Attention – crucial information for visitors

Since January 1, 2025, Mauritius has been applying the Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft System) Regulations 2024A completely new regulatory framework replaces the previous provisions (Regulations 91, 91A, 91B, 91C). The distinction between recreational and professional use remains crucial for your legal obligations.

Recreational/leisure use

What the law says:

• Registration required with the DCA for any drone equipped with a camera or data sensor, even for recreational use (fee: 2,000 rupees for the drone + 1,500 rupees for the operator, or approximately €70)
• No operational authorization required Unlike professional use, you do not need to request flight permission from the Air Defense for each sortie.
• Your drone must be equipped with a system forremote identification (Direct Remote Identification)
• The flight rules remain strict and must be strictly observed (see next section)

What you need to know in practice:

• An amendment published in January 2026 provides for a 6-month transition period Existing drone owners and operators are exempt from the new requirements. Check with the DCA to see if this provision is still in effect at the time of your trip.
• The registration process in Mauritius involves a police check and can take several months according to the official DCA FAQ, this makes it difficult to combine with a tourist stay
• The DCA recommends that foreign visitors register with their country's civil aviation authority before departureIf you are already registered in your country, you will need to provide: proof of registration (drone and operator), a copy of your passport, a photo of the drone (front view) and a photo of the serial number.
• The concrete implementation of these requirements for tourists passing through is still being finalized at the time of writing this article.

Up-to-date forms and information are available on the official website of the DCAIf in doubt, contact the DCA directly before your trip: civil-aviation@govmu.org / 230 603-2000.

In summary: what we have understood about the situation for tourists

Let's be honest: The situation is confusing, even for us. The official DCA FAQ clearly states that tourists must register, but admits in the same document that the process takes at least three months (including police checks), which is hardly compatible with a tourist trip. On specialized forums, users ask if anyone has managed to complete their registration, without getting any answers. Some leading drone regulation websites even go so far as to say that there is currently no truly operational procedure for compliance, even for residents. And at the same time, companies are openly organizing drone photography trips to Mauritius for groups of tourists.

Our recommendation:

• Register your drone with your country's civil aviation authority before you leave, as recommended by the DCA itself.
• Keep with you the registration documents, your passport, a photo of the drone and its serial number.
• Strictly adhere to the flight rules (private property only, no public beaches, maximum altitude 120m, daytime flights, drone within visual line of sight)
• Contact the DCA before your trip to find out the current status of the procedure: civil-aviation@govmu.org / 230 603-2000

This article will be updated as soon as the situation is clarified by the Mauritian authorities.

Professional/commercial use

• Registration required with the DCA
• Mandatory operational authorization depending on the category (Open, Specific or Certified)
• ICTA approval required
• Certificate of competence recognized by a civil aviation authority
• Compulsory insurance covering civil liability
• Fees and detailed procedures (see professional section)

The following are considered professional uses: wedding photography, real estate videos, inspections, mapping, any paid work involving a drone.

Steps taken before departure

As detailed in the previous sectionThe 2025 regulations stipulate mandatory registration for all drones equipped with a camera, including those used for recreational purposes. While the specific implementation of this requirement for tourists is still being finalized, we recommend that you:

• Register your drone with your country's civil aviation authority before you leave
• Prepare the documents that may be requested: proof of registration, copy of passport, photo of the drone (front view) and photo of the serial number
• Check that your batteries comply with air transport standards (see transport section)
• Contact your airline to find out its specific rules.

For the general entry formalities to MauritiusAlso, remember to bring your purchase invoices and the technical specifications of your equipment for customs clearance.

Common types of drones

The vast majority of drones used by tourists are compact devices equipped with a camera. Here are the most common models and their compatibility for recreational use in Mauritius:

• DJI Mini (249 g, ~18 Wh) – compact and lightweight, ideal for tourists
• DJI Mavic Air / Mavic Pro / Mavic 3 (~43-77 Wh)
• DJI Phantom series (~89-100 Wh)
• Altar, Parrot and other recreational brands
• FPV Drones – authorized on condition of maintaining visual flight (VLOS)

All these models are equipped with a camera and are therefore subject to the registration requirement stipulated by the new regulations. Also check that your drone has a system forremote identification (Direct Remote Identification)required by Mauritian regulations. Some recent models include it natively; for others, an additional module may be necessary.

Technical restrictions:

• The drone must be in good working order
• Batteries must comply with air transport standards (see transport section)
• The drone must be able to be controlled in manual mode if necessary.
• Do not disable your drone's geofence: this security feature protects you by automatically blocking access to restricted areas.

Mandatory flight rules

Whether you are registered or not, these rules apply to all recreational flights in Mauritius and are strictly enforced:

• Daytime flights only (from sunrise to sunset)
• Theft authorized only on private property with the owner's written permission
• Maximum altitude: 120 meters (400 feet) above ground
• No flying over any area accessible to the public (public beaches, parks, roads, markets, etc.)
• No flying near the airport (27 km radius around SSR airport)
• Mandatory visual flight (VLOS) : the drone must remain in your direct line of sight at all times
• Respect for privacy (Data Protection Act): Do not film people without their consent.
• No overflights of marine wildlife (whales, dolphins and other marine mammals)
• No dropping any objects from a drone

Sanctions: Any violation of the regulations is punishable by a fine of up to 1,000,000 Mauritian rupees (approximately €20,000) and a prison sentence of up to 12 monthsThese sanctions apply to both recreational and professional use.

Where can you fly?

Authorized areas (with permission):

Garden of your rental villa:

• With the owner's written consent
• By remaining above the property

Private beach at your hotel/resort:

• With the written agreement of the institution
• Only if the beach is truly private (not accessible to the public)
• Warning: very few beaches are truly private in Mauritius

Private land:

• With the owner's written permission
• Far from inhabited areas
• While respecting the 27 km radius around the airport

If you plan to travel by car to reach a flying spot, check out our Complete guide to car rental in MauritiusAlso, consider familiarizing yourself with the left-hand drive, in force on the island.

Strictly prohibited areas

All public beaches

This is the most common mistake tourists make. Regulations strictly prohibit flying recreational drones over any area accessible to the public. Specifically:

• Flic-en-Flac: prohibited
• Trou aux Biches: prohibited
• Belle Mare: prohibited
• Le Morne: prohibited
• Any beach accessible to the public: prohibited

Other restricted areas:

• Public parks and public gardens
• Roads and public areas
• A 27km perimeter around SSR airport (this area covers a large part of the southeast of the island)
• Above people
• Congested areas: markets, festivals, shopping centers, sporting events
• Nature reserves and national parks without authorization
• Historical and cultural sites (Aapravasi Ghat, Le Morne, etc.)
• Proximity to marine wildlife (whales, dolphins)
• Government and military facilities

To help you find your way and identify the tourist sites and sensitive areas, we recommend that you carefully plan your itinerary before each flight.

Quick tourist checklist

Before your trip:

• Register your drone with your country's civil aviation authority
• Prepare registration documents, purchase invoices and technical specifications
• Check that your batteries comply with aviation standards (see transport section)
• Contact your airline for its specific rules.
• Check that your drone has the Remote Identification System (DRI) or purchase an add-on module.
• Check your insurance coverage for flights abroad (recommended)
• Consult the DCA site for the latest updates

Once there:

• Obtain written permission from your landlord
• Check the distance from the airport (minimum 27 km)
• Confirm that the area is not a public beach or a space accessible to the public
• Check the weather conditions (wind, rain) – winds can be strong in Mauritius, especially in the afternoon and near the coast
• Fly only during the day
• Stay below 120 meters altitude
• Keep the drone in sight at all times

Useful (unofficial) applications:

• UAV Forecast weather and flight conditions
• DJI Fly / DJI Geofence : automatic geofencing for DJI drones
• AirMap : mapping of restricted areas (to be confirmed with local sources)

These apps may contain data about Mauritius, but they are not official. Always check with local sources before flying.

Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft System) Regulations 2024

Since January 1, 2025, Mauritius has been applying the Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft System) Regulations 2024a comprehensive regulatory framework that replaces and revokes the previous provisions (Regulations 91, 91A, 91B, 91C of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2007). Any authorization granted under the previous regulations expired no later than January 1, 2026.

What has changed

Drone regulations have existed in Mauritius since 2016, but the new provisions for 2025 mark a profound change:

• 2016 : initial regulations (Civil Aviation Amendment Regulations 2016). Drones weighing less than 7 kg used for recreational purposes were largely exempt.
• January 1, 2025: entry into force of the new UAS regulations, inspired by the European model
• January 2026: Amendment establishing the official tariff schedule and adding a 6-month transition period for existing drone owners and operators

The main new features

Registration required: All drones equipped with a camera or data sensor must be registered with the DCA, regardless of their use (recreational or professional). Only toy drones without cameras used indoors or on private property are exempt.

Three categories of operations: The new regulations classify drone operations according to their level of risk:

• Open (open category): Operations presenting a low risk to third parties. This category covers most recreational uses.
• Specific (specific category): operations presenting a higher risk, requiring authorization on a case-by-case basis (examples: flights in urban areas, mapping missions)
• Certified (certified category): operations presenting a level of risk comparable to that of manned aviation, requiring full certification

Certificate of competence: A certificate is required to operate in each of the three categories. For recreational use, the official DCA FAQ states that the qualifications detailed in the MCAR-UAS do not apply, but registration remains mandatory.

Remote Identification (DRI): All drones must be equipped with a system that transmits in real time the registration number, geographical position and trajectory of the drone.

Stricter sanctions: Offences are punishable by a fine of up to 1,000,000 Mauritian rupees (compared to 100,000 under the old regulations) and a prison sentence of up to 12 months.

Official price list (amendment January 2026)

For recreational use:

• Drone registration: 2,000 RS
• Operator registration: 1,500 RS
• Total: 3,500 RS (around €70)

For professional use:

• Drone registration: 2,000 RS
• Operator registration: 1,500 RS
• Open category authorization: 25,000 RS
• Specific category authorization: 50,000 RS
• Certified category authorization: 75,000 RS
• Special permit (restricted areas): 5,000 RS per permit

The complete grid can be viewed in the Official text of amendment 2026 on the DCA site.

This section is for photographers, videographers, businesses, and professionals wishing to use a drone for commercial purposes in Mauritius. Professional use includes: wedding photography, real estate videos, inspections, mapping, and any paid work involving a drone.

Obligations and authorizations

Unlike recreational use, professional use requires a complete set of procedures. You must:

• Register your drone with the DCA (Regulation 5)
• Register as an operator with the DCA (Regulation 7)
• Obtaining authorization to operate in the category corresponding to your activity (Open, Specific or Certified)
• Obtaining ICTA approval for your drone (if the model is not already approved)
• Hold a certificate of competence recognized
• Having insurance covering civil liability in Mauritius

Total waiting time to allow: 2 to 3 months minimum before your operations.

Registration procedure

Registration is done through the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). Two separate registrations are required:

Drone registration (Regulation 5):

• Form : Application Form for the Registration of UAS
• Drone technical specifications
• Fee: 2,000 RS

Operator registration (Regulation 7):

• Form : Application for Registration of UAS Operator
• Fee: 1,500 RS (renewal: 1,000 RS)

Completed forms must be sent to the DCA by email (civil-aviation@govmu.org), fax or mail. Each drone will be assigned a unique registration number.

ICTA Procedure

All drones used for professional purposes must obtain type approval from the ICTA (Information and Communication Technologies Authority), unless the model is already on the list of approved equipment.

• Applications must be made via the ICTA online portal
• Required documents: type approval certificate, operating license (if applicable), test reports (CE Mark reports are accepted)
• Treatment time: 2 to 3 weeks

Consult the "Guidelines for Clearance to Import ICT Equipment" on the ICTA website before submitting your application.

Pilot certifications

The DCA requires a certificate of competency for all professional pilots. Recognized certificates are those issued by organizations accredited by the civil aviation authority of the country in which they are located. Commonly accepted certifications include:

• BNUC™ (Basic National UAS Certificate – remotely piloted aircraft Certificate)
• BNUC-S™ (Basic National UAS Certificate – Small Unmanned Aircraft)
• Any equivalent certificate issued by a body recognized by your national civil aviation authority

Authentication process: The DCA will authenticate your certificate, which can take several weeks. Please factor this step into your planning.

Required training:

• Theoretical exam (air regulations, safety, regulations)
• Technical examination (operation and maintenance)
• Practical training supervised by a qualified instructor

Categories of operations and authorizations

The new regulations classify professional operations according to their level of risk. The category determines the authorization procedure and associated fees:

Open category (low risk):

• Operations with low risk to third parties (visual visual line of sight, open area, lightweight drone)
• Form : Application for Operations in Open Category
• Fee: 25,000 RS (renewal: 25,000 RS)

Specific category (moderate risk):

• Operations presenting a higher risk: flights in urban areas, mapping missions, flying near people, etc.
• Requires the submission of an operational manual and a risk assessment
• Form : Application for Operations in Specific Category
• Fee: 50,000 RS (renewal: 50,000 RS)
• Operational manual templates and compliance checklists (PDRA) are available on the DCA site

Certified category (high risk):

• Operations presenting a level of risk comparable to manned aviation
• Full certification of the drone and the operator
• Fee: 75,000 RS (renewal: 75,000 RS)

Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC): An operator wishing to operate in one or more categories can apply for a LUC, which simplifies the process for recurring transactions. Fee: 75,000 RS.

Standard restrictions for all categories: The operator is not authorized to fly:

• Above 400 feet (120 meters)
• In an aerodrome traffic zone without authorization
• Above a congested area or within 150 meters of such an area
• Above a gathering of more than 500 people or within 150 meters
• Within 50 meters of any ship, vehicle or structure not involved in the operation
• Above a property without the owner's permission
• In a restricted, prohibited or dangerous area

Special permission

If you need to operate outside of standard restrictions (night flight, restricted area, proximity to the airport, etc.), special permission is required.

• Submit a request by email to civil-aviation@govmu.org
• Include confirmation of the contract with the client company.
• Provide a detailed risk assessment
• Fee: 5,000 RS per permit
• Timeframe: The DCA examines each application on a case-by-case basis.

Complete professional checklist

2 to 3 months before your surgery:

• Obtain your certificate of competence (BNUC™, BNUC-S™ or recognized equivalent) in your country
• Prepare your operational manual (templates available on the DCA website for the Specific category)
• Check that your insurance covers operations in Mauritius
• Check the ICTA approval of your drone model (request type approval if necessary via the ICTA portal)

2 months prior:

• Submit the drone registration application (2,000 RS)
• Submit the operator registration application (1,500 RS)
• Submit the permit application in the appropriate category (25,000 to 75,000 RS depending on the category)

If necessary:

• Request a special permit for restricted areas (5,000 RS per permit)

Before each flight:

• Verify the validity of all authorizations
• Confirm insurance coverage
• Plan your flight according to the restrictions of your category.
• Prepare the risk assessment if necessary
• Inform stakeholders

Total estimated budget for the first year:

• Open Category: 28,500 RS (registration + authorization) + insurance + ICTA if necessary
• Specific Category: 53,500 RS + insurance + ICTA
• Certified Category: 78,500 RS + insurance + ICTA

There List of commercial operators approved by the DCA is available online. If you plan to work regularly in Mauritius, the LUC (75,000 RS) can simplify your recurring administrative procedures.

The preceding sections summarize the main flight rules for the tourists and the professionalsHere are the additional details on the restrictions that require special attention.

Airport exclusion zone

THE The security perimeter around Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) airport is 27 kilometers.This area, defined as a controlled zone (CTR), extends from the ground up to an altitude of 3,500 feet. All drone flights are strictly prohibited within this zone without special authorization.

Attention : This zone covers a large part of the southeast of the island, including Mahébourg, Blue Bay, and the surrounding areas. If you are staying or planning to fly in this part of the island, it is essential to check your position relative to the perimeter before any takeoff.

Professionals can request an exemption from the DCA (see special permission). Details of restricted, prohibited and dangerous areas are published in the AIP Mauritius (Aeronautical Information Publication), available from the DCA.

Protection of marine wildlife

The flight over whales, dolphins and all other marine mammals is strictly forbiddenregardless of altitude. This ban aims to protect these animals from acoustic stress and behavioral disturbances.

Mauritius is a prime location for observing marine mammalshumpback whales, in particular, between June and November. The temptation to film them from a drone is understandable, but the penalties are severe and the impact on these species is real.

Sensitive and protected areas

Beyond public beaches and the airport area, certain zones require special vigilance:

Protected and heritage areas:

• Nature reserves and national parks (Black River Gorges National Park, Île aux Aigrettes, etc.)
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape
• Wildlife protection zones for land and marine animals

Security zones:

• Government and military facilities
• Embassies and consulates
• Prisons and detention centers

Congested areas: Regulations prohibit flying over or within 150 meters of any congested area, which notably includes:

• The markets (Port Louis, Mahébourg, Quatre Bornes, etc.)
• Shopping centers and pedestrian zones
• Festivals, sporting events and religious ceremonies
• Any gathering of more than 500 people

Furthermore, maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters of any vessel, vehicle or structure not under your control, including during takeoff and landing.

Lithium batteries and air transport

The transport of drones to Mauritius must comply with international regulations on lithium batteries:

• Batteries with a capacity of over 160 Wh: They are prohibited in the cabin and in the hold. Most recreational drones remain under this limit.
• Batteries with a capacity of less than 160 Wh: Generally allowed in the cabin. Check your airline's specific rules.

Capabilities of common models:

• DJI Mini: ~18 Wh (well below the limit)
• DJI Mavic: ~43-77 Wh
• DJI Phantom: ~89-100 Wh
• Professional drones: some models can exceed 160 Wh, check before traveling

Recommendations for transport:

• Transport batteries in the cabin only (never in the hold).
• Remove the batteries from the drone for transport
• Protect the battery contacts (insulating tape or original caps)
• Most airlines limit passengers to 2 or 3 spare batteries.
• Keep the batteries in their original packaging if possible.

Customs formalities

Upon arrival in Mauritius, be prepared to declare your equipment to customs. You may be asked for the following documents:

• Purchase invoices for your drone and its accessories
• Technical specifications of the equipment
• Proof of registration of your drone (registration in your country of origin or with the DCA)
• For professional use: ICTA and DCA authorizations

For more information on entry requirements, please consult our guide to formalities and proceduresIf you have other equipment to declare, please visit our page on What you can (or can't) bring on holiday to Mauritius may also be useful to you.

Insurance

• Recreational use: Recommended but not explicitly mandatory according to the DCA. Check if your travel or liability insurance covers damage caused by a drone abroad.
• Professional use: Mandatory. Your insurance must cover civil liability for drone operations in Mauritius. Confirm its validity with your insurer and the DCA.

Marine Wildlife Protection

FORBIDDEN : Fly over whales, dolphins or any other marine mammal at low altitude.

Reasons:

• Protection against acoustic stress
• Prevention of behavioral disturbances
• Respect for the Mauritian marine ecosystem

Sanctions: Offenses are severely punished (see section Sanctions).

Sensitive and Protected Areas

Several areas require special attention:

Restricted areas:

• Nature reserves and national parks
• Historical and cultural sites (Aapravasi Ghat, Le Morne, etc.)
• Government and military facilities
• Densely populated areas

Congested areas (examples):

• Markets (Port Louis, Mahebourg, etc.)
• Shopping malls
• Pedestrian zones
• Festivals and public events
• Sporting events
• Any place with a large gathering

Mauritian authorities have strengthened control and monitoring measures with the entry into force of new regulations in January 2025. Infringements are taken very seriously.

Legal sanctions

According to Regulation 22 of the Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft System) Regulations 2024, any person in violation is liable to:

• A fine of up to 1,000,000 Mauritian rupees (approximately €20,000)
• A prison sentence of up to 12 months
• There drone confiscation

These sanctions apply to both recreational and professional use. The severity of the sanction depends on the seriousness of the offense: a first minor infraction may result in a warning, but endangering people or aircraft will lead to the maximum penalties.

Common offenses

For tourists (recreational use):

• Theft on a public beach or over a publicly accessible area — this is the most common offense committed by tourists
• Failure to register the drone or the operator
• Failure to comply with the airport exclusion zone (27 km around SSR airport)
• Exceeding the maximum altitude (120 meters / 400 feet)
• Night flights (prohibited without special permission)
• Flyover of marine wildlife (whales, dolphins)
• Violation of privacy (Data Protection Act)
• Loss of visual contact with the drone (non-compliance with VLOS)

For professionals:

• All the above offenses, plus:
• Flight without authorization in the required category (Open, Specific or Certified)
• Lack of liability insurance
• Lack of a certificate of competence
• Failure to comply with the conditions of a special permit
• Flying over a congested area or at less than 150 meters
• Theft within 50 meters of a person, vehicle, or structure not involved in the operation

Responsibility

Drone pilots and owners are fully responsible:

• Air safety
• Respect for privacy
• Environmental protection
• Compliance with all applicable regulations
• Any potential damage caused to persons or property

If you have any doubt about the legality of a flight, do not steal. Contact the DCA before making a decision: civil-aviation@govmu.org / 230 603-2000.

For recreational use (tourists)

Costs :

• Drone registration: 2,000 RS
• Operator registration: 1,500 RS
• Total: 3,500 RS (around €70)
• Insurance: recommended (at your expense)

Time limit : The registration process in Mauritius takes a minimum of 3 months according to the official DCA FAQ (including police checks). The DCA recommends that tourists register in their country of origin before departure. See the dedicated section for details of the current situation.

For professional use

Registration fees (common to all categories):

• Drone registration: 2,000 RS
• Operator registration: 1,500 RS

Authorization fees per category:

• Open category: 25,000 RS (renewal: 25,000 RS)
• Specific category: 50,000 RS (renewal: 50,000 RS)
• Certified category: 75,000 RS (renewal: 75,000 RS)
• Special permit (restricted areas): 5,000 RS per permit
• Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC): 75,000 RS (renewal: 75,000 RS)

ICTA fees (if type approval is required):

• Approval type: to be verified with the ICTA

Total estimated budget for the first year:

• Open category: approximately 28,500 RS (~€570) + insurance + ICTA if necessary
• Specific category: approximately 53,500 RS (~€1,070) + insurance + ICTA
• Certified category: approximately 78,500 RS (~€1,570) + insurance + ICTA

Delays to be expected for professional use

• Minimum total: 2 to 3 months before your operations
• Drone and operator registration: variable duration (police verification)
• ICTA approval: 2 to 3 weeks
• Authorization by category: varies depending on the category and the completeness of the application
• Certificate of competence authentication: several weeks
• Special permission (if necessary): on a case-by-case basis

Tips to speed up the process:

• Submit a complete application with your first request
• Use the operational manual templates provided by the DCA (available on the official website)
• Use the ICTA online portal (mandatory)
• Contact the DCA if you have any questions. Before to submit your request

The complete price list can be found in the Official text of amendment 2026 (PDF).

Practical tools and resources

Official sources

Department of Civil Aviation (DCA):

• Website: civil-aviation.govmu.org
• Dedicated page for drones (forms, FAQs, regulations): Drone Requirements
• Official drone FAQ: UAS FAQ (PDF)
• Text of the 2024 regulations: Civil Aviation (UAS) Regulations 2024 (PDF)
• Amendment 2026 (tariff schedule): Amendment Regulations 2026 (PDF)
• MCAR-UAS Technical Guide: MCAR-UAS (PDF)
• List of approved commercial operators: DCA List (PDF)
• Email: civil-aviation@govmu.org
• Telephone: +230 603-2000
• Address: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Plaine Magnien, Mauritius
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm

ICTA (Information and Communication Technologies Authority):

• Website: www.icta.mu
• Online portal (mandatory for professional applications): www.icta.mu/applyonline
• Telephone: +230 211-5333
• Address: 12th Floor, The Celicourt, 6 Sir Celicourt Antelme Street, Port Louis 11302

AIP Mauritius (Aeronautical Information Publication): Official publication of Mauritian airspace, containing maps of restricted, prohibited and controlled areas. Available from the DCA.

Useful applications

The following applications are not unofficial but they can help you prepare for your flights. Always check information with official sources before flying.

• UAV Forecast: Detailed weather conditions for drone flights (wind, GPS satellites, KP index, sunrise/sunset times)
• DJI Fly / DJI Geofence: For DJI drones, it integrates an automatic geofencing system that blocks access to known restricted areas. Never disable this function without valid reason and appropriate authorization
• AirMap: Mapping of restricted areas in many countries (data for Mauritius may not be complete, to be cross-checked with AIP Mauritius)

Other useful contacts

• Mauritian Coast Guard (maritime incidents): +230 212-3894
• Environmental police: +230 208-2051
• Ministry of Tourism: tourism.govmu.org
• Emergency numbers: consult our dedicated page on emergency numbers in Mauritius

Pre-flight checklist

Regardless of your profile (tourist or professional), check these points before each takeoff:

• Favorable weather conditions (wind, rain, visibility) — winds in Mauritius can be strong, especially in the afternoon and near the coast. Recommended maximum speed: 35-40 km/h for most recreational drones.
• Authorized flight zone (private property with written permission, outside the airport zone of 27 km)
• No public areas will be overflown (beaches, parks, roads, markets)
• Batteries charged and drone in good working order
• Planned altitude below 120 meters
• Daytime flights only (between sunrise and sunset)
• Emergency return point identified
• People nearby informed if necessary
• Accessible registration and identity documents
• Valid insurance (mandatory for professionals, recommended for everyone)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For tourists (recreational use)

Q: Can I fly my drone on the beaches while on vacation?

No. This is the most common mistake tourists make. Public beaches are strictly off-limits to drones, even recreational ones. Regulations prohibit flying over any area accessible to the public. Only truly private beaches (usually those belonging to certain hotels) are permitted, with the establishment's written permission. Note: very few beaches in Mauritius are truly private.

Q: Do I need to register my drone if I'm coming as a tourist?

Yes, according to the new 2025 regulations. Any drone equipped with a camera must be registered with the DCA, even for recreational use. In practice, the DCA recommends that tourists register with their country's civil aviation authority before departure. The registration process in Mauritius takes several months (police check), making it difficult to complete for a tourist stay. Consult the dedicated section for details of the current situation.

Q: Do I need a flight permit for recreational use?

No. Unlike professional use, recreational operators do not need to request operational authorization from the DCA. However, registration of the drone and the operator is mandatory.

Q: Where can I fly in Mauritius as a tourist?

Only on private property with the owner's written permission: the garden of your rental villa, your hotel's private beach (if it is truly private), or private land. Theft is prohibited on all public beaches, public parks, roads, markets, and any area accessible to the public. See the detailed section for more details.

Q: Is my DJI Mini (249g) allowed?

Yes. Drones of all weight categories are permitted for recreational use, provided flight regulations are followed. However, even a DJI Mini is equipped with a camera and is therefore subject to the registration requirement stipulated by the new regulations.

Q: Can I transport my drone and batteries on the plane?

Yes, in the cabin, provided your batteries are less than 160 Wh (which is the case for most recreational drones). Remove the batteries from the drone, protect the contacts, and check your airline's specific rules. Consult the transport section for the capabilities of current models and detailed recommendations.

Q: Do I need insurance?

For recreational use, insurance is not explicitly mandatory according to the DCA, but it is strongly recommended. For professional use, it is mandatory. Check if your travel or liability insurance covers damage caused by a drone abroad.

Q: Can I fly at night?

No, night flying is prohibited for recreational purposes. For professional use, a night flight requires a special permission of the DCA.

Q: What is the maximum altitude?

120 meters (400 feet) above ground level, for all types of use. This limit guarantees separation from air traffic.

Q: What is DRI (Direct Remote Identification)?

This system allows your drone to transmit its registration number, geographic location, and flight path in real time. Mauritian regulations require it on all drones. Some recent models have it built-in; for others, an additional module may be necessary. Check your drone's compatibility before your trip.

Q: Can I fly near dolphins or whales?

No, it's strictly forbidden. Flying over marine mammals at any altitude is strictly prohibited to protect them from acoustic stress and behavioral disturbances. The penalties are severe. See the marine wildlife protection section for more details.

Q: My hotel is 20 km from the airport, can I fly in the garden?

No. The airport exclusion zone around SSR Airport is 27 km. If your accommodation is within this zone, all drone flights are prohibited without special authorization. This zone covers a large part of the southeast of the island, including Mahébourg and Blue Bay. Check your distance from the airport before taking off.

For professionals

Q: How far in advance of my project should I submit my application?

Allow a minimum of 2 to 3 months before your operations to obtain all the necessary authorizations (registration, ICTA, category-based authorization, competency certificate authentication). See the professional checklist to plan your steps.

Q: What are the categories of operations and which one applies to me?

The new regulations classify operations into three categories based on risk level: Open (low risk, 25,000 RS), Specific (moderate risk, 50,000 RS), and Certified (high risk, 75,000 RS). Most common business operations (photography, video, inspection) fall into the Open or Specific category. See the detailed section to determine your category.

Q: Which pilot certifications are accepted?

The DCA recognizes any certificate issued by an organization accredited by the civil aviation authority of the country in which it is located. BNUC™ and BNUC-S™ certifications are commonly accepted, but other equivalent certifications are also accepted. The DCA will authenticate your certificate, which may take several weeks.

Q: Is my European insurance valid in Mauritius?

Some international insurance policies cover Mauritius, but you must explicitly verify this with your insurer. Your policy must mention coverage for drone operations in Mauritius. Confirm its validity with the DCA when applying for authorization.

Q: Can I film a wedding on a beach? (advertising)

Practical advice

Before the trip

For tourists:

• Register your drone with your country's civil aviation authority (see dedicated section)
• Check your battery specifications and contact your airline for its transport rules (see transport section)
• Prepare your documents: invoices, technical specifications, proof of registration
• Identify in advance the places where you can fly: check with your accommodation to find out if he has a garden or a private beach where flying would be permitted
• Check that your drone has a Remote Identification System (DRI) or purchase an add-on module.

For professionals:

• Start your preparations 2 to 3 months before the scheduled date of your operations
• Obtain your certificate of competence and prepare your operational manual before submitting your applications
• Consult the complete professional checklist

On site

• Opt for early morning flights: Conditions are generally better (less wind, beautiful light). In the afternoon, the wind often picks up, especially near the coast and at higher altitudes.
• Winds: Mauritius is an exposed island. Winds can be sudden and strong. Maximum recommended speed: 35-40 km/h for most recreational drones. Use UAV Forecast to check conditions before each flight.
• Cyclone season (November to April): Weather conditions can change rapidly. Be especially vigilant during this period and do not take any risks.
• Humidity and sea spray: Sea air can affect your equipment. Protect your drone and batteries from moisture, and wipe down your equipment after each flight near the coast.
• Always give priority to manned aircraft: If you see a plane or helicopter flying at low altitude, land your drone immediately.

Best practices

• Respect privacy: Mauritius is a multicultural and welcoming society. Do not film people without their consent, and avoid flying over neighboring private properties and places of worship.
• Be discreet and courteous: Inform people nearby before flying your drone. Respectful behavior helps maintain a positive image of drone pilots.
• Always keep an eye on your battery: Allow sufficient time for the return journey. Wind conditions in Mauritius can significantly increase fuel consumption.
• Do not disable the geofence of your drone: this function automatically blocks access to restricted areas and provides a valuable safety net
• Anticipate the emergency return: Identify a safe landing point before each takeoff.
• If in doubt, don't steal: The penalties are severe (up to 1,000,000 rupees in fines) and no image is worth a risk to your safety or the safety of others.

To move easily between your flying spots, the car rental is the most practical solution. Don't forget that we left-hand drive in Mauritius. You will find all of the means of transport available on our dedicated page.