Yes, flying drones over private property in Egypt is legal only under strict conditions. The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) mandates prior authorization, altitude limits (120m max), and no-fly zones near airports or military sites. Privacy laws under the Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 151 of 2020) also apply, requiring consent from property owners for filming.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Egypt
- Authorization Requirement: Operators must obtain a drone license from the ECAA, with mandatory registration of all drones weighing over 250g. Foreign operators require additional approval from the Ministry of Defense.
- Altitude and Proximity Restrictions: Drones may not fly higher than 120 meters or within 5 kilometers of airports, military installations, or government buildings. Over private property, operators must maintain a horizontal distance of at least 50 meters unless explicit owner consent is provided.
- Privacy and Data Compliance: Capturing images or videos of individuals without consent violates the Personal Data Protection Law. Operators must delete collected data upon request and avoid recording in sensitive areas like residential zones without prior notice.
Violations may result in fines up to EGP 500,000, confiscation of equipment, or criminal charges under the Egyptian Penal Code for privacy breaches. The ECAA’s 2024 amendments to drone regulations further tighten enforcement, with real-time tracking systems for licensed drones expected by 2026.