Drone Laws in the Maldives

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…


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.



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IMPORTANT NOTE

The content on this site (The latest Drone Laws/Drone Regulations) is collated by volunteers from public general information. It is based on user experience, our own research, understanding, and interpretation of the laws. We always go back to the regulatory source as a starting point and apply our expertise in simplifying where possible what the authorities publish. To that understanding, we add our own first hand experience, and users experience to build a more complete picture.

This material is not presented as legal advice of any kind, and we cannot guarantee that the information is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Do not substitute the information you find here for legal advice from a licensed attorney who is authorized to practice in the jurisdiction. When in doubt, contact the local aviation authority responsible for drone safety, utilize a licensed drone service operator, and/or consult a qualified attorney.

When your experience is different, we want to know. We welcome any feedback, corrections, or updates that can be shared with our community.

Finally, we urge you to operate your drone safely and to follow the drone laws of the location in which you are flying!

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