The Laws of Drone Flight Around the World - Illustration
Over the years, drones have grown increasingly complex, with regulations becoming more intricate and varied across the globe. Surfshark compiled data from countries worldwide to create these insightful visualizations, aimed at helping users identify where drones can still be legally launched. As a VPN provider, Surfshark decided to conduct what is arguably the most thorough study of international drone flight laws.
The company gathered data on drone regulations in 210 countries and regions to better understand how UAV Coach, RAND Corporation, UAV Systems International, and the Library of Congress monitor drone usage. Their research revealed that the regulations in each country or region could be categorized into one of seven main types: complete prohibition, effective bans, applicable restrictions (such as drone registration or permits, requiring additional observers, prohibiting commercial use, etc.), line-of-sight flights, experimental beyond-line-of-sight flights, unrestricted flights (when taking off from private property or airports, with altitude limits of less than 500 feet/150 meters, and heavy drones weighing more than 250 grams are not allowed), and no-fly zones. You can view the raw data used in Surfshark's special report here.
This infographic highlights the legal status of each country based on the laws in October 2020. Below is a comprehensive world map, followed by detailed inspections of individual continents.
In Europe, Surfshark’s data suggests that the region boasts some of the most relaxed drone regulations globally. “While many countries on the African continent have established certain drone regulations to restrict drone usage, these regulations often take the form of simple operational guidelines,†Surfshark noted.
North America also enjoys relatively lenient regulations regarding line-of-sight flights. “Although most countries worldwide require drone operators to maintain visual contact with their drones at all times, 33% of North American countries permit experimental drones to fly beyond visual range,†Surfshark discovered. “This represents the highest percentage among all continents, significantly surpassing the global average of 22%.†The company speculated that this might be due to numerous tech firms exploring drones as part of their delivery infrastructure.
South America does not have any country that completely bans drones, though most require drones to stay within sight. Some nations have specific rules for safety and environmental protection. For instance, drones are prohibited on the Galapagos Islands unless approved for scientific purposes.
In the Middle East and Central Asia, Surfshark found that 21% of countries fully prohibit drones, representing 11% of the world’s total bans and the second-highest share among continents. However, a few nations have begun allowing drones to fly beyond sight.
Oceania and the rest of Asia generally have fewer regulations concerning drones. Most areas permit flying as long as the drone remains within sight, with no country in the region having a full ban.
Africa presents a mixed picture. Over half of its countries lack any drone-related regulations. However, 21% completely ban drones, the highest proportion among all continents. Additionally, 13% have effectively banned the technology, the second-highest share globally. For example, while drones are technically legal in Egypt with permission from the Civil Aviation Authority, obtaining such a license is extremely challenging. Yet, there are promising developments on the continent. In Ghana and Rwanda, drones can fly beyond sight to deliver medical supplies to remote villages. Other countries like Uganda and Zimbabwe also allow drones to operate beyond sight.
Looking ahead, the demand for drone technology continues to grow. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the number of patents for drone technology has risen sharply, increasing from 7,076 in 2017 to 9,485 in 2018, a rise of 34%. While these infographics provide valuable insights, regulations may evolve over the coming years, making continuous updates necessary. Nevertheless, Surfshark’s efforts represent one of the simplest ways to navigate global drone flight rules.
As someone interested in understanding regional drone laws, these visuals offer a straightforward approach. But there’s always more to explore. Surfshark also uncovered fascinating data about the future of drone technology. The company reported that the demand for drones shows no signs of slowing down. This information may change as regulations adjust in the upcoming years. However, Surfshark’s work here is one of the most accessible ways to grasp global drone flight regulations.
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