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Drone Laws in Nepal

Summary of Drone Laws in Nepal

Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of Nepal

Drone Operations in Nepal are currently regulated.

  • Hobbyist drone flights are allowed in Nepal
  • Hobbyist Nepal drone pilot license is not required
  • Hobbyist Drone registration/authorization is required in Nepal for hobbyists
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in Nepal for hobbyists
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations in Nepal

Read below for more details on Hobbyist Drone Laws in Nepal and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of Nepal

Drone Operations in Nepal are currently regulated.

  • Commercial drone flights are allowed in Nepal
  • Commercial Nepal drone pilot license is not required
  • Commercial Drone registration/authorization is required in Nepal for commercial drone operators
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in Nepal for Commercial Drone Operators
  • Drone Insurance is not required for commercial drone operations in Nepal

Read below for more details on Commercial Drone Laws in Nepal and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Regulations For Visitors To Nepal

Drone Operations in Nepal are currently regulated.

  • Foreign visitor drone flights are allowed in Nepal
  • Foreign visitor drone pilot license is not required
  • Drone registration/authorization is required in Nepal for visitors/tourists
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in Nepal for tourists
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for tourist drone operations in Nepal

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Nepal for Visitors (Tourists) and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Rules For Government Drone Operators in Nepal

Drone Operations in Nepal are currently regulated.

  • Government drone flights are allowed in Nepal
  • Government drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required in Nepal for Government operations
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in Nepal for Government operations
  • Drone Insurance is not required for Government drone operations in Nepal

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Nepal for Government Drone Operations and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

Drone regulator in Nepal: Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN)

Link to Nepal Drone Laws: Nepal Drone Regulations

UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Nepal

The Nepal agency responsible for drone safety, CAAN, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying a drone for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Nepal?

According to CAAN, drones are allowed in Nepal, subject to CAAN regulations. Read on for details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Nepal:

  • For drones weighing more than 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) that fly 400 feet or more above ground level, prior authorization from the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the CAAN is required before operating a drone in Nepal. 
  • Drones weighing less than 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) do not require authorization from the CAAN so long as they are flown on private property and under 200 feet.
  • Do not recklessly fly drones.
  • Do not fly drones higher than 120 meters (394 feet).
  • Do not fly drones further than 500 meters (1,640 feet).
  • Drones may not be used to drop articles or animals.
  • Do not fly drones over or within 150 meters (492 feet) of any congested area.
  • Do not fly drones over or within 150 meters (492 feet) of an organized open-air assembly of more than 1,000 persons.
  • Do not fly within 50 meters (164 feet) of any vessel, vehicle, or structure.
  • Operators must maintain unaided visual sight with the drones.
  • Airport areas must be kept clear of all drone activity.

Registration and Permit

Drones must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) in Nepal. 

If your registration is successful, a unique identification number is issued for your drone.

All drone flights up to 200 feet in public spaces require approval from the local administration office. In national parks, for example, the national park administration is responsible. 

The permit is valid for three months.

You can register your drone online at this link: Nepal Online Drone Registration

Required Documents for Temporary License

  1. Passport with valid visa
  2. Letter of commitment from applicant to comply with the existing UAV requirement of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) UAV working procedure 2019 including flight information(purpose, location and duration of operation)
  3. If any additional document regarding drone operation

Note:Drone should have CE marking

Restricted areas

The new rule related to drone operations has categorized the following regions as the restricted area for drone operations:

  • The airport area (up to 5 km) must be kept clear of all drone activity
  • The international boundary within the area of a 5 km horizontal distance
  • Religious, heritage, and sacred sites, up to a radius of 1 km
  • President, Vice-President, PM, VVIP office, and resident within up to 1 km aerial radius distance
  • Military and safety office up to 1 km and other safety departments up to 500m
  • Conservation areas, ores
  • Areas with conflicts and war

Other restriction areas, as stated by the provincial or local governments

Additional Note for Foreign Operators

Drones are not allowed for tourists without obtaining valid permission from

  • Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Department of Tourism
  • Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
  • Concerned Conservation Area/ National Parks

Temporary Drone Registration (Only for Foreigner)

Please visit FSSD (Flight Safety Standard Department) office along with Drone.

Phone no: 4111115, 4111075, 4111042

Email: drone@caannepal.gov.np

Address: Sinamangal Rd, Kathmandu 44600

Required Documents for Temporary License

  1. Passport with valid visa
  2. Letter of commitment from applicant to comply with the existing UAV requirement of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) UAV working procedure 2019 including flight information(purpose, location and duration of operation)
  3. If any additional document regarding drone operation

Note:Drone should have CE marking

Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Nepal

Flying UAVs in a public area for fun requires permission from a local security agency.

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Nepal

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

Useful published information on flying drones in Nepal

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Nepal…

Authoritative Sources of Information on Nepal Drone Laws

We will attempt to keep an updated list of online authoritative links to regulators and other official websites here:

NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: 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.

Find out why

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And a Drone Post-flight checklist

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It’s an easy-to-use printable PDF that covers all your bases.

Go here to read why you need a Drone Preflight Checklist and get the free PDF
Go here to read why you need a Drone Post-flight Checklist and get the free PDF

Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

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41 responses to “Drone Laws in Nepal”

  1. Tanveer

    Dear Sir, can u please give me the link where i can download the registration form for physical submission after arrival in Nepal? That would be a great help for me. Thanks with regards

    Reply
    1. Editorial Team

      Please see information above on registration for foreign visitors.

      Reply
  2. Major Gary Peacock (SO2 sUAS - British Army - UK/Nepal)

    Good afternoon. Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Nepal in support of Disaster Relief (Post Earthquake Response) are required to fly Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS under 4.5 pounds) to locate personnel in collapsed buildings. We are intending to train our staff in Nepal to fly sUAS in response to a disaster. Could you tell me of the CAAN UAS Course a member of our Nepal Team needs to attend to fly a sUAS? Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Editorial Team

      Please contact CAAN, you can follow the links above to their site.

      Reply
  3. Saliza

    Hi,
    Do i need permit for hover x1 selfie drone weight 125gram, max flying height 15m, need permit to fly in Mardi himal trek?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Editorial Team

      Please check with the local authority.

      Reply
  4. BBT

    Can I bring Dji Mavic Mini (249 gram) from US to Nepal without any extra TAX or money? I’ll most likely fly my drone indoor without camera so still I have to register my drone? What is the cost of registering the drone?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      You should be able to take that drone to Nepal. While drone use indoors is not regulated, we are not sure if this exempts you from requiring a registration. We recommend registering (follow link above). The cost is $10 to 13% VAT

      Reply
  5. keeranstudio

    For Mavic 2 Pro, do I have to get CDO permission or only local police station is enough?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please check with CAAN for your specific use case

      Reply
  6. Juan

    Can I fly a Dj air on my way to Everest base camp?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      You must get local autorization

      Reply
  7. Dronepal

    Good info drone-laws. One additional you should not miss is the distinction between different category of drones as per the national laws in Nepal since the permission procedure varies completely based on these categories.

    Additionally, drone laws in Nepal keep changing as everyone is working in streamlining the policies and aligning them with best interest of professionals.

    For any information, assistance or services relating to Drones / UAVs in Nepal, Dronepal is Nepal’s first and pioneering drone company. Email: mail.dronepal@gmail.com / Whatsapp: +977-9801115065

    Reply
  8. neve

    Can you explain this information requested on the application form.
    Where can these documents be obtained ?

    4) Copy that shows latlong box of operation area.

    6) Letter from the concerned authority for security clearance and or other

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      For the best answers, we recommend contacting the authority directly. Our understanding is:
      4. On any air map, for example, Google maps, you can find the longitude and latitude of the location you want to fly your drone.
      6. This could be a police clearance from any public safety office in your home country. You may also be required to get a security clearance in Nepal.
      Please let us know about your experience

      Reply
  9. Hemanta Budhathoki

    What will be the procedure for foreigners to get Drone permit for Upper Mustang. This is restricted area and conservation area too.

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please see additional notes for foreigners above. This is a complex process that might best be approached witht he help of a local company.

      Reply
  10. Ido

    Did someone manage to get a permission to fly his drone in the Annapurna region?
    If so, where is the local security office which provides the permit to fly the drone in public places?

    Reply
  11. Sunil Bogati

    Always feel free to reach-out to me, I use drone quite often in Nepal’s sky. Have successfully completed 100+ flights, covered 500+ km and still counting.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogatisunil9843569716/

    Reply
  12. Tsering lama

    I was thinking to order DJI mini se and it’s a nano drone right and it’s weight 249 gram.. so do i still have registered?.. and what’s the rules and regulations of less than 249 gram dron…

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Under 250g drones do not have to be registered by CAAN. However you will still need approval by the local authorities to fly in some areas.

      Reply
  13. AKC

    How do I get permission from
    Local authority to fly a drone which is 249 gram for recreational purpose ?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      You should visit the local administration authority office.

      Reply
  14. DH

    Hi,

    I have a DJI Mini SE Drone and I’m doing a trek to the Annapurna region next week. I’ve emailed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Tourism but are there any specific application forms that I can complete ahead of visiting Nepal as I haven’t had any response so far.

    Thanks for all your help!!

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      If you follow the link to the regulator website at the top of this page, you will get to a registration link. For now, though the foreigner registration requires going to one of their offices when you get there (more details are provided at that link).

      Reply
      1. Elise Chong

        How to check whether my drone application has been approved ?

        Reply
        1. Merlin at Drone Laws

          Elise, you will have to contact the regulator

          Reply
    2. Nève

      Salut.Moi j’ai trouve des formulaire sur le site de la caan Népal mais rien pour l’envoyer. Email inactif et téléphone erroné. https://caanepal.gov.np/drone
      Pourrais-tu me donner les coordonnées des ministères dont tu parle ?
      Merci d’avance pour ton attention.

      Reply
  15. Dipen gurung

    I have got DJI Mini 2 weighing 249 grams. Do I still need to inform CAAN or not? If not do I still need to inform local police station, I will be flying it on only fun and family memory building purpose not for commercial wise. Mostly around Pokhara locality and on my village trip to Syanja.

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Dipen, our understanding is that you need to register the drone, do not require CAAN authorization to fly if you follow their guidelines, but will require local authorization.

      Reply
      1. Dipen gurung

        Your information was correct and I’ve been advised by visit CDO office for gain permit for flying drone not necessarily needing to register at KTM since was drone is below 2 kgs weighing just 249 grams. I shall keep you guys updated. Till then keep the good informative job on..blessed!!

        Reply
        1. Sandeep Thapa

          Dipen jee, I have DJI mini 3 pro. I’m planning to visit Syanja and Pokhare too. How long does it take to receive the approval from the CDO or police station? thank you in advance.

          Reply
        2. Christophe

          Est-il possible de m’indiquer ce qu’est le rcas et le cdo s’il vous plait ? Des lien éventuels ?
          Je cherche également comment utiliser un dji mini de 249 lors d’un trek autour du manaslu en novembre 2022. Je me demande aussi s’il est risqué de me rendre au Népal (katmandou) avec mon drone avant d’avoir une éventuelle autorisation . Merci d’avance pour vos réponses

          Reply
  16. Piotr

    DJI MAVIC AIR 2

    Is registration in CAAN required for this drone? As the CAAN website says not required?

    Yet local permissions required for flying it in hills and mountains and open grounds?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Piotr, the regulation requires local permission for all drones flying in hills, mountains and open grounds.

      Reply
  17. badtraveller

    Can permit for flying Drone in Annapurna and Sagarmatha/Khumbu region be obtained from Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Tourism, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and Concerned Conservation Area/ National Parks BEFORE coming to Nepal. Can the permits be obtained via internet?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please contact CAAN directly. The process is not automated or done on the internet. You will need to submit the required documents to the appropriate organizations before getting to Nepal.

      Reply
  18. Everest

    can we take drone in carry bag in international flight to nepal?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      It would depend on the drone and the airline. Please see our comprehensive guide for traveling with a drone

      Reply
    2. Surendra Man Maharjan

      Dji mini air 2s

      Is registration in CAAN required for this drone? As the CAAN website says not required?

      Yet local permissions required for flying it in public places like hills and mountains and open grounds?

      Reply
      1. Merlin at Drone Laws

        Surendra, you are correct. CAAN does not require registration of the DJI Mini Air 2 S, but you will require the approval of the local administration/security authority to fly the drone in public places.

        Reply

Leave a Comment

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41 thoughts on “Drone Laws in Nepal”

  1. Dear Sir, can u please give me the link where i can download the registration form for physical submission after arrival in Nepal? That would be a great help for me. Thanks with regards

    Reply

  2. Good afternoon. Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Nepal in support of Disaster Relief (Post Earthquake Response) are required to fly Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS under 4.5 pounds) to locate personnel in collapsed buildings. We are intending to train our staff in Nepal to fly sUAS in response to a disaster. Could you tell me of the CAAN UAS Course a member of our Nepal Team needs to attend to fly a sUAS? Thank you.

    Reply

  3. Hi,
    Do i need permit for hover x1 selfie drone weight 125gram, max flying height 15m, need permit to fly in Mardi himal trek?

    Thank you.

    Reply

  4. Can I bring Dji Mavic Mini (249 gram) from US to Nepal without any extra TAX or money? I’ll most likely fly my drone indoor without camera so still I have to register my drone? What is the cost of registering the drone?

    Reply

    • You should be able to take that drone to Nepal. While drone use indoors is not regulated, we are not sure if this exempts you from requiring a registration. We recommend registering (follow link above). The cost is $10 to 13% VAT

      Reply

  7. Good info drone-laws. One additional you should not miss is the distinction between different category of drones as per the national laws in Nepal since the permission procedure varies completely based on these categories.

    Additionally, drone laws in Nepal keep changing as everyone is working in streamlining the policies and aligning them with best interest of professionals.

    For any information, assistance or services relating to Drones / UAVs in Nepal, Dronepal is Nepal’s first and pioneering drone company. Email: mail.dronepal@gmail.com / Whatsapp: +977-9801115065

    Reply

  8. Can you explain this information requested on the application form.
    Where can these documents be obtained ?

    4) Copy that shows latlong box of operation area.

    6) Letter from the concerned authority for security clearance and or other

    Reply

    • For the best answers, we recommend contacting the authority directly. Our understanding is:
      4. On any air map, for example, Google maps, you can find the longitude and latitude of the location you want to fly your drone.
      6. This could be a police clearance from any public safety office in your home country. You may also be required to get a security clearance in Nepal.
      Please let us know about your experience

      Reply

  9. What will be the procedure for foreigners to get Drone permit for Upper Mustang. This is restricted area and conservation area too.

    Reply

    • Please see additional notes for foreigners above. This is a complex process that might best be approached witht he help of a local company.

      Reply

  10. Did someone manage to get a permission to fly his drone in the Annapurna region?
    If so, where is the local security office which provides the permit to fly the drone in public places?

    Reply

  12. I was thinking to order DJI mini se and it’s a nano drone right and it’s weight 249 gram.. so do i still have registered?.. and what’s the rules and regulations of less than 249 gram dron…

    Reply

    • Under 250g drones do not have to be registered by CAAN. However you will still need approval by the local authorities to fly in some areas.

      Reply

  14. Hi,

    I have a DJI Mini SE Drone and I’m doing a trek to the Annapurna region next week. I’ve emailed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Tourism but are there any specific application forms that I can complete ahead of visiting Nepal as I haven’t had any response so far.

    Thanks for all your help!!

    Reply

    • If you follow the link to the regulator website at the top of this page, you will get to a registration link. For now, though the foreigner registration requires going to one of their offices when you get there (more details are provided at that link).

      Reply

    • Salut.Moi j’ai trouve des formulaire sur le site de la caan Népal mais rien pour l’envoyer. Email inactif et téléphone erroné. https://caanepal.gov.np/drone
      Pourrais-tu me donner les coordonnées des ministères dont tu parle ?
      Merci d’avance pour ton attention.

      Reply

  15. I have got DJI Mini 2 weighing 249 grams. Do I still need to inform CAAN or not? If not do I still need to inform local police station, I will be flying it on only fun and family memory building purpose not for commercial wise. Mostly around Pokhara locality and on my village trip to Syanja.

    Reply

    • Dipen, our understanding is that you need to register the drone, do not require CAAN authorization to fly if you follow their guidelines, but will require local authorization.

      Reply

      • Your information was correct and I’ve been advised by visit CDO office for gain permit for flying drone not necessarily needing to register at KTM since was drone is below 2 kgs weighing just 249 grams. I shall keep you guys updated. Till then keep the good informative job on..blessed!!

        Reply

        • Dipen jee, I have DJI mini 3 pro. I’m planning to visit Syanja and Pokhare too. How long does it take to receive the approval from the CDO or police station? thank you in advance.

          Reply

        • Est-il possible de m’indiquer ce qu’est le rcas et le cdo s’il vous plait ? Des lien éventuels ?
          Je cherche également comment utiliser un dji mini de 249 lors d’un trek autour du manaslu en novembre 2022. Je me demande aussi s’il est risqué de me rendre au Népal (katmandou) avec mon drone avant d’avoir une éventuelle autorisation . Merci d’avance pour vos réponses

          Reply

  16. DJI MAVIC AIR 2

    Is registration in CAAN required for this drone? As the CAAN website says not required?

    Yet local permissions required for flying it in hills and mountains and open grounds?

    Reply

    • Piotr, the regulation requires local permission for all drones flying in hills, mountains and open grounds.

      Reply

  17. Can permit for flying Drone in Annapurna and Sagarmatha/Khumbu region be obtained from Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Tourism, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and Concerned Conservation Area/ National Parks BEFORE coming to Nepal. Can the permits be obtained via internet?

    Reply

    • Please contact CAAN directly. The process is not automated or done on the internet. You will need to submit the required documents to the appropriate organizations before getting to Nepal.

      Reply

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