🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone laws in Morocco (Marrakesh). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Morrocco Drone 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 Morocco
Morocco does not differentiate commercial & recreational drone uses. Both uses are strictly forbidden, however for commercial purposes, you may ask for a permission by seeking the help of a local established company.
🚨 For the moment, drone use is under the responsibility of the Moroccan Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DCA), they can be contacted via:
Online: via this form
Phone: (+212) 3 773 242
🚨 The Moroccan airports are infamous for their bag checks and it seems hard to go through without being asked to open them. A couple of bloggers mentioned they were able to pass, despite having their bag under x-ray & fly but be aware that upon return there is a very little chance that your drone passes again the on boarding x-rays. In both scenarios your drone gets found:
upon arrival, it will be confiscated and stored in your arrival airport, if you want to retrieve it you can do such by departing from the same airport & paying a storage fee
upon departure (from Morocco), it will be ceased & you might face heavier sanctions as you imported illegally a drone in the county.
✅ A formation exists for locals, for further information please check here.
How to retrieve my drone at Moroccan airport customs?
First things first, you should declare it upon arrival to avoid your arrest if found upon your departure time. This will avoid you up to 1,000€ fine, a drone confiscation & jail.
You will need to return from the same airport as they've essentially stored your drone upon your return.
Once your holiday over & you return to the same airport, make sure to check in your luggage prior engaging the 'give my drone back' process as you won't be able after.
You will get escorted to the storage room & will be asked to pay about 18€ storage fee. Upon payment, you will get your drone back & a receipt (keep it!)
Go back to the security line & scan your bag to board; here your drone will be detected & you will be asked this receipt. If you don't have it, you will pay up to 1,000€ fine & they will definitely keep your drone.
🚨 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.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Morocco?
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. With this in mind, you risk one or a combination of:
a fine (up to 1,000€)
jail (up to 10 years)
your drone cease
✅ The excellent news is that once you're there and got the authorisations, you can start flying above Morocco's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or tell The Morocco Drone Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Morocco!
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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