🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Kazakhstan (Astana). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs commercial drone use in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan does not differentiate much commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. However both are subject to restrictions based on the weight of your drone & a code of conduct.
✅ In Kazakhstan, the regulation and control of drone use falls under the Civil Aviation Commitee (CAC), they can be contacted via:
Email: caa@mid.gov.kz or cac.lib@mid.gov.kz
Phone: (+7) 8 7172 75 47 95 🕔 Mon-Fri from 9 am to 6.30 pm
Mail: Astana, Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, 01/0000, Republic of Kazakhstan, 32/1
Can I bring my drone to Kazakhstan?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Kazakhstan as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Kazakhstan?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Russia "If you have more information about this, please share in the Forum anytime". Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way organised in a 3 color legend.
🚨 You should not fly above or near military installations & strategic infrastructure. Fly away from airports & any aerodromes or airports in the country.
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Kazakhstan
✅ Good things first, you will not need a permit or a license to fly a drone in Kazakhstan as long as you fly a drone weighting less than 1.5 kg & do not fly in a restricted zone.
Saying this, within the permitted zones, you will need to follow a few rules:
fly away from clouds (at least 1.5 km away horizontally and/or 300 m below).
fly at a maximum altitude of 50 m*
fly a drone weighting less than 1.5 kg (you will need to register it if heavier).
fly 5.5 km away from airports*, heliports & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see an aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
fly away from, vehicles in movement, large crowds (150 m), people (100 m or 50 m during take off/landing) & respect individuals' privacy.
do not carry any animals or people with your drone or drop any object without a special drone parachute to limit the speed of fall.
ask before flying any governmental, religious or military sites.
* These rules are waived for commercial drone use &/or for registered aeroshow as long as you coordinate with the local air traffic control when next to an airport 👌
How to register my drone in Kazakhstan?
🚨 Since the 30th of June 2017, Kazakhstan requires you to register your drone with the Civil Aviation Commitee if heavier than 1.5 kg. If this is the case you will need to:
Complete a form ("we did not find a copy yet but it is confirmed to be the Appendix 12 & 13 of Kazakhstan Registration Rules") You will be asked (in Russian) your full details (if you're a foreigner, your documents should be notarized) as well as those of the drone (logbook, software used, invoice or contract proving ownership/rental, etc.) & the operator's full details (if not yourself).
You will need to acknowledge that your drone is not carrying any military or listening equipment / accessories when flying in Kazakhstan.
🕔 Allow 30 working days to complete, we recommend to register as early as possible. If non accepted, you will receive a written response within 15 working days from application sending date.
Keeping common sense rules in mind, what are you waiting for?! Start flying above Kazakhstan's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Kazakhstan! Have fun & safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is the reader’s responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
Other resource
Sources
Procedure for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (in Russian)
Kazakhstan Airspace Law (in Russian)