🖐 In this blog post we will share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in São Tomé and Príncipe's (Sao Tome). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to comment your experience or any updates in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs commercial drone use in São Tomé and Príncipe
✅ In São Tomé and Príncipe, aviation regulation falls under the National Civil Aviation Institute & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: inac@cstome.net
Phone: (+239) 2241450
🚨 Unfortunately we haven't found any drone laws or sufficient official sources to confirm the current drone regulations in São Tomé and Príncipe. This being said, it is not because we didn't find any that there are none, drone regulations evolve fast and if you have any information please share with the community in the Forum anytime.
🚨 In fact, in some cases, it might mean that the country is hostile to drones and you could see your drone equipment ceased or stored until your stay is over in some cases. In every case we would recommend you to get in touch with local authorities before arriving in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Can I travel with my drone to São Tomé and Príncipe?
🚨 There isn't enough official sources to answer this question today; if you know anything or have been to São Tomé and Príncipe with your drone, please share your experience in the Forum.
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in São Tomé and Príncipe?
🚨 We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in São Tomé and Príncipe "If you have more information about this, please let us on the Forum know anytime". Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed some no flight zones in a convenient. Note that this is a guide map only and does not necessarily represent where you can fly with your drone in the country.
São Tomé and Príncipe Drone Fly Map
💡 Spare drone batteries are a must when travelling overseas, they give you more autonomy to fly and take pictures during your trips.
Recreational & commercial drone use in São Tomé and Príncipe
🚨 With the absence of sufficient official sources, we strongly recommend to get in touch with local authorities before taking off with your drone. In every case, you should always follow common sense rules and respect others' privacy at all times. Here are some suggestions we like to recommend in all cases:
fly within sight and during daytime only.
fly away from borders, military, governmental building and urban centres.
fly away from airports and give way to any manned aircraft you see.
fly away from national parks and reserves.
if flying over people, ask their permission prior, consider local cultures and always respect individuals' privacy right.
carry with you all your qualifications and your drone's manual (ideally translated in the local language). 💡 You might want to write down a little word in the local language to explain what you're doing that you can hand out to curious locals.
have a third party insurance to cover yourself and others.
🚁 If you are considering getting your first drone or upgrade, feel free to check the Drone Gear content we've put together or click on the model you like below to get its full specs. Any purchase done from one of our affiliate links helps Dronemade stay free and available to all.
What do I risk for flying illegally in São Tomé and Príncipe?
🚨 The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction &/or if you had any commercial purpose during your flight.
If you got everything in order, you can start flying above São Tomé and Príncipe's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in São Tomé and Príncipe! Have fun and safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
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