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Drone Laws in the Maldives

Summary of Drone Laws in the Maldives

Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of the Maldives

Drone Operations in the Maldives are currently regulated.


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

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

Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of the Maldives

Drone Operations in the Maldives are currently regulated.


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

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

Drone Regulations For Visitors To the Maldives

Drone Operations in the Maldives are currently regulated.


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

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

Drone Rules For Government Drone Operators in the Maldives

Drone Operations in the Maldives are currently regulated.


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

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

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Maldives

Drone Regulator in Maldives: Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA)


UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in the Maldives

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

Are drones allowed in the Maldives?

According to MCAA, drones are allowed on a case-by-case basis in the Maldives, subject to strict MCAA regulations. Read on for more details.

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

How to get Authorization to Fly Drones in Maldives?

All drone operations are reviewed case-by-case, and the following procedures must be followed.  

STEP 1 – Approval from the Hotel or Island

If Recreational Video / Photography

Approval should be obtained hotel or the local island council before the operation.

If Commercial Video / Photography

Approval should be obtained from the National Centre for the Arts before the operation. Fill out their application form and email info@nca.gov.mv.

STEP 2 – Approval from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)

Obtain approval from the Maldives National Defence Force. Fill in their application form (PDF Download) and email it to admin@defence.gov.mv. This step may be completed concurrently with Step 1. 

STEP 3 – Approval from the CAA

Once approval has been obtained from the hotel/island and the MNDF, apply to the CAA using this application form (PDF Download) and send it to ans@caa.gov.mv. ENSURE to include a copy of the permit from MNDF with the application. 

Restrict drone operations to below 400 feet. 


Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in the Maldives

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


Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in the Maldives

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


Useful published information on flying drones in the Maldives

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


Authoritative Sources of Information on the Maldives 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.


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Traveling with a Drone?

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



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