Drone permit in Morocco
The usage of drones in Morocco is heavily regulated, with several restrictions in place due to national security reasons. In general, bringing your own drone into Morocco is highly discouraged unless your production requires a very specific type of drone that is unavailable from local suppliers.
This article outlines the essential procedures you need to follow.
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.
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