Tourists can technically fly a drone in Jordan, but only with prior approval from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) and only outside the country’s many no-fly zones. Bringing a drone in without declaring it at customs almost always ends with confiscation. Here are the exact 2026 rules and the realistic options for visitors.
What the law actually says
Jordan’s drone framework is governed by CARC. Recreational and commercial drone flights both require operator approval; tourists are not exempt. There is no automatic sub-250 g exemption — the regulator treats hobby and professional drones under the same approval requirement, although enforcement is risk-based.
The realistic options for visitors
- Apply for a tourist permit through CARC before travel — requires drone serial, flight plan, dates and locations.
- Hire a Jordanian CARC-licensed operator for paid filming on your behalf — fastest and cheapest if you only need a few hours of footage.
- Leave the drone at home — many travellers do this. Footage from a licensed local team is usually a better outcome than risking confiscation.
Customs and importing a drone temporarily
Drones are routinely flagged by customs at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Aqaba (AQJ), and the King Hussein Bridge. Undeclared drones may be seized; declared drones without CARC pre-approval are usually held until departure. Carrying the drone in carry-on and declaring it at the red lane is the safest path.
Where you absolutely cannot fly
| Location | Reason | Risk if you ignore |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Alia Airport (Amman) | Controlled airspace | Seizure, criminal charges |
| Aqaba airport | Controlled airspace | Seizure, fines |
| Royal palaces & residences | Royal protection | Immediate arrest |
| Military bases & border zones | Security | Arrest, prosecution |
| Petra without permit | Heritage protection | Confiscation, fine |
| Wadi Rum without permit | Protected area | Confiscation |
| Dead Sea security strip | Border | Arrest |
| Crowded urban areas (Amman downtown, Rainbow Street, etc.) | Public safety | Fine, confiscation |
Where you can fly with permits
- Wadi Rum — only via licensed local operator with a Wadi Rum Authority permit.
- Petra — only commercial licensed operators with Petra Authority approval.
- Open desert / Dana / Mujib — usually permittable with CARC notice.
- Dead Sea (away from the security strip) — usually permittable.
- Private property with owner consent — usually permittable.
Fines and penalties for tourists
Penalties for unauthorised flying range from confiscation of equipment to fines and, in security-sensitive cases, prosecution. Flying without CARC approval in Petra, Wadi Rum or near military zones has resulted in tourist drones being seized in 2024–2025. Do not bet on a friendly outcome — the rules are enforced.
The honest recommendation
For 95% of visitors, hiring a CARC-licensed Jordanian operator for a 2–4 hour shoot is faster, cheaper and safer than bringing your own drone. You get higher-quality footage from a Mavic 3 Pro or Inspire 3, all permits are handled, and the local crew knows where it is safe to fly.
Why Loyalty Drones
We help visiting filmmakers, journalists and tour operators get permitted footage across Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and Amman within days. Related: Jordan drone laws, Jordan no-fly zones, and importing a drone into Jordan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a DJI Mini 4 Pro into Jordan as a tourist?
You can physically bring it — but you must declare it at customs and have CARC approval to fly it. Without approval, undeclared drones are confiscated.
Is there a sub-250 g exemption in Jordan?
Not automatically. CARC treats hobby and professional drones under the same approval rule, even sub-250 g.
Can I fly a drone over Petra as a tourist?
No — only CARC-licensed Jordanian operators with explicit Petra Authority approval may fly over the archaeological park.
What happens if I fly a drone without permission?
Most likely outcome: confiscation of the drone and a fine. Near military or royal sites, the consequences are more serious.
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