If you have typed “Is drone allowed in Jordan?” or “عقوبة الدرون في الأردن” into Google recently, you are not alone.
As of 2026, the rules regarding Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan remain strict, but they are clearer than ever before. With the new amendments introduced by the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) to support the digital economy, understanding the legal landscape is crucial to avoiding hefty fines or confiscation.
At Loyalty Drones, we are a fully licensed operator. We deal with these permits daily, so you don’t have to. Here is the simplified breakdown of the current laws.
The Golden Rule: Yes, But…
Are drones legal in Jordan? Yes, owning and operating a drone is legal, BUT it is strictly regulated. You cannot simply buy a drone and fly it in a park in Amman or over the Treasury in Petra.
Every single flight requires:
- Registration of the drone with CARC.
- Security Clearance from the Ministry of Interior.
- A specific Flight Permit for the time and location of your operation.
Note: The concept of “Recreational Hobby Flying” in public spaces effectively does not exist in Jordan in the way it does in the US or Europe. All airspace is controlled.
For Tourists: The “Queen Alia Airport” Protocol
If you are a tourist planning to bring your Mavic or Mini Pro to capture your vacation: Don’t. Unless you have pre-approval.
The 500 JOD Deposit Rule: If you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport with a drone and no prior permit:
- Confiscation: Customs will confiscate the drone.
- Sealing: It will be placed in a sealed bag/box.
- Deposit: You may be asked to pay a deposit (often around 500 JOD) to ensure you take it back out of the country.
- Reclaiming: You get the drone (and your deposit) back only when you depart the country.
The Solution: Instead of risking your expensive gear, hire a licensed local operator like Loyalty Drones. We can capture the footage for you legally, or help facilitate permits for large-scale commercial productions.
2025/2026 Amendments: What Changed?
Recent updates have streamlined the process for Commercial Entities. The government recognizes the value of drones for:
- Construction & Surveying: Using LiDAR and Photogrammetry.
- Agricultural Monitoring: In the Jordan Valley.
- Tourism Promotion: For high-end marketing.
However, strict penalties have been reinforced for unauthorized use to protect national security.
The “Traffic Light” System of Airspace
- RED ZONES (Strictly Prohibited): * Within 5km of any Airport (Queen Alia, Marka Civil Airport).
- Military Zones and Borders (especially the Northern and Western borders).
- Royal Palaces and Embassies (Dabouq, Abdoun).
- Power Plants and Critical Infrastructure.
- YELLOW ZONES (Restricted): * Petra & Wadi Rum: These are UNESCO sites. You need approvals from the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) or the Royal Film Commission in addition to the standard CARC permit.
- Dead Sea: Flying over the water is sensitive due to the border.
- GREEN ZONES (Permitted with Approval): * Open landscapes, private farms (with owner permission), and non-sensitive construction sites.
The Penalties: Why You Shouldn’t Risk It
According to Jordanian law, operating a drone without a license or permit is a violation of Civil Aviation Law.
Potential Consequences:
- Confiscation: You will lose your drone permanently.
- Fines: Penalties can range from 1,000 JOD to 3,000 JOD depending on where you were flying.
- Detainment: Flying near sensitive military or royal sites can lead to questioning and detainment by security services.
How to Fly Legally (The Process)
If you are a business looking to operate drones, here is the official workflow:
- Application: Submit a request to CARC at least 10 working days before the flight.
- Details: You must provide the pilot’s license, insurance details, drone serial number, and exact GPS coordinates of the flight path.
- Approvals: The request circulates through the Ministry of Interior and the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
- Permit Issuance: Once approved, you receive a paper permit that must be with you on-site.
Does this sound complicated? It is. That is why most businesses choose to hire a service provider.
Need Aerial Footage Without the Headache?
Don’t let regulations stop you from getting the perfect shot. Loyalty Drones is Jordan’s leading licensed drone service provider. We handle the paperwork, the safety, and the filming, so you can focus on your project.
- 100% Legal & Insured
- Authorized for Commercial & Industrial Flights
- Cinema-Grade Equipment (DJI Mavic 3 Pro, Inspire 3, FPV)
