GACA
Saudi Arabia
Permit path requiredGACA permit, pilot certificate, registration, and filming approval
Saudi Arabia is not a casual tourist flight destination. Confirm that GACA can accept your aircraft and pilot credentials before packing; the normal registration portal relies on Saudi identity or residency eligibility.
Bring it
GACA's portal requires an approved aircraft registration before a customs-clearance request can be filed. Do not bring or ship a drone until GACA confirms both registration eligibility and the customs path.
Register it
Registration is required at 250 g or more and whenever the aircraft carries a sensor capable of capturing personal, survey, or geospatial data. Normal registration eligibility is limited to Saudi citizens and lawfully admitted residents.
Fly it
Open-category operation requires a GACA Permit to Operate, an Open Remote Pilot Certificate or specifically accepted foreign equivalent, applicable aircraft registration, VLOS, and compliance with people and airspace restrictions.
Map check
Operate only in GACA-designated UAS geographical zones or an alternative area specifically authorized by GACA. Prohibited, restricted, populated, aerodrome, and special-use areas require the applicable authorization.
Before you travel
- 01Confirm GACA registration eligibility and customs clearance before packing or shipping a drone.
- 02Obtain the required pilot certificate, registration, and Permit to Operate.
- 03Secure separate photography or geospatial-capture approval where applicable.
Operating notes
- Max altitude
- Open-category flights are limited to 120 m / 400 ft AGL by day and must remain inside the geographical zone and conditions authorized by GACA.
- Recreational
- Open-category operation requires a GACA Permit to Operate, an Open Remote Pilot Certificate or specifically accepted foreign equivalent, applicable aircraft registration, VLOS, and compliance with people and airspace restrictions.
- Commercial work
- Payment alone does not define the category. Operations outside Open-category limits require Specific-category authorization or a UAS Operator Certificate supported by an operational risk assessment. Photography and geospatial capture require approval from the competent authority.
- Airspace
- Operate only in GACA-designated UAS geographical zones or an alternative area specifically authorized by GACA. Prohibited, restricted, populated, aerodrome, and special-use areas require the applicable authorization.