Middle East
Saudi Arabia
GACA — access effectively closed to tourists
In Saudi Arabia, registering a drone with GACA requires a Saudi national ID number or Iqama (residence permit): tourists do not have one.
Tourist flying effectively not allowed
In practice, a tourist cannot register or legally fly a drone in the country. For residents/citizens registration is mandatory (drones ≥250 g, valid 3 years, approval within 30-180 days, Ministry of Interior security check).
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Import of drone technology coordinated with GACA and the Ministry of Interior for national security reasons.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
The 'closed to tourists' picture is now also confirmed by an official French diplomatic source (France Diplomatie: 'Importation et usage interdits sans exception'), on top of several independent secondary sources; the GACA portal (uas.gaca.gov.sa) was unreachable directly in this check. No tourist exception found despite growing tourism (Vision 2030).
Last checked: 2026-09
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.