Why are drones banned in Morocco?

Hi, I’m Aubin, a passionate aerial photographer. I travel with my drone all over the world to capture unique landscapes from the sky… but there’s one destination that left a bit of a bitter taste: Morocco.

During a road trip planned through the Atlas mountains, the dunes of Merzouga, and the alleys of Chefchaouen, I wanted to bring my trusty DJI Mini 3 Pro. And like many poorly informed travelers, I learned the hard way that drones are strictly prohibited in Morocco. Here’s a quick look at my experience — and more importantly, a full explanation of why this ban exists and what risks you face if you're caught with a drone at customs.

A strict ban since 2015

Since February 2015, the import, sale, and use of drones in Morocco has been formally prohibited, whether for recreational, commercial, or professional use. This ban is enforced by a circular from the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior, distributed to all customs offices across the country.

In simple terms:

You can’t bring a drone into the country,
You can’t buy one there,
And you can’t fly it — even for artistic or touristic purposes.

1. Security and surveillance concerns

The Moroccan government primarily cites national security reasons. Drones are seen as unauthorized surveillance tools, capable of filming or flying over sensitive or military areas.

With the rise of ever more powerful mini drones, it’s becoming harder to control who’s filming what — and where.

2. Countering trafficking and terrorism

Drones have occasionally been used to transport illegal goods, and are therefore seen as a potential risk in the fight against trafficking. Rather than regulating their use like in the EU, Morocco has chosen a complete ban.

3. Protecting privacy

Another argument made by Moroccan authorities is the protection of citizens' privacy. Drones with cameras can capture scenes without people’s consent, raising ethical and legal issues.

pourquoi les drones sont interdits au Maroc

My personal story: my drone seized at Marrakech airport

In 2022, I arrived at Marrakech-Menara airport with my DJI Mini 3 Pro in my backpack, without having done enough research. The result? The drone was immediately seized at customs — no discussion. I was given a slip of paper saying I could collect it upon departure, under certain conditions.

I ended up spending three weeks without my drone (and without my planned photos from the top of the Atlas…). When I returned, I had to pay around €40 in storage fees at the airport to get it back.

A real frustration… and a mistake I won’t make again.

What are the risks if you bring a drone to Morocco?

If you try to enter Morocco with a drone:

🚫 It will be confiscated by customs as soon as you arrive,
🚁 You won’t be allowed to fly it, not even in private settings,
💵 You’ll have to pay airport storage fees to retrieve it when you leave,
👮 In some cases, a fine may be applied.

There are no possible permits for travelers or content creators — even if you request one in advance from the authorities.

What about other countries? Check the laws before you go

Each country has its own drone laws. Unlike Morocco, destinations like Australia, Indonesia, or Norway allow drone flights under certain conditions.

Feel free to check out my article Which drone to choose in 2025? if you’re a travel photographer, or explore my photography guides: