On September 25, 2023, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, signed a decree on state registration and operation of civilian drones, the provisions of which come into force on March 28, 2024. The document prohibits Belarusians from importing, storing, assembling drones, as well as using the airspace of the republic.
Legal entities and entrepreneurs can import, store, manufacture and operate civilian drones, as well as use the airspace of Belarus, if their activities are directly related to the UAV sector. At the same time, they must strictly follow the requirements of the presidential decree.
The Department of Aviation of the Ministry of Transport of Belarus will issue permits for the import of drones to companies and individual entrepreneurs. The department is also tasked with keeping records of drones; for this purpose, an automated information system will be created.
What Belarusians face for violating Lukashenko's decree
The use of the republic's airspace without permits entails administrative liability. Fines for individuals and legal entities range from 22 to 111 thousand Russian rubles. Depending on the consequences of using a drone, a criminal case may be opened against the violator under the article on hooliganism.