Drone Flying In Bahrain: What You Need To Know

Drone laws vary from country to country and are constantly changing. In Bahrain, there are a number of rules and regulations that users should be aware of before flying a drone. In this paragraph, we will explore the current drone laws in Bahrain and provide an overview of the restrictions and requirements for operating these devices within the country.

Drone laws in Bahrain

Importing and Travelling with Drones

According to the Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Interior Customs Affairs, electronic wireless aircraft, including drones and model aircraft, are prohibited from being imported into the country and will be confiscated. Therefore, it is not recommended to travel to Bahrain with a drone.

Drone Regulations in Bahrain

Despite the lack of clarity on specific drone laws, there are some general guidelines and regulations that are recommended or required for flying drones in Bahrain:

• Avoid flying within five miles of an airport.
• Keep the drone within visual line-of-sight.
• Fly at or below 400 feet.
• Fly during daylight or civil twilight.
• Fly at or under 100 mph.
• Yield the right of way to manned aircraft.
• Do not fly directly over people or crowded areas.
• Respect the privacy of others.
• Do not fly from a moving vehicle unless in a sparsely populated area.
• Do not fly in sensitive areas, including government or military facilities.
• Ensure your drone is registered with the relevant authorities.
• Obtain written authorisation from the Ministry of Interior and the Bahrain Defense Force.
• Do not carry or drop anything from your drone while in flight.
• Do not fly in or near clouds or in bad weather conditions.
• Maintain a safe distance from people and property.
• Ensure you have insurance covering all risks.

Penalties for Illegal Drone Use

The penalties for flying a drone illegally in Bahrain are not clearly defined. However, the severity of the fine and the scope of the punishment will depend on the nature and severity of the infraction. Judges will also consider the intent and any commercial purposes behind the illegal drone use. The Law no. 14 of 2013 regarding the issuance of Civil Aviation Law will be used as a reference for penalties.

Drone registration in Bahrain

Drone usage in Bahrain is regulated by the Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA), a division of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.

Drone registration is required for all users in Bahrain, including hobbyists, commercial operators, government operators, and visitors/tourists.

The CAA has outlined specific rules for the operation of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in the country. All UAVs must be registered with the CAA, regardless of size or weight. Bahrain classifies drones into three categories: Type A (under 5kg), Type B (5kg to 25kg), and Type C (over 25kg).

To register a drone in Bahrain, you must submit an application to the CAA. The application must include:

• The scope of the operation
• The name and details of the person or persons intending to operate the drone
• Insurance cover details for the operation
• No objection evidence from the Bahrain Defence Force, the Ministry of Interior, or any other concerned authorities

Additionally, the application must specify the names, addresses, and contact details of any persons or entities that will be permitted to operate the drone. The registered owner of the drone will bear ultimate responsibility for its operation.

The application should be submitted at least seven working days before the intended date of operation. The CAA will consider the type of UAV and its intended use before granting registration. The registration is valid for three years.

Drone Usage Rules in Bahrain

In addition to registration, there are several rules and restrictions that drone operators must follow in Bahrain. These include:

• Do not fly over people or large crowds
• Respect privacy when flying
• Do not fly over airports or near aircraft
• Fly during daylight hours and only in good weather conditions
• Do not fly in sensitive areas, including government or military facilities
• Do not fly within 30 meters of a person who is not directly associated with the operation of the drone
• Do not fly in controlled airspace without the necessary certifications and permissions
• Give way to crewed aircraft and avoid other UAVs

Drone insurance in Bahrain

Drone insurance is not mandatory for drone operators in Bahrain, but it is highly recommended. This includes hobbyists, commercial operators, and tourists.

Drone operators in Bahrain are required to follow a set of regulations, which include:

• Not flying over people or large crowds
• Respecting the privacy of others
• Avoiding airports and areas where aircraft are operating
• Only flying during daylight hours and in good weather conditions
• Avoiding sensitive areas such as government or military facilities

In addition to these general rules, there are specific requirements for registering and operating drones in Bahrain. All drones, regardless of size or weight, must be registered with the Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs (BCAA). The registration process involves classifying the drone by weight (under 5kg, 5-25kg, or over 25kg) and providing details such as the owner's name, address, and contact information.

When submitting a drone registration application, operators must also include:

• The UAV's operating manual
• Proof of competence, experience, and resources to operate the drone safely
• Insurance covering all activities in Bahrain
• Proof of payment of any required fees
• Permission to own and/or operate the UAV from the Ministry of Interior and the Bahrain Defense Force

The cost of registration depends on the drone's weight, with drones under 5kg costing around €70, those between 5-25kg costing around €240, and drones over 25kg costing approximately €360.

Drone weight categories in Bahrain

Drone laws in Bahrain are regulated by the Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) under the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.

Bahrain has established a drone regulations framework that sets out the rules and regulations for drone usage in the country. The CAA states that drone operations are allowed in Bahrain, but they are subject to regulations.

The country differentiates between four drone weight classes:

• Type A UAV: Weighing under 5kg
• Type B UAV: Weighing from 5kg to 25kg inclusive
• Type C UAV: Weighing in excess of 25kg
• UAVs weighing between 5kg and 25kg

All drones, regardless of size or weight, must be registered with the CAA. The registration cost depends on the drone's weight:

• Less than 5kg: €70
• Between 5kg and 25kg: €240
• Heavier than 25kg: €360

The registration process involves submitting an application to the CAA, which includes providing personal details, proof of competence and experience, insurance details, and paying any relevant fees. The registration is valid for 3 years.

Different rules may apply depending on the weight of your drone, and the flight area will be determined during the registration process.

Drone flight rules in Bahrain

Drone operations in Bahrain are regulated by the country's Civil Aviation Affairs (BCAA) division of the Civil Ministry of Transportation. While some sources state that there are no drone laws in Bahrain, others suggest that there are rules and regulations in place.

Importing Drones

According to the Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Interior Customs Affairs, drones are prohibited from being brought through customs and will be confiscated. This means that it is not advisable to travel to Bahrain with a drone.

Drone Registration

All UAVs, regardless of size or weight, must be registered with the BCAA. Drones are classified into three categories based on weight:

• Type A: Under 5kg
• Type B: 5kg to 25kg
• Type C: Over 25kg

Registration must be completed by the owner of the drone or the intended owner before importing the drone into Bahrain. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and provide relevant documentation, including proof of payment of any required fees. The registration is valid for three years.

Drone Pilot License

A drone pilot license is not required for hobbyist or commercial drone flights by residents of Bahrain. However, a foreign visitor drone pilot license is mandatory for tourists operating drones in the country.

Drone Insurance

Drone insurance is not mandatory in Bahrain, but it is highly recommended for both hobbyist and commercial drone operations.

Flight Rules

When flying a drone in Bahrain, it is important to follow these rules and guidelines:

• Do not fly within 5 miles of an airport or heliport.
• Keep the drone within visual line-of-sight and below 400 feet.
• Fly during daylight hours and only in good weather conditions.
• Maintain a distance of at least 30 meters from people who are not associated with the drone operation.
• Do not fly over people, large crowds, or sensitive areas such as government or military facilities.
• Respect the privacy of others and do not invade their personal space with your drone.
• Do not carry, tow, or drop anything from your drone during flight.
• Ensure that your drone does not endanger anyone or anything, including any articles that may fall from it.
• Give way to crewed aircraft and avoid other drones.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding drones in Bahrain may change, and it is the responsibility of the drone operator to stay informed and comply with the local laws and authorities.

Frequently asked questions