Africa
Cape Verde
AAC — Regulation No. 03/AAC/2021 on UAS
Cape Verde regulates drones through Regulation No. 03/AAC/2021 issued by the Agência de Aviação Civil (AAC). The general rule allows visual-line-of-sight flights up to 120 m (400 ft) for aircraft up to 25 kg; near airports, prior authorisation from air traffic control is required, requested at least 30 minutes in advance.
120 m (400 ft) under standard visual-line-of-sight (VLOS) operations. 'Toy aircraft' (under 250 g, for children under 14) are limited to 30 m (100 ft). Flying above 120 m or in BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) mode requires express AAC authorisation, except for UAS up to 1 kg under very restricted conditions (max 5 m altitude, 100 m radius from the pilot, FPV camera).
Mandatory for UAS operators with a maximum operating mass over 0.250 kg (250 g); not required below this threshold. Registration is valid for 5 years, renewable. Non-resident operators staying in Cape Verde for less than a month obtain a provisional registration number through prior notification to the AAC instead of standard registration.
The regulation does not provide for a separate licence or pilot exam for standard operations: it relies on operator registration and compliance with operating rules. Minors under 16 may not operate UAS with a mass of 0.9 kg or more without adult supervision (except model aircraft flying within affiliated clubs).
Mandatory civil liability insurance for UAS with a maximum operating mass over 900 g, except for those who already hold civil liability cover under a recognised sporting activity (e.g. affiliated model aircraft flying).
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Flying over crowds is prohibited without express AAC authorisation. Within aerodrome easement zones, prior authorisation from air traffic services is required, requested at least 30 minutes in advance. Near ultralight aircraft runways (2.5 km radius), authorisation from the runway operator is required. Operations above 25 kg always require express AAC authorisation.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Data verified from the full text of Regulation No. 03/AAC/2021, downloaded as a .docx file from the AAC's official website. The page hosting it presents it in the context of the 2021 public consultation required under the AAC's Statute, but the text itself reads as a published regulation rather than a mere draft; check the AAC website for the most recent version before flying.
Verify officially before flying
Source: AAC — Agência de Aviação Civil de Cabo Verde
Last checked: 2026-08
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Here the threshold usually depends on the drone's weight or whether it has a camera: below a certain weight, often 250 g, many systems don't require registration for recreational use. Check the note above and the official source to see whether your specific drone falls under the requirement. For Cape Verde, the official reference remains AAC — Agência de Aviação Civil de Cabo Verde. Mandatory for UAS operators with a maximum operating mass over 0.250 kg (250 g); not required below this threshold. Registration is valid for 5 years, renewable. Non-resident operators staying in Cape Verde for less than a month obtain a provisional registration number through prior notification to the AAC instead of standard registration.
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 AAC — Agência de Aviação Civil de Cabo Verde. The regulation does not provide for a separate licence or pilot exam for standard operations: it relies on operator registration and compliance with operating rules. Minors under 16 may not operate UAS with a mass of 0.9 kg or more without adult supervision (except model aircraft flying within affiliated clubs).
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.