NTH Team July 23, 2026

Capturing the soaring peaks of the Himalayas, ancient heritage temples, and lush valleys from a bird’s-eye perspective is a dream for many vloggers and travel photographers visiting Nepal. However, Nepal strictly enforces drone laws to protect aviation safety, national security, and cultural sanctity.

If you are traveling to Nepal as a foreign national with a drone, you cannot simply land and start flying. Every drone operated by a tourist must undergo mandatory physical inspection, temporary registration, and multi-agency flight permission before taking off.

Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how to legally register, obtain permits for, and fly your drone in Nepal.

1. Understanding Nepal’s Drone Weight Categories

Before starting the permit process, identify which weight category your drone falls into under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Unmanned Aircraft System Requirements (UASR):

CategoryRisk ClassificationMaximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)Typical Examples
Category AVery Low RiskUnder 250 gramsDJI Mini 2 / 3 / 4 Pro
Category BLow Risk250 grams to 2 kgDJI Air 3, Mavic 3 Pro
Category CRegulated Low Risk2 kg to 25 kgProfessional Enterprise / Cinema Rigs
Category DRegulated High RiskAbove 25 kgIndustrial Heavy-Lift Drones

📌 Pro-Tip: Even if you bring a “Category A” drone under 250g (like a DJI Mini), do not assume you are exempt. While Category A drones have simpler procedural steps, any drone operated by a foreign national in public spaces, national parks, or heritage areas still requires registration and flight authorization.

2. Temporary Drone Registration for Foreign Nationals (CAAN)

Unlike Nepalese citizens who can use an online portal, foreign tourists must complete temporary registration in person after arriving in Nepal.

Where to Register

You must physically visit the Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD) under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN):

  • Office: Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD), CAAN
  • Location: Sinamangal Road, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal (near Tribhuvan International Airport)
  • Email: drone@caannepal.gov.np
  • Phone: +977-1-4111115 / +977-1-4111075 / +977-1-4111042

Required Documents for CAAN Temporary Registration

When visiting the FSSD office with your drone for physical inspection, you must present:

  1. Original Passport with a valid Nepal entry visa.
  2. Customs Declaration / Clearance Certificate received upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
  3. Signed Letter of Commitment stating compliance with CAAN and Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Drone Operation Procedures. This letter must explicitly state:
    • Purpose of the drone operation
    • Proposed flight location(s) and itinerary
    • Duration of operation
  4. Drone Technical Specifications & Photos showing the manufacturer, model, color, and clear serial number.
  5. Mandatory CE Marking: The drone must bear a valid CE Marking indicating compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards.

Once verified, CAAN will issue a Temporary Certificate of Registration containing a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for your drone.

3. The Multi-Agency Flight Permit Gauntlet

Obtaining a UIN from CAAN registers your device, but it does not automatically grant you permission to fly anywhere. Depending on where you plan to travel, you must obtain secondary permissions:

[Arrival at TIA Customs] ➔ Declare Drone & Receive Entry Certificate
           │
           ▼
[CAAN FSSD Office (Sinamangal)] ➔ Present Drone & Get Temporary Registration (UIN)
           │
           ▼
[Department of Tourism & MoHA] ➔ Security Clearance for Foreign Nationals
           │
           ▼
[District Administration Office (DAO)] ➔ Local Area Approval
           │
           ▼
[DNPWC / National Park Office] ➔ Conservation Area Flying Permit (e.g., Everest, Annapurna)

1. Security Clearance (Ministry of Home Affairs & Department of Tourism)

Since you are on a tourist visa, the Department of Tourism authorizes your activity, while the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) grants security clearance to ensure sensitive infrastructure isn’t recorded.

  • Local Representative Requirement: Foreign nationals usually need an authorization letter naming a local licensed agency, trekking guide, or Nepalese individual who assumes joint responsibility for the flight.

2. National Parks & Conservation Areas (DNPWC)

If you plan to fly inside trekking hubs like Sagarmatha (Everest), Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, or Kanchenjunga, you must obtain a separate permit from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) or the respective Conservation Area Project (e.g., NTNC).

  • Note: Filming/drone permits inside national parks carry additional fees.

3. Cultural Heritage Sites

Flying near UNESCO World Heritage Sites (such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Baudhanath, or Pashupatinath) requires explicit written permission from the Department of Archaeology and local heritage committees.

4. Key Rules and Flight Restrictions

To keep your flight legal and avoid heavy fines or equipment confiscation, adhere strictly to these operational boundaries:

  • Maximum Ceiling: 100 meters (328 feet) Above Ground Level (AGL).
  • Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must keep the drone within direct line of sight at all times. FPV goggles without a spotter are not permitted.
  • Daytime Flying Only: Operations are restricted strictly from sunrise to sunset in clear weather.
  • No-Fly Distance Limits:
    • Airports & Helipads: Strict 5 km exclusion radius around all airports (Tribhuvan, Pokhara, Lukla, etc.).
    • International Borders: Minimum 5 km distance from borders with China and India.
    • Government Complexes & Military Posts: Absolute zero-tolerance zone over military barracks, police stations, and government hubs (e.g., Singha Durbar).
  • Privacy: Never record people or private properties without explicit consent. Flying over large crowds or public gatherings is prohibited.

5. Checklist for Tourists Bringing a Drone

  1. At TIA Airport: Declare your drone at customs upon arrival and obtain your Customs Clearance Certificate.
  2. Buffer Time: Block 2 to 3 days in Kathmandu at the start of your trip to finalize paperwork. Do not schedule a trek for the morning after landing.
  3. Paper Copies: Keep physical printouts of your passport, visa, CAAN UIN certificate, commitment letter, and park permits in your daypack. Officers in remote mountain trails will not accept screenshots on a dead phone.
  4. CE Marking Check: Ensure your drone hardware has a visible CE Marking badge before traveling.