Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Burma)
Drone Regulator in Myanmar: Myanmar Department of Civil Aviation (MDCA)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Myanmar
The Myanmar agency responsible for drone safety, MDCA, has provided several details on flying a drone for fun or work. Please note that Myanmar has not officially published regulations governing the use of Drones. The highlights of current practice are enumerated below. For more details, contact the MDCA directly.
Are drones allowed in Myanmar?
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Myanmar:
- All drones must be carried in luggage, and batteries must not be placed in checked baggage.
- Drones must be declared at customs upon entry or face confiscation.
- Anyone caught attempting to import a drone illegally faces up to three years in prison.
- Even if the drone passes through customs without incident, we strongly advise you to register first and thoroughly familiarize yourself with the applicable laws before flying.
- According to the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) of the Ministry of Transport, drones operated by foreign tourists must be registered before the flight.
- The area surrounding Shwedagon Pagoda and any part of Nay Pyi Taw are off-limits.
- Do not fly your drone over crowds or individuals.
- Avoid flying your drone near airports, government buildings, and military-controlled areas.
- Avoid flying your drone too close to religious structures such as temples, pagodas, monasteries, nunneries, and academies of Buddhism.
- Fly your drone only during daylight hours and in good weather.
- Do not operate drones near schools or residential areas, and you should always respect the privacy of others.
Getting a permit
Myanmar has permitted the use of drones in recent years. However, a permit is required in advance, as is registering your drone at the airport.
You can contact the MDCA by sending an email on the MDCA Facebook Page
Take note that it will take at least four weeks.
Penalties
There are no clear laws in Myanmar regarding drone-related penalties.
Possessing an unregistered drone (even if you have a permit and are not flying it) can result in a prison sentence of 2-3 years.
Additional Note for Foreign Operators
Flying a drone is permitted only if a permit is obtained before entering the country and the drone is registered at the airport.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Myanmar
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Myanmar
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Useful published information on flying drones in Myanmar
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Myanmar…
NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
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Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.
NOW ITS YOUR TURN
I have an old mavic air- small one. I have flown it a couple of times( holiday) in Dawei and Bagan, never in yangon. It has been lying unused for 4 years now and I want to give to my cousin in Thailand when I visit him coming week. Is there a chance that they will confiscate the drone or will they allow me to take it outside of Myanmar. Any suggestions please?
You should have registered the drone in Myanmar previously. You need to look at the laws related to importing a drone in Thailand if that is where you are taking it.