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The Ultimate Guide to Madagascar (Antananarivo) Drone Laws & Rules

Updated: Apr 16, 2019

🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Madagascar (Antananarivo). 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.

Madagascar drone laws and rules

Recreational vs commercial drone use in Madagascar


Madagascar does not seem to differentiate commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both uses strictly forbidden outdoors (officially for safety reasons), however you may ask for a permission to the Civilian Aviation Directorate of Madagascar by following their application process.


🚨 For the moment, the use of drones is restricted under the N°75b ACM/DGE/DRG of the 16 of March 2015. Drone use is under the responsibility of the Civilian Aviation Directorate of Madagascar, they can be contacted via:

  • Email: acm@acm.mg

  • Phone: (+261) 20 222 2438

🚨 Local population is asked by authorities to report any drone activity they might see.

 

Can I bring my drone to Madagascar?


🚨 The only airport of Madagascar (Ivato International Airport) is infamous for its bag checks & it seems hard to go through without being asked to open them. As drones are forbidden, there is a high chance you might see it confiscated upon arrival.


✅ A couple of members mentioned they were able to pass, despite having their bag under x-ray & fly without any worry whatsoever but you need to be aware that you risk it all if you don't have an authorisation in Madagascar.



🚨 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 Madagascar?


✅ You can fly indoors anytime as long as you have the consent of the owner.


🚨 Do not fly outdoors if you do not have a permit. Only a permit will be able to tell you where you can fly & under which conditions as they are case by case issued.


🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the park or reserve authorities


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How to obtain my drone permit in Madagascar?

✅ Some exemptions may be granted as the government also recognizes the potential of unmanned aircraft use in the country, but this is on a case-to-case basis. We are not aware of any successful application today.


✅ Madagascar authorities created a form to complete and send prior your arrival that you will need to complete it with:

  • your full contact details

  • your drone's full details

  • a risk analysis in case the drone doesn't respond

  • a list of documents including but not limited to an insurance, the drone's logbook, & local authorisations (military or national park) if needed

When ready you will need to send it to: Aviation Civile de Madagascar (ACM), 13 rue Kassanga BP 4414, Antananarivo 101 which you can also contact by phone or email alternatively.


🕔 Allow at least 5 working days (we recommend as early as possible).


🚨 You will need to do one application per flight.


What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Madagascar?


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 and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such. However, local authorities specify that you will be judged according to article L.7.1.1-6 of the law N° 2015-006 in place since the 12 of February 2015

 

✅ The excellent news is that once you're there and got the authorisations, you can start flying above Madagascar's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:



 
Drone laws world map; country by country

✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Madagascar!

 

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 rules and regulations.


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