Drone regulations in Oman
Last update on 28.09.2023 | 8 Kommentare
Learn in this post all relevant regulations for the use of drones in Oman.
Anyone who wants to fly a copter in Oman must first obtain permission. This entails an elaborate procedure that is not guaranteed to lead to success. The approval is now only granted to commercial users, more precisely this seems to be limited to companies.
Several authorities have to approve the project: the Royal Oman Police (ROP), the Royal Oman Airforce (RAFO), the National Survey Authority (NSA) and, for video productions, the Ministry of Information. After obtaining “no objections letters” from these authorities, an application can be submitted to the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) using this form. A fee must also be paid. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
If you do not have a permit, you can be sure that the drone will be taken from you at the airport and kept until you leave the country.
After the Muscat airport was closed twice in a short time at the end of 2019 due to drones entering its airspace, the government has published the penalties: Those who fly without a permit risk a year in prison and a fine of 10,000 rials (about 23,000 euros).
For my taste, these regulations are entirely excessive why Oman is a destination which will be out of the question for us.
However, according to readers, it is not a problem to bring a drone with you in transit if you are not leaving the airport. In such a case, it is advisable to carry the multicopter in the checked baggage.
Now there is the case that you want to travel to several countries and Oman is only one stop. In this case, you can have the drone stored (for a maximum period of two months) when you enter the country.
Overview: Drone rules in Oman
Drone labels can be ordered here
We have researched the listed drone regulations for Oman to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter 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