Transport Canada
Canada
Permit path requiredForeign 250 g+ pilots usually need SFOC-RPAS
Canada is excellent for prepared pilots, but foreign-owned drones 250 g and up usually need the foreign-pilot SFOC-RPAS path rather than the normal Canadian registration flow.
The trip, step by step
- Bring it
- No blanket tourist ban for small drones, but the foreign-pilot paperwork can be the trip blocker.
- Register it
- Canadian registration applies to eligible Canadian aircraft. Foreign pilots should start with Transport Canada's foreign pilot permission page.
- Fly it
- Under 250 g has the lightest paperwork path. From 250 g to 25 kg, Canadian pilots use Basic/Advanced certificates, while foreign pilots should check SFOC-RPAS requirements.
- Map check
- Use the NRC drone site selection tool and NAV Drone for controlled airspace planning.
Before you travel
- 01If the drone is under 250 g, still avoid events, controlled/restricted airspace, and unsafe operations.
- 02For 250 g+ foreign-owned drones, start the SFOC-RPAS process before travel.
- 03Use NAV Drone or the NRC site tool for airspace and controlled-zone planning.
Operating notes
- Max altitude
- 122 m / 400 ft AGL for basic operations unless authorized.
- Commercial work
- Paid, client, or sponsored travel work can require SFOC/RPOC-style authorization when flown by foreign pilots or outside normal operating rules.