Drone regulations in Oman
Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 16.09.2025 | 8 Kommentare
Find out all the relevant regulations for flying drones in Oman in this article.
If you want to fly a drone in Oman, you must obtain a permit beforehand. This is a complex procedure and success is not guaranteed. Permits are now only issued to commercial users, and more specifically, it appears that only companies are eligible.
Several authorities must approve the project: the Royal Oman Police (ROP), the Royal Oman Airforce (RAFO), the National Survey Authority (NSA), and the Ministry of Information for video productions. Once you have proof that these authorities have no objections, you can use this form to submit an application to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). A fee is also charged for this. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
If you do not have a permit, you can be sure that your drone will be confiscated at the airport and held until your departure.
After Muscat airport was closed twice in quick succession at the end of 2019 due to drones entering its airspace, the government emphasized the penalties: anyone flying without a permit risks one year in prison and a fine of 10,000 Rial (about 23,000 euros). The fact that these rules are enforced without exception was experienced by an Austrian who failed to declare his drone upon entry.
In my opinion, these regulations are completely over the top, which is why Oman will not be a travel destination for us any time soon.
According to information from readers, it is unproblematic to carry a drone in your luggage during transit, as long as you do not leave the airport. In such cases, it is recommended to transport the drone in checked luggage.
There is also the case where you may want to visit several countries and Oman is just one stop. In this case, you can store the drone upon entry (for a period of up to two months). In the comment section below, you will find detailed reports on what you need to consider in such a case.
Overview: Drone rules in Oman
Drone labels can be ordered here
The drone regulations for Oman listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. If you want to be sure, contact the Omani Civil Aviation Authority. Alternatively, you can also contact the Omani embassy in your home country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment if you learn any news and/or have had your own experiences with your drone in Oman!
Can we have our dji spark with us when flying to oman and then continue to dubai and maledives? What should we do in this case if we dont use it in oman but in dubai and maledives.
Hi, were you able to bring the spark to Oman?
Hi Abece,
As I wrote in the article above, most likely you have to leaf your spark at the airport when entering Oman. Probably, you get your drone back when leaving the country.
Need to understand these current strict precautions which were imposed as a result of repeated shutting down Muscat airport due to unauthorized use of drones flying in airport zone and endangering flights.
Good news:
As of March 2020, after amendments in law, Oman authorities will enable tourists to apply for a drone licence in Oman which will allow private drone pilots to use drones. Details will be available on OMAN government website. The procedure, which doesn’t guarantee granting of a licence, takes in best-case scenario around1 month, so advisably would be better to apply least 2 months prior departure to OMAN. Non-refundable fee will be 25 OMR (approx. 55,-EUR).
More details on: http://www.hifmradio.com/trending/drone/
In Emirates, as per current law, “No video or image capturing devices shall be used when flying the drone.” Only drone pilots with Emirates ID can do that, but only in designated zones.
Hi Roland,
Thank you for your input. Can you confirm that this is current information? The article on the radio station website references the Times of Oman as a source and they reported this back in 2017. See here.
Hi guys,
You are talking about Muscat airport, right?!
What about Salalah airport. Can I bring my mavic mini in carry on luggage? Am I requested to go through bodyscan after arrival? I don’t wanna use it in Oman, but after a two days stay in Oman I’m on my way to other destinations.
Hi Peter,
There is a recent case of an Austrian tourist being arrested while flying an unregistered drone – including spy charges, the embassy and the Sultan got involved etc. So it wouldn’t be surprising if there were more thorough searches now. We’re not sure that it would make a difference if you promised not to use your drone.
Good Morning,
Looking to understand the cost required to execute 4k aerial footage around Muscat Hills in Oman.
We are producing a short film. A concern being how close the airport is – would you be able to gain permission?
For past productions (in the UAE, for example), a drone film team would spend a few hours capturing aerial rushes, say 30-45 seconds long. The general goal is to get a 360 helicopter view of the area. Given drone limitations and the size of the plot, I imagine a full 360 tour will not be possible, but we’ll need enough to see the masterplan. I can share more information but looking to get a feel for budget before pitching our client!
Thank you in advance,
Karim Jabado
+9613140433