Flying a Drone in Seychelles: Permissions, Safety and Local Rules

A complete guide to flying a drone in Seychelles (2026).

Taking a DJI Mini or another lightweight drone to Seychelles? Here's what you need to know about drone registration, flight permissions and DJI geo-unlocking before your trip.

Seychelles is one of those destinations that looks almost too beautiful to be real. Turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, stunning green islands and dramatic granite boulders rising out of the ocean. If you love photography and travel videos, you'll probably want to capture those incredible views from above. But before packing your drone, there are a few important things to know.

Even if you're travelling with a small 249g drone, such as a DJI Mini, you still need to follow the local regulations.

Here's my guide to flying a drone in Seychelles, including something I experienced myself when visiting Praslin.

1. Do you need to register a DJI mini drone in Seychelles?

Yes! Drones weighing 200g or more must be registered with the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).

This means that even a lightweight 249g DJI Mini needs to be registered. Don't assume that being under 250g means you're exempt from the rules. Registration only takes no longer than 10 minutes.

What do you need to register?

  • Your passport details.

  • Your drone's make and model.

  • Its serial number.

  • Its weight, including the battery and propellers.

  • A photograph of your drone and RC if you have one.

  • A photograph showing its serial number.

The registration form also asks you to select the category that applies to your intended use, so make sure you provide accurate information.

Useful links:

My advice is to get your registration sorted before travelling and wait for confirmation before flying. Although, my email confirmation came through within 30 minutes from completing the form. I simply saved the email and also kept a printed copy on me at all times when flying my drone.

2. Do you need permission to fly?

Registering your drone doesn't automatically mean you can fly everywhere. Most places YES, but there are places where you may not be able to fly just yet...

Additional authorisation is required in controlled airspace or restricted areas. E.g. Praslin or Mahe Airports, national parks and certain resorts.

The SCAA's flight authorisation form requests information about your drone, planned locations, flight dates and times, and relevant insurance details.

The form states that applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before the planned operation. Allow extra time where possible and wait for any required approval.

Useful links:

You can email the drone team at drones@scaa.sc.

3. NO FLY ZONE... Something I wish I'd known before my trip!

When I visited Anse Lazio in Praslin, I couldn't take off with my DJI Mini because DJI's geofencing system restricted take-off at my location. I had to complete the geo-unlocking process before my drone would allow me to fly. Turns out there is an airport nearby, with additional restrictions in place around Anse Lazio (see fly maps below) which required me to apply for removing the geo lock.

DJI geo-unlocking? WHAT?!

DJI uses a geofencing system that can prevent a drone from taking off in certain locations, including some areas near airports and other sensitive sites. Depending on your drone, location and the restrictions in place, you may need to follow unlocking instructions in the DJI Fly app or apply through DJI's FlySafe service.

How do you check whether you need to unlock your drone?

If you're like me, you will simply find out when you're trying to take off and the software won't allow you.

If checking before your trip:

  1. Visit the DJI FlySafe map (see Precautions on your DJI FlySafe app at selected location).

  2. Check the locations where you plan to fly.

  3. Follow DJI's instructions if an unlock is required.

  4. Allow time to complete the process.

Important: Internet connection to drone is required to remove the geo-lock. And, DJI geo-unlocking only removes a restriction imposed by DJI's software. It does not give you legal permission to fly in the restricted areas. You must still follow Seychelles local regulations and obtain any required authorisation.

Also, my experience in Praslin and Mahe only has a small no-fly zone. Restrictions can depend on the exact location and the drone's software.

My tip? Check both the local regulations and DJI FlySafe before your trip. You don't want to arrive at a beautiful viewpoint ready to capture the scenery, only to discover that your drone won't take off!

Eg. Precautions for flying at Anse Lazio in Praslin. You can use the DJI FlySafe map to preview the zones.

4. Can you fly a drone on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue?

These are three of the most popular islands in Seychelles, and it's a no-brainer that you'd want to capture their beauty from above! However, don't assume every beach, viewpoint or coastal area automatically allows drone flights.

Before taking off, always check for restrictions around:

  • Airports and aerodromes.

  • Helicopter landing areas.

  • Controlled or restricted airspace.

  • Busy areas and groups of people.

  • Private property and protected locations.

Also, be aware that some hotels, resorts and attractions strictly prohibit drone use. During my trip, I found that drones were not permitted at:

  • Anse Petite at Four Seasons Resort on Mahé

  • Anse Georgette at Lemuria Resort on Praslin

Useful links:

My tip: Research your planned locations in advance. Just because your drone is registered and can take off doesn't necessarily mean you're allowed to fly there!

  1. Mahe FlySafe Map 2. Praslin FlySafe Map. 3. La Digue FlySafe Map

5. Drone flying rules in Seychelles

Once your drone is registered and you've checked whether additional permission is required, remember these essential flying rules:

  • Maximum altitude: 200 feet (approximately 61 metres), unless authorised otherwise.

  • Visual line of sight: Always keep your drone within direct sight.

  • Daylight only: Night flights are not permitted.

  • Airports: Avoid airports, heliports and aircraft routes unless you have the required permission.

  • People and buildings: Respect safety distances and avoid flying over crowds or congested areas. Don't be that person!

  • Privacy: Respect private property and people's privacy.

  • Wildlife: Avoid disturbing wildlife.

My tip: Always check local restrictions before taking off. Being able to launch your drone doesn't automatically mean you're allowed to fly in that location.

For more details, see the official SCAA Drone Safety Guidelines.

6. What about drone insurance?

For recreational flights in unrestricted areas, insurance is not generally a requirement in Seychelles. However, I strongly recommend getting drone insurance to protect yourself and others in case something goes wrong.

Seychelles has some incredible scenery, but flying around the dramatic granite boulders can be challenging especially with very strong winds in certain seasons. Signal interference or loss of connection can make it easier to lose control of your drone or lose the drone altogether.

For professional flights or those flights requiring SCAA authorisation, the authority's flight authorisation form requests liability insurance details. Check directly with the SCAA to confirm the cover required for your specific operation.

If you're travelling from the UK, one option worth looking at is Coverdrone.

Their recreational drone insurance has advertised prices starting from £17.42 per year for £1 million public liability cover. I used this company for a 30 day cover.

My tip: Don't rely on insurance alone. Check your signal, maintain visual line of sight and be extra cautious when flying around rocks and other obstacles. When I visited in May, I found the conditions quite windy to fly.

🔗 Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority

🔗 SCAA drone flight authorisation form

🔗 Coverdrone insurance

7. Useful weather apps for drone flying

Seychelles can get quite windy, so always check the weather before taking off! My two recommended apps:

UAV Forecast: Check wind speed, gusts, GPS signal and flying conditions

🔗 Download APP: UAV Forecast

Windy: Great for checking wind direction, gusts, rain and general weather conditions.

🔗 Download APP: Windy

8. Recommended flying spots

  • Anse Source D'Argent

  • Anse Lazio

  • Cote D'Or beach

  • Sauzier Waterfall

  • Anse Takamaka

  • Grand Anse

Planning your Seychelles trip?

Don't miss my other Seychelles guides to help you plan the perfect trip:

Happy travels!

© 2026. All rights reserved.

K.