Africa
Benin
ANAC Bénin — Drone Operating Authorization
Benin requires a formal ANAC authorization for any drone operation, recreational or professional, requested through an online portal.
A 'Drone Operating Authorization' issued by ANAC is required, requested through the online portal (form + appendix 3).
No separate pilot certificate appears on the official page consulted: the verified requirement is ANAC authorization.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: The official page doesn't specify detailed zones or distances: always check with ANAC before flying, since every operation requires prior authorization regardless.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Maximum altitude, weight thresholds, fees and insurance are not stated on the official page consulted: left out rather than inferred from secondary sources.
Verify officially before flying
Source: ANAC Bénin — Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile
Last checked: 2026-08
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Benin, the official reference remains ANAC Bénin — Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile. A 'Drone Operating Authorization' issued by ANAC is required, requested through the online portal (form + appendix 3).
How this usually works
Even where an exam isn't formally required, most aviation authorities still recommend a basic safety course: rules change often, and flying without the basics is a real risk even without a legal obligation. The exam and certificate are handled by ANAC Bénin — Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile. No separate pilot certificate appears on the official page consulted: the verified requirement is ANAC authorization.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.