Drone Laws in Cape Verde

Cape Verde Drone Regulations

According to Cape Verde’s national aviation authority, the Cape Verde Civil Aviation Agency (AAC) flying a drone is legal in Cape Verde, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact AAC directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: +238 260 3430 / carlosn@acivil.gov.cv

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Cape Verde

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Cape Verde.

AAC authorization is not required if operations are carried out under the following conditions:

• Outside areas subject to restrictions;
• At an altitude of 120 meters (400 feet) or less above the surface;
• As long as the operator is on-site (within 100 meters) and with direct control over the unmanned aircraft;
• With good visibility conditions.

Additional Regulations:

• The operator is responsible for the safe operation of the drone, maintaining the distance from any aircraft and properties.
• The operation of drones is not allowed less than 2,000 meters from any aerodrome or landing site, and on the flight routes of the aircraft.
• Drone operations above 120 meters (393 feet AGL) require written authorization of the Civil Aviation Agency (AAC).
• The operator must give priority to the passage of the aircraft, manned aircraft always have the right-of-way.
• The Operator must always maintain line-of-sight with the drone and have the navigation lights on.
• Must follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding maintenance protocols.
• The operator is responsible for each drone operation.
• If you need authorization from AAC, you must submit an application for the drone operation. To do this, download the form (aeronautical easement form), complete and send it in order to be received at AAC at least 10 working days in advance of the start of the operation.

For more information on Cape Verde’s drone laws, see this page on the AAC website.

Know something we don’t about drone laws in Cape Verde? Send us an email at support[at]horizonap[dot]com. We are not international aviation attorneys and do our best to keep this page up-to-date for drone pilots, but the reality is that given the pace of the small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) industry and how governments are responding, drone regulations in Cape Verde can change throughout the year, and those changes can be hard to track. If we missed something, please reach out to let us know.

Want to get a feel for the kind of footage you could get flying a drone in Cape Verde? Here you go: