Africa
Senegal
ANACIM — RAS 06 Annex 5, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
Senegal classifies drones into three weight classes and three use categories under ANACIM's Annex 5 to RAS 06. Since 27-30 January 2026, however, ANACIM has banned all camera-equipped drone flights nationwide, except with express authorization.
Tourist flying effectively not allowed
As of January 27-30, 2026, ANACIM banned all camera-equipped drone flights across the entire national territory, except with express authorization from the competent authorities (circular from the ANACIM Director General, following a drone incident during the national football team's parade on January 20, 2026, and ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games). Violations are sanctioned under Decree No. 2025-1750 of October 24, 2025 on aeronautical penalties. For a tourist it is therefore effectively impossible to fly without prior ANACIM authorization.
Class 1 drones (up to 5 kg) used recreationally/privately (Category A) get a time-limited operating authorization from ANACIM. Class 2 (5-25 kg) is not authorized for private/recreational use; Class 3 (over 25 kg, up to 30 kg) requires a safety management manual and remains reserved for professional use.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: As of January 27-30, 2026, ANACIM banned all camera-equipped drone flights across the entire national territory, except with express authorization from the competent authorities.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
The January 2026 ban is confirmed by multiple independent Senegalese outlets (Dakaractu, Senego, Le Quotidien, Kewoulo, ThiesInfo) citing the same circular from the ANACIM Director General, but the circular's original text was not directly reached on anacim.sn (page not found): check the most current status before travelling.
Verify officially before flying
Source: ANACIM — Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile et de la Météorologie
Last checked: 2026-09
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 Senegal, the official reference remains ANACIM — Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile et de la Météorologie. Class 1 drones (up to 5 kg) used recreationally/privately (Category A) get a time-limited operating authorization from ANACIM. Class 2 (5-25 kg) is not authorized for private/recreational use; Class 3 (over 25 kg, up to 30 kg) requires a safety management manual and remains reserved for professional use.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.