🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone rule links & known regulations about recreational & commercial drone use in Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou). 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 Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso does not seem to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone use. However, both commercial and recreational drone uses are subject to restrictions, registration & a code of conduct.
✅ In Burkina Faso, the control of drone use falls under the Directorate of Civil Aviation & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: info@anacburkina.org
Phone: (+226) 50 30 64 88
Mail/Onsite: Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile du Burkina Faso 01 BP 1158 Ouagadougou 01
Can I fly my drone in Burkina Faso?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Burkina Faso as long as you have registered your drone ahead with the Directorate of Civil Aviation prior landing in the country.
🚨 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 Burkina Faso?
🚨 We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Burkina Faso "If you have more information about this, please let us on the Forum know anytime". Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way showing that flying over the main cities and national parks is subject to restrictions and permits might be required.
Burkina Faso drone fly map
🦅 Burkina Faso National Parks might be on a case by case permission base & you would need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities before flying your drone:
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Burkina Faso
🚨 You will need to register your drone to fly your drone in Burkina Faso from the Directorate of Civil Aviation of the country. Additionally and once obtained you should fly:
fly within sight at all times
following your drone manufacturer's recommendations of use.
fly away from airport, military and governmental facilities.
without lending or giving ownership of your drone to another person.
If you are considering getting your first drone or upgrade, feel free to check the Drone Gear content we've put together or click on the model you like below to get its full specs. Any purchase done from one of our affiliate links helps Dronemade stay free and available to all.
How to register my drone to fly in Burkina Faso?
✅ The Directorate of Civil Aviation shared an update a few years ago explaining that any drone pilot coming to the country should get in touch with them via:
Email: info@anacburkina.org
Phone: (+226) 50 30 64 88
Mail/Onsite: Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile du Burkina Faso 01 BP 1158 Ouagadougou 01
When completing your application, you should include:
your complete personal and contact information along a copy of your ID
the specs and manufacturer details of your drone
a copy of your drone's registration in your country of origin
a copy of your drone's fly certificate (can be from the manufacturer's)
a copy of your license and radio certificate (if available) or any other qualification translated into English (Here's a great sworn translator we highly recommend).
a detailed map of your flight (take off, landing, distance, within sight or not, speed, radio frequency, etc) and its purpose
💡 If you need help to obtain a local license, we found in our research Drone Burkina which provided training and formation to aspiring local drone pilots. You can contact them via:
Email: info@droneburkina.com
Phone: (+226) 0707-0777 / 0744-4444 / 0707-0770
Onsite: 963, Avenue Charles Bila Kaboré .Adresse : 09 bp 787 Ouagadougou
🚑 We're missing information about the cost and time needed for local authorities to process your application. If you have any further information about this, please share in The Forum so we can update everyone in turn by updating this post.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Burkina Faso?
🚨 The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction &/or if you had any commercial purpose during your flight.
✅ The excellent news is that once you're there and got the authorisations, you can start flying above Burkina Faso's awesome landscapes & help us replace this video.
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Burkina Faso! 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 your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
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