For national security reasons, since March 2015, Morocco has banned the importation and use of drones.
This ban applies exclusively to individuals. However, professionals are allowed to operate drones for commercial purposes, provided they comply with the guidelines set by the Ministry of interior, the Ministry in charge of foreign trade, and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency.
To import a drone legally into Morocco, it is mandatory to first obtain an import license in accordance with the decree no. 386-15 of February 6, 2015. This document can be applied for by registered Moroccan companies using the PORTNET platform. This process may take several weeks, or even months, as the review of your file must pass through the offices of the three aforementioned agencies.
Once the import license is obtained, you can submit a request for a flight authorization. This procedure must be undergone in collaboration with the prefecture or province where your filming will take place. You will also need to provide detailed information about the drone, the pilot, as well as the conditions and scope of the planned flight.
Depending on the flight area, it generally takes about 10 working days to obtain this permit, if approved. However, in some regions, the final decision belongs to the Royal Armed Forces, and processing the request may take more than two weeks.
Furthermore, it is essential to obtain a filming authorization from the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM).
Other specific permits may be required depending on the nature of the filming, which is why it is important to thoroughly consult with the competent authorities and a fixer based on the location of your project.
Foreign production companies wishing to conduct filming in Morocco are strongly advised to work with a registered local drone services provider to facilitate the obtaining of necessary permission to operate legally.
Please note that it is strictly prohibited to fly over military installations, airports, as well as sensitive areas (royal palaces, ports, nature reserves, etc.).
For more information, please refer to the legal text:
Ministerial Decree No. 1560-17, Ministry of Transport.
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