone permit in Morocco, you must apply in advance, specifying the exact GPS coordinates, date, and time of the intended flight. The authorities will then conduct a security assessment based on these details. It is advisable to allow at least 10 to 14 days for the permit process (depending on the province), in addition to the time required to secure your overall film permit.
Flights near sensitive locations may be subject to additional scrutiny, which can extend approval times. While a production service provider can assist with the process, flight approval can never be guaranteed in advance. Temporary restrictions may be imposed at your chosen location, and in some cases these may prohibit the flight altogether. In rare instances, even an already issued drone permit can be revoked at short notice due to security considerations or changing local conditions.
Your local service provider will advise you in advance on the likelihood of approval for your specific location list, drawing on prior experience and knowledge of the ground. Locations known to face frequent rejections will be flagged by your production partner, helping you anticipate risks and plan alternatives.
4. Filming and drone permits:
A drone permit in Morocco can only be obtained after securing a general film permit (CCM). This requirement may cause delays, so planning ahead is crucial.
5. Restricted areas:
Flying drones near military, royal, and other sensitive sites is often restricted or requires heightened security measures, such as police and military surveillance. Sensitive sites include ports, airports, military areas, royal palaces, and government buildings. These areas often coincide with popular filming locations in cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Ouarzazate, Rabat, and Tangier.
6. Available drones in Morocco:
Local suppliers in Morocco offer a range of drones, including models such as the DJI Mavic 3 Cine, DJI Mavic 4 Pro, Alta X, DJI Matrice series, DJI Inspire 2, DJI Inspire 3, and FPV Cinelifter.
7. Temporary importation of specialty drones:
If your production requires importing a specialized drone, you must allow at least 40 days to secure a special importation permit. This process begins after you receive your general film permit from the CCM.
Securing a Morocco drone permit involves extensive planning and strict adherence to local regulations. By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage the process and avoid complications. For further assistance with the permit application process, our team is available to provide detailed support.
Misinformation circulating online: warnings for uninformed drone travellers into Morocco
Another source of confusion online concerns the role of the DGAC (Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile). Contrary to what some guides and forums suggest, the DGAC does not issue or decide on drone permits in Morocco. The actual permit approval process is handled at the provincial level by the Wilaya. In certain cases, especially when filming near airports, you may be asked to notify or call the control tower prior to your flight to double-check airspace clearance. This is an operational safety measure, but it should not be confused with the formal drone permit process, which remains under the authority of the Wilaya.
A crucial distinction is that private or recreational drone flights are not legally possible in Morocco. Travelers cannot simply bring a drone for holiday footage or personal use, as there is no permit process available for such cases. The only viable pathway for drone authorization is in the context of a professional film or photo shoot, where a CCM film permit and Wilaya-level drone permit are required. Certain other exceptions may exist for specialized industries (e.g. infrastructure inspection, agriculture, or research), but these are subject to separate regulations and fall outside the scope of this article.
If you accidentally bring a drone into Morocco without the required documentation—namely a temporary importation permit from Moroccan customs, a photo permit or film permit, and an ATA Carnet (all three are mandatory)—the correct and legal procedure is to declare it immediately upon arrival at the airport. Customs will then store the drone in an official bonded warehouse until your departure. A small fee is charged for this service, which varies depending on the declared value of the drone and covers warehousing and equipment handling. Importantly, you will not be fined if you declare the drone right away — this is the official legal procedure established by Moroccan customs.
Failing to declare your drone can create serious problems. If discovered at departure, you may face fines, confiscation, and—at least in theory—imprisonment in rare cases. We strongly advise not to take this risk. Always declare upon entry, and be aware that you must leave the country via the same airport where the drone was stored in order to retrieve it legally.
This declaration procedure is also commonly used by international productions transiting through Morocco. For example, a crew flying from Location A into Morocco can declare their drone upon arrival, and then collect it again when departing to Location B. This ensures full compliance with Moroccan law while allowing productions to continue their journey without risk.
Please make sure to read the preceding sections carefully to understand exactly which procedures apply to your situation.
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