Don’t Fly Your Drone in Seychelles Until You Read This (2025 Laws Update)

• Mandatory Registration: All drones weighing 200 grams or more must be registered with the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) before operation nation.sc. This applies to both recreational and commercial users.
• Legal for Hobbyists & Pros: Recreational and commercial drone flights are legal in Seychelles, and no drone pilot license is required. However, strict rules from SCAA must be followed for every flight drone-laws.com.
• Strict No-Fly Zones: Drones cannot fly within 15 km of Seychelles’ main airports (Mahé and Praslin) or within 5 km of any heliport without special SCAA permission seychelles.cc. In a small island nation, these large airport exclusion zones mean much of the territory is off-limits to drones uavcoach.com.
• Crowds and Privacy Off-Limits: Flying over towns, crowds, public events or over private property without consent is prohibited unless explicit approval is obtained uavcoach.com. Capturing images that violate someone’s privacy is an offense under Seychelles law uavcoach.com.
• Daytime VLOS Only: You must keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times and only fly in daylight. Night flying is banned unless special permission is granted by authorities nation.sc.
• Weight and Approvals: Drones over 7 kg require an explicit SCAA authorization before flight, while drones 7 kg or under may be flown under general rules (still respecting all restrictions) without special approval uavcoach.com.
• Tourist Requirements: Foreign drone operators (e.g. tourists) must obtain prior permission from the Seychelles Department of Information & Communication Technology (DICT) before bringing or flying a drone in the country insideseychelles.com. This approval is in addition to SCAA registration.
• Stiff Penalties: Violating drone laws can lead to severe penalties, including fines up to 25,000 Seychellois rupees (SCR) and up to 2 years in prison for serious offenses nation.sc. Authorities are actively enforcing these rules in the interest of aviation safety.

Overview of Seychelles Drone Regulations

Seychelles is often viewed as a tropical paradise, but when it comes to drones, it has a firm regulatory framework to ensure safety and privacy. The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) is the national body overseeing drone operations. According to SCAA, drone flying is legal in Seychelles for both recreational enthusiasts and commercial operators, provided all regulations are strictly followed drone-laws.com. In recent years, Seychelles has introduced comprehensive drone guidelines (notably in 2017 and updated in 2021) to address the surge in drone usage. These rules cover everything from registration and airspace restrictions to privacy concerns and penalties for misuse.

In practice, the Seychelles drone laws align with global safety principles: keep drones away from airports, people, and sensitive areas; fly only in safe conditions; and always respect others’ privacy. What sets Seychelles apart are some specific local requirements – such as a 200 gram registration threshold (slightly stricter than the 250 g standard in many countries) and the need for foreign operators to get government clearance. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key legal aspects you need to know before flying a drone in Seychelles.

Recreational vs. Commercial Drone Use

Whether you’re a tourist wanting stunning aerial shots or a business using drones for filming or surveying, Seychelles permits both recreational and commercial drone operations. Importantly, no specialized drone pilot license or exam is currently required for general drone use in Seychelles drone-laws.com. Both hobbyists and professional operators must adhere to the same SCAA rules:

• Registration: Both recreational and commercial users must register drones weighing ≥200 g with SCAA (details in the next section) nation.sc. Registration helps authorities keep track of drone operators and ensure accountability.
• Compliance with Guidelines: All operators must follow SCAA’s safety guidelines and no-fly zone rules. There isn’t a separate set of “easier” rules for hobbyists – the restrictions on where and how you can fly apply equally to everyone.
• Insurance: SCAA recommends having liability insurance for your drone, though it is not legally mandatory for either recreational or commercial flights drone-laws.com. Given the potential risks (injury or property damage), insurance is strongly advised especially for commercial operations, but it’s not enforced by law.
• Commercial Filming/Photography: If you plan to use a drone for commercial photography/videography (e.g. weddings, real estate, mapping), you must still follow all standard rules. Notably, flying over crowds or in urban areas requires advance permission from SCAA and possibly local authorities uavcoach.com. Commercial operators should plan ahead for these authorizations if their work involves restricted areas.

Overall, Seychelles treats recreational and commercial drone use similarly under the law – the focus is on safe flying practices and prior authorization for higher-risk activities, rather than on who is flying. Unlike some countries, there is currently no separate licensing regimen (such as a drone pilot certificate) for commercial pilots in Seychelles drone-laws.com. This makes compliance straightforward: register your drone, and follow the same rules regardless of flight purpose.

Registration and Licensing Requirements

Drone registration is a cornerstone of Seychelles’ drone law. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 2017, all drones with a minimum weight of 200 grams (0.2 kg) must be registered with the SCAA before being operated in Seychelles drone-laws.com. In other words, virtually any drone heavier than a basic toy model needs registration. Key points about the registration process include:

• Online Registration System: SCAA has an online drone registration portal (the “SCAA Drones Database”) where owners create an account and submit details of their drone. Registration is currently free of charge and requires providing personal identification and drone information drone-traveller.com nation.sc. For example, you will need to upload a copy of your ID/passport, a photo of the drone, and its serial number during registration drone-traveller.com. Each registration is tied to the owner and their drone’s details (make, model, weight, etc.).
• Confirmation and ID Number: Once you submit your drone’s details, SCAA will process the application. You’ll receive a confirmation of registration (often via email) when it’s approved drone-traveller.com. Your drone may be assigned a registration identification or confirmation number. As of August 2023, over 3,800 drones had been registered in Seychelles, reflecting how popular drones have become nation.sc.
• Marking/Labeling: Seychelles does not currently require you to affix a registration label or ID on the drone’s exterior (unlike some countries) drone-traveller.com. However, having a copy of your registration confirmation accessible (digital or print) is wise in case authorities ask for proof.
• No Pilot License Needed: Importantly, Seychelles has no requirement for a drone pilot license or exam for civilian drone operators at this time drone-laws.com. There is also no mandatory training course for hobbyists or Part 107-style certification for commercial pilots. That said, operators are expected to be knowledgeable of the rules and fly responsibly. SCAA’s stance is that following the published guidelines is sufficient for now, though this could evolve with time.

Foreign operators and permits: If you are a foreign national or tourist bringing a drone, Seychelles has an extra step. In addition to SCAA registration, you must obtain approval from the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) before flying insideseychelles.com. DICT handles communications and possibly import permissions – likely to ensure drones with cameras don’t pose security or privacy threats. Travelers are advised to email communications@ict.gov.sc in advance to request this approval insideseychelles.com. Failing to secure DICT permission could result in your drone being held by customs on arrival or denied permission to operate. Essentially, tourists need both DICT approval and SCAA registration to be fully compliant.

It’s wise to carry proof of your SCAA registration and DICT approval (for foreigners) when traveling with a drone. Seychelles authorities are aware of drone imports, and there have been reports of drones being seized at the border when proper paperwork wasn’t in order drone-laws.com. Being proactive with registration and permits ensures a smooth experience.

No-Fly Zones and Geographic Restrictions

One of the most critical parts of Seychelles’ drone laws is understanding where you can’t fly. Given Seychelles’ small land area and sensitive infrastructure, the no-fly zones effectively cover large portions of the islands. SCAA has delineated specific restricted areas to protect airports, heliports, and the public. Below are the key geographic restrictions:

• Airports – 15 km Radius: It is illegal to fly a drone within 15 kilometers (~9 miles) of any airport or airfield in Seychelles without SCAA and Air Traffic Control permission seychelles.cc. Seychelles has two major airports open to civil flights – Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, and the Praslin Island Airport – and both are surrounded by broad no-fly circles. Given the islands’ small size, the 15 km airport exclusion zone covers most of Mahé and a significant part of Praslin, effectively banning drones in those areas unless you have explicit approval seychelles.cc uavcoach.com. Drone pilots should assume all airspace near airports is off-limits by default.
• Helipads and Heliports – 5 km Radius: Many islands (and even some resorts) have heliports or helipads for helicopter operations. Drones cannot fly within 5 kilometers (~3 miles) of any heliport or helipad unless you have permission from SCAA/air traffic authorities seychelles.cc. This restriction recognizes that helicopters often fly at low altitudes around islands. Popular tourist spots like La Digue have helipads, so be mindful that a 5 km zone around those is a no-fly area.
• Approach/Departure Paths: Even outside the 15 km/5 km radii, drones must stay clear of aircraft flight paths. SCAA prohibits drone operations in the approach and departure corridors of airports and active runways or heliports drone-laws.com. Practically, if you are near an airport (even outside 15 km) or notice low-flying planes/helicopters, do not fly in those directions. Always yield right-of-way to manned aircraft – it’s both law and common sense.
• Over Populated Areas:Towns, cities, villages or any “congested areas” are generally no-fly zones for drones without special authorization uavcoach.com. You cannot fly over residential areas, urban centers, or gatherings of people. For example, flying a drone over downtown Victoria (the capital) or over beaches crowded with tourists would violate SCAA rules unless you have written permission from authorities for a specific event or project.
• Crowds and Public Events: It’s explicitly forbidden to fly over or near large groups of people, open-air assemblies, or public events (such as concerts, sports events, rallies) unless SCAA and relevant local authorities have granted permission uavcoach.com. Drones can pose safety hazards to crowds, so this is strictly enforced. Even if you’re an event photographer, you must coordinate with SCAA well in advance to get approval for any crowd overflight.
• Private Property: You must maintain distance from private properties. SCAA’s guidelines mandate staying at least 50 meters away from people and not flying within 150 meters of a private residence without the owner’s consent seychelles.cc. Essentially, you cannot buzz over someone’s house or backyard uninvited. Flying low over hotels, resorts, or other private facilities is also risky – always seek permission if in doubt. Respecting privacy and preventing nuisance is a key concern (more on privacy rules below).
• Sensitive Sites:Security-sensitive areas are strictly off-limits to drones. These include locations like the State House (presidential residence), prisons, military or police facilities, and power plants or fuel storage sites uavcoach.com. Flying a drone near government buildings or critical infrastructure is a serious violation. SCAA publishes notices of restricted airspace for such sensitive locales, and pilots are expected to know and avoid them uavcoach.com. When in doubt, assume any government or strategic installation is a no-fly zone and stay well clear.
• Emergency Scenes: Another restriction – do not fly your drone in any area where there is an ongoing emergency response or law enforcement operation without permission drone-laws.com. This is to avoid interfering with police, firefighters, or rescue helicopters. For instance, if there’s a fire or a rescue at sea and you send up a drone to get footage, you could face penalties unless authorities authorized it.

It’s important to note that violating no-fly zones is taken very seriously. For high-risk areas like around airports, SCAA requires formal flight authorization requests even for professional operators. Through the SCAA Drones Database, registered users who need to fly in controlled or restricted airspace can submit a Drone Flight Authorization request online nation.sc. SCAA will assess the request, and if approved, they will issue a unique authorization number along with specific instructions (often including coordination with Air Traffic Control during the flight) nation.sc. Only with such explicit approval can one legally fly in zones that are otherwise restricted.

In summary, know the prohibited zones before you fly. Given Seychelles’ geography, you might find that many popular areas (near airports or resorts) fall under restrictions. Always consult SCAA’s latest guidelines or maps if available. When flying, keep a safe distance from airports, heliports, people, private property, and sensitive sites – virtually everything that could pose a safety or privacy risk is covered in the no-fly rules.

Flight Operation Limits (Altitude, VLOS, and Time of Day)

Beyond geography, Seychelles imposes operational limits on how you fly your drone. These rules are in place to prevent accidents and mid-air conflicts with other aircraft. All drone pilots in Seychelles should adhere to the following operational restrictions:

• Altitude Limit: SCAA’s guidelines advise keeping drones at low altitudes – essentially not higher than the nearest buildings, trees, or structures in your vicinity uavcoach.com. While a specific numeric altitude limit isn’t explicitly stated in the publicly available guidelines, a common international ceiling of about 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level is a wise maximum. In practice, due to the small islands and frequent low-flying planes and helicopters (e.g., inter-island flights), it’s prudent to stay well below that. Some sources suggest 200 feet in uncontrolled airspace as a limit in Seychelles drone-traveller.com, emphasizing the need for caution. Always err on the side of a lower altitude in Seychelles to avoid any chance of interfering with other air traffic.
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must maintain direct visual contact with your drone at all times during flight drone-laws.com. This means no first-person-view only flying beyond where you can physically see the drone. SCAA uses this rule to ensure pilots can always maneuver to avoid hazards. As a general guide, if your drone starts getting so far or high that it’s a speck in the sky, you’re likely too far. Always be able to tell its orientation and have it within eyesight (unaided by binoculars). Losing sight of your drone not only breaks the law, but it also greatly increases the risk of crashes or flyaways.
• Daylight-Only Flying:Night flying is prohibited in Seychelles for normal drone operations nation.sc. You are only allowed to fly during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset. The rationale is that at night, it’s much harder to maintain visual line of sight and judge distances, plus there’s a higher chance of colliding with unseen obstacles or disturbing people. Exception – special permit: SCAA may grant special permission for night operations on a case-by-case basis (for example, for authorized research or film productions), but you must apply and obtain explicit approval before conducting any after-dark flight nation.sc. For the vast majority of users, plan to fly only in good daylight conditions.
• Right-of-Way to Manned Aircraft: If at any point an airplane or helicopter is spotted near your area of operation, immediately bring your drone down and land uavcoach.com. This is a critical safety rule – drones should never be in the path of manned aircraft. Seychelles has helicopter tours, inter-island flights, and small planes that often fly at lower altitudes especially around the islands. As one experienced pilot noted, helicopters in Seychelles can appear quickly and at low altitudes, so drone operators need to be extremely vigilant drone-traveller.com. It’s your responsibility to avoid any conflict. Regulators have stressed that reckless drone use near flight paths is a serious breach of aviation safety and can endanger lives nation.sc nation.sc. In fact, under Regulation 25 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 2017, acting in a way that could endanger an aircraft (such as flying a drone recklessly in controlled airspace) is illegal and punishable under Seychelles law nation.sc.
• Weather and Line-of-Sight Conditions: While not explicitly codified, standard aviation practice (which SCAA expects drone pilots to follow) is to only fly in good weather with clear visibility. Heavy rain, high winds, or fog are unsafe for drone operation. Seychelles can have sudden tropical rainstorms and strong winds, so always assess conditions. Flying in adverse weather not only risks losing your drone, it could also be deemed negligent if an incident occurs.
• No Automated Drone Deliveries or Dropping Objects: SCAA does not allow drones to carry or drop hazardous materials, and in general you should not drop any item from a drone that could cause harm drone-laws.com. Attaching payloads (unless very lightweight and safe) or using drones for delivery without permission would violate safety rules. Similarly, flying a drone while handling dangerous substances (like chemicals or pyrotechnics) is prohibited drone-laws.com. Essentially, your drone should be used only for benign purposes like photography, and never as a vehicle to transport or drop items in a way that could endanger people or property.

Adhering to these operational limits is crucial. They are relatively straightforward: keep your drone within sight, fly low, only in daytime, and yield to all manned aircraft. By doing so, you minimize the risk of accidents. SCAA’s guidelines are designed such that if every pilot follows them, drones should not come into conflict with commercial aviation or pose undue risk on the ground.

Privacy and Safety Rules

Seychelles places a strong emphasis on protecting privacy and ensuring safety. Many of the “don’ts” in the drone code of conduct aim to prevent drones from becoming a public nuisance or hazard. Here are the critical privacy and safety-related rules:

• No Invasion of Privacy: It is illegal to use your drone to spy on or capture images of people in private settings without consent. SCAA explicitly warns drone operators not to take photographs or videos that might breach someone’s privacy, as this can constitute an offense under Seychelles law uavcoach.com. For example, flying a camera drone over private villas, hotel pools, backyards, or through windows is strictly forbidden. Respect people’s privacy just as you would expect yours to be respected. Seychelles, being a popular honeymoon and holiday destination, has many visitors who value their privacy; the authorities take complaints about intrusive drones very seriously.
• Safe Distance from People and Property: Always keep a safe distance from individuals, vehicles, buildings, and vessels. As mentioned earlier, a minimum 50-meter horizontal distance from any uninvolved person is a good practice seychelles.cc. You should not hover over someone or swoop close to them – even if it’s just to get a shot – without permission. In the event your drone loses control, maintaining distance reduces the chance of hitting someone. Also, avoid flying over private property (homes, gardens, etc.) without permission, as it’s both a safety and privacy issue.
• No Reckless or Negligent Operation: Seychelles law prohibits operating drones in a careless or reckless manner that could endanger people or other aircraft nation.sc nation.sc. This is a broad rule that can be applied to various scenarios – for instance, if you fly in an unsafe location (like a busy road or near an active runway) or in a dangerous way (like rapidly diving at crowds or performing stunts over people), you could be prosecuted. SCAA has warned that negligent use of drones, especially in restricted airspace, is a serious offense and they are working with police to enforce it nation.sc nation.sc.
• Not Under the Influence: You are not allowed to fly a drone if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs drone-laws.com. Just as drunk driving is illegal, so is drunk droning. Impairment can lead to poor judgment and control, so this rule is in place to ensure operators are fully alert when flying. If there were an incident, any indication that the pilot was intoxicated would lead to severe penalties.
• Pre-Flight Checks: While not a “law” per se, the SCAA emphasizes in its guidelines that pilots should inspect their drone and equipment before each flight nation.sc. Ensure the drone is in good working condition (battery charged, propellers secure, firmware updated) to prevent accidents due to equipment failure. Many incidents can be avoided by routine pre-flight checks. If a drone crash causes damage or injury, and it’s found that it was due to negligence in maintenance, the operator could be held responsible.
• No Hazardous Payloads or Weaponization: Drones must not carry weapons or hazardous materials, and of course one cannot arm a drone in any way drone-laws.com. This includes firearms, fireworks, lasers, etc. Discharging or dropping any object from a drone that could hurt people or property is outlawed drone-laws.com. Thankfully, such cases are rare, but the law is clear that drones are for benign uses only – using one as a weapon or to carry dangerous goods would be met with harsh legal action.
• Etiquette and Wildlife: Though not explicitly in the law text we have, it’s worth noting as a safety and environmental consideration: avoid harassing wildlife with your drone. Seychelles has protected natural areas and wildlife (birds, tortoises, marine life). Flying too close to birds or disturbing animals could violate conservation rules. Always check if an area (like a nature reserve or national park) has additional drone restrictions. Even if not codified, ethical flying means not stressing wildlife or livestock.

In summary, fly with respect and caution. The safety rules boil down to not endangering anyone and not violating people’s rights. SCAA’s public messaging often appeals to drone users to educate themselves and use “common sense” – for instance, a 2022 SCAA press release urged the public to be conversant with the drone guidelines to prevent misuse nation.sc. If you operate responsibly – keeping distances, avoiding private areas, and staying sober and attentive – you’ll be on the right side of both the law and courtesy.

Penalties for Violating Drone Laws

Seychelles backs up its drone regulations with significant penalties to deter bad behavior. If you break the drone laws, you could face both fines and even imprisonment:

• Fines: Flying a drone illegally can result in a fine of up to 25,000 Seychelles rupees (SCR) nation.sc. To put that in perspective, SCR 25,000 is on the order of a few thousand USD – a substantial penalty. This fine level indicates that authorities consider drone violations a serious matter, not a trivial infraction. Lesser offenses might incur smaller fines at officials’ discretion, but the law provides for heavy fines in severe cases (for example, flying in a restricted zone and endangering an aircraft).
• Imprisonment: In the worst-case scenario, a drone operator can face up to 2 years in prison for egregious violations nation.sc. This would likely apply if someone’s drone activities directly threatened aviation safety or caused harm. While there’s no public record of a drone pilot being jailed in Seychelles yet, the possibility exists in law. For instance, repeatedly flying in an airport flight path or causing an aircraft near-miss could land a person behind bars.
• Drone Confiscation: Though not explicitly stated in the snippet, it is common practice that authorities may confiscate your drone if you’re caught violating regulations. If you flew without registering, or in a prohibited area, the drone might be seized as evidence and potentially not returned. Additionally, as noted earlier, customs officers might hold or confiscate drones brought in by visitors who lack the necessary approvals drone-laws.com. Losing your equipment (often worth hundreds or thousands of dollars) is an added financial consequence beyond legal penalties.
• Enforcement: The SCAA is actively working with the police to enforce drone laws nation.sc. This means if you are reported or spotted doing something unsafe with a drone, you could be approached by law enforcement. Seychelles is a small country and word travels fast – if a drone is seen near an airport or over a sensitive area, authorities will likely be alerted. In one public notice, SCAA expressed that they are closely monitoring for reckless drone use in restricted airspace and will take action to protect public safety nation.sc nation.sc. Drone pilots should not expect any leniency if caught breaking the rules under the “I didn’t know” excuse; the onus is on the operator to know the law.
• Liability for Damages: Apart from government penalties, remember that you can also be held civilly liable if your drone injures someone or damages property. For example, if a drone falls and causes injury or accident, the injured party could sue for damages. This is another reason why having insurance (even if not mandated) is wise. It’s also a reminder that the penalties aren’t just those in the statute books – real-world consequences of an incident could be far-reaching (medical bills, lawsuits, etc.).

To stay safe from penalties, it’s best to strictly follow the regulations and when in doubt, ask for guidance or permission from SCAA. The fines and potential legal trouble far outweigh any momentary benefit you’d get from taking a risky drone flight. In short, don’t risk it – fly responsibly and within the law.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

Seychelles’ drone regulatory landscape has evolved significantly in the past few years, and it continues to adapt as drone usage grows. Here are some recent developments and what to watch for in the future:

• 2017 – Foundations Laid: Around 2017, SCAA first announced it was drafting drone regulations, at a time when no specific laws existed yet nation.sc. Consultations were held with drone operators, and even then the basic rules (no flying near people, no night flights, airport restrictions, etc.) were proposed. The penalty framework of SCR 25,000 fine or 2 years jail was introduced to underscore the seriousness nation.sc. This set the stage for formalizing drone laws.
• 2021 – Regulations Implemented: By March 2021, Seychelles formally implemented its drone regulations and launched the online registration system insideseychelles.com. This was a key turning point: from that date, all drone owners were required to register their equipment, and SCAA started issuing authorizations for flights in restricted zones. Over 2,500 drones were registered in the first year (2021–2022) alone insideseychelles.com. The end of February 2021 saw new rules come into force to manage the rising number of drones, balancing the fun of flying with the islands’ safety constraints drone-traveller.com.
• Ongoing Public Awareness: SCAA has been proactive in educating the public. In late 2022 and 2023, press releases and articles were published urging drone users to register and follow the guidelines nation.sc nation.sc. Campaigns were launched to inform operators about the dos and don’ts, especially highlighting the risks of flying near the main airport’s flight paths after some alarming drone sightings in those areas nation.sc nation.sc. This suggests that while regulations exist, compliance was still catching up, hence the need for awareness drives.
• Enforcement Gaining Traction: Initially, Seychelles focused on education and registration. More recently, there’s been a shift towards stricter enforcement. SCAA in 2022 indicated it was working closely with police to enforce drone laws after repeated violations were observed nation.sc. We can expect enforcement to tighten even further as drone numbers increase. Drone pilots should assume that unauthorized flights will be noticed and can be traced (especially since most have to register).
• Technological Updates: As of 2025, Seychelles has no Remote ID requirement (unlike the US or EU which are introducing electronic identification for drones) drone-laws.com. There’s also no indication yet of Seychelles adopting the comprehensive EU drone categories or something like a pilot licensing system. However, global trends may influence future local rules. SCAA might consider additional measures if drone traffic grows – for example, creating official drone maps, designating specific “drone zones,” or requiring basic competency tests. Keep an eye on SCAA announcements for any such updates.
• Regional Context: In the region, countries like Mauritius have also tightened drone rules (permits for visitors, strict no-fly areas, etc.). Seychelles’ approach is quite aligned with regional cautiousness. We may see cooperation or information-sharing among Indian Ocean states on drone regulation, especially for addressing common concerns like airport safety and privacy at tourist sites.
• Future Legislation: No major new drone laws have been publicly announced for Seychelles as of late 2024, but that doesn’t mean things won’t change. The drone industry and international aviation standards evolve quickly. For instance, if drones start being used for commercial deliveries or other advanced operations in Seychelles, new regulations would be needed to govern those activities. SCAA has shown it will react when needed – much like it did when drones first became popular. It’s advisable for drone users to regularly check SCAA’s website or contact SCAA for the latest rules before flying, as regulations can be updated with little notice to address emerging issues drone-laws.com.

In conclusion, Seychelles has moved from having no drone rules to a fairly robust regulatory system in a short span. The current focus is on ensuring all drones are accounted for (registered) and that operators follow the established safety rules. Moving forward, expect a continued balance between enabling drone use (for tourism, business, etc.) and safeguarding the islands’ security, privacy, and aviation. Staying informed is key – what is allowed today could change tomorrow as the legal framework keeps pace with technology and usage patterns.

Comparison to International Drone Laws

For context, it helps to compare Seychelles’ drone regulations with those of other countries:

• Registration Threshold: Seychelles requires registration for drones weighing 200 g or more nation.sc, which is a slightly stricter threshold than many countries. For example, the EU (and countries like the US and Canada) typically set the cutoff at 250 g for mandatory registration. This means Seychelles even wants some ultra-light drones (like DJI Mini series, which are ~249 g) to be registered, whereas those might be exempt elsewhere. It reflects a conservative approach to ensure virtually all capable drones are on record.
• Pilot Licensing: Unlike many Western countries or even neighbors like South Africa, Seychelles does not require a drone pilot license or formal training course for standard operations drone-laws.com. In the EU, even recreational flyers of heavier drones must pass an online exam, and commercial operators often need certification (e.g., FAA Part 107 in the US). Seychelles currently has no such equivalent – a boon for hobbyists, as it lowers the barrier to entry. However, it also means the responsibility is on the user to self-educate using SCAA’s guidelines.
• No-Fly Zone Extents: Seychelles’ 15 km airport no-fly radius is quite large by international standards. Many countries use about 5 km (3 miles) around airports as a typical restriction for drones. The expansive 15 km zone is likely due to the specific island geography and the desire to err on the side of caution. This could be seen as more restrictive than usual, effectively blanketing a lot of territory off-limits. On the other hand, outside the airport zones, Seychelles doesn’t explicitly list as many ad-hoc local no-fly zones as some countries do (for instance, some countries ban drones in all national parks or city centers by default). In Seychelles it comes down to the general rules about not flying over people or private property, etc., rather than a long list of GPS-coordinated zones.
• Foreign Operator Permits: Seychelles requiring foreign visitors to get DICT approval is somewhat unique. Many countries simply apply the same rules to foreigners as to locals (i.e., register and follow rules). Seychelles essentially adds an extra bureaucratic step for tourists. This is comparable to a few other nations that have special permits for visiting drone pilots (for example, Cuba or Morocco have required prior permission to import drones). It seems aimed at controlling import of drones and ensuring visitors are aware of local laws. Travelers should plan ahead for this, whereas in many destinations you could just arrive and fly as long as you respect the rules.
• Insurance and Liability: Some countries (like in Europe) mandate liability insurance for certain drone operations. Seychelles does not mandate insurance drone-laws.com, though it’s recommended. In practice, anyone doing commercial work internationally would carry insurance anyway. The lack of a mandate simply keeps things simpler for casual users and small drones.
• Penal provisions: The penalties in Seychelles (fine and jail potential) are actually similar to those in other jurisdictions in terms of severity. Many countries have fines in the thousands of dollars and possible jail time for endangering aviation. So Seychelles is on par with international norms in signaling that drone misuse is a serious offense.

In essence, Seychelles’ drone laws mirror common international principles (register your drone, stay under 120m, keep away from airports and people, etc.), but with a few local twists: a lower weight threshold and bigger airport buffers, plus an extra permit for foreigners. The framework is less complex than, say, the EU’s categorization system or the FAA’s certification process, but that means pilots must proactively adhere to general safety rules without a formal licensing system to guide them. If you’re used to flying in countries like the US, UK, or EU, you’ll find Seychelles’ rules familiar in spirit – just be mindful of the stricter no-fly zones and the need to deal with the local authorities (SCAA and DICT) upfront.

Final Thoughts

Flying a drone in Seychelles can be incredibly rewarding – the islands offer breathtaking scenery perfect for aerial photography. However, the drone laws in Seychelles are stringent, reflecting the islands’ delicate environment and airspace. Both residents and visitors must take these regulations seriously. Before you even pack your drone, ensure you’ve registered with SCAA, and if you’re a tourist, obtained DICT approval. Plan your flights such that you avoid all restricted areas and times. Essentially, do your homework (which, if you’ve read this far, you’ve started doing!).

Seychelles’ authorities are not anti-drone; they acknowledge drones are legal and useful, but they demand that operators act responsibly and within the framework provided. By following the rules summarized in this guide – from no-fly zones to privacy and safety practices – you can enjoy flying your drone in Seychelles without legal troubles. Always err on the side of caution and when in doubt, reach out to SCAA for clarification or permission. That way, the only thing your drone will be capturing are the stunning vistas of this island paradise, and not the attention of law enforcement.

Sources:

1. Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority – Unmanned Aircraft/Drone Operation Safety Guidelines (Rev.5) drone-laws.com uavcoach.com
2. Seychelles Nation (National News) – “Use of drones in Seychelles – What you need to know!” (Nov. 2023) nation.sc nation.sc
3. Seychelles Nation – Press Release: Negligent use of drones in restricted airspace a serious breach of aviation safety (May 2022) nation.sc nation.sc
4. Seychelles Nation – “SCAA to implement regulations regarding unmanned aircraft” (Apr. 2017) nation.sc nation.sc
5. UAV Coach – Drone Laws in the Seychelles (2023 summary of SCAA rules) uavcoach.com uavcoach.com
6. Drone-Laws.com – Seychelles Drone Laws 2025 (Aug. 2025) drone-laws.com drone-laws.com
7. Inside Seychelles – “Register Your Drone with SCAA” (Jan. 2023) insideseychelles.com insideseychelles.com
8. Drone-Traveller.com – “Drone Laws in Seychelles” (updated Jan. 2024) drone-traveller.com drone-traveller.com