Sierra Leone's drone regulations are governed by SLCAR Part 6D - Unmanned Aircraft Systems, issued by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) and effective 25 July 2025. Part 6D supersedes all previous UAS regulations and adopts a three-tier Open/Specific/Certified framework aligned with international standards.
Are drones allowed in Sierra Leone? Yes. Drones are permitted subject to SLCAA authorisation and registration. All operators - domestic and foreign - must register with the SLCAA before flying.
Key rules for flying a drone in Sierra Leone
Three Categories of UAS Operations
Open Category - No prior authorisation required, but all standard conditions must be met and a UAS Pilot Licence (UPL) is required. Specific Category - Requires operational authorisation from SLCAA, including a risk assessment. UPL required. Certified Category - For large UAS (≥3m), people transport, or dangerous goods. Full airworthiness and operator certification required.
Open Category Standard Conditions
Maximum take-off mass: less than 25 kg Maximum altitude: 120 m (400 ft) AGL Must maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at all times Must not fly over assemblies of people Must not carry dangerous goods or drop materials Must remain away from prohibited, restricted, or danger areas unless authorised Pilot must complete an online training course and pass a theoretical knowledge examination
Distance Requirements
People: Minimum 30 m horizontal; apply 1:1 rule (distance ≥ flight height) Aerodromes: No closer than 4 km from uncontrolled aerodrome perimeter; ATC clearance required for controlled aerodromes Structures/Buildings: No closer than 50 m without authorisation or owner permission Public roads: No closer than 50 m without authorisation
Registration
All UA intended for use in Sierra Leone must be registered with the SLCAA Foreign operators must register through a local SLCAA-approved agent All UA must be declared to customs on arrival (make, model, serial number, intended use) Registration marks must be displayed on every UA UA sales within Sierra Leone require written approval from the Director General
UAS Pilot Licence (UPL)
Required for Open and Specific category. Exceptions: toy aircraft, privately-built UA under 250 g, flights under direct supervision, or skill tests. Minimum age: 18 years Requires passing a Theoretical Knowledge (TK) examination at a SLCAA-recognised entity Requires a skill test No alcohol within 8 hours before duty; BAC limit 0.02 g/100 ml
Camera and Privacy Rules
Cameras exceeding 4K resolution or 12 megapixels require prior SLCAA registration and approval No surveillance of persons or private property without consent No photography/filming of individuals for publication without consent (exception: news gathering, public events) Thermal/infrared imaging restricted to scientific, agricultural, mapping, forestry, wildlife, and border patrol uses
Specific/Non-Standard Operations Operations outside Open category conditions - including BVLOS, night flights, flights over people, or in controlled airspace - require an operational authorisation from the SLCAA, supported by a risk assessment.