Drone Permission in Nepal

About Drones and their rules in Nepal

Nepal is a paradise for those who love capturing aerial photos and videos of the world's highest peaks. However, you must follow drone permission rules in Nepal to take aerial views of the majestic Himalayas, landscapes, and valleys. According to the CAAN(Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal), travelers are permitted to use drone cameras in the Himalayas of Nepal under specific rules and regulations. Here are the main rules you need to know about drone permission in Nepal:

• Travelers must obtain proper permission from the Tourism Industry, CAAN, and the Home Minister of Nepal.
• Secure the necessary licenses and documents from the CAAN and the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with a valid reason for operating the drone in certain areas of Nepal.
• To fly a drone over National Parks, Conservation Areas, or Restricted areas, you must get permission from the relevant local authority.
• As a drone operator, you should familiarize yourself with the regulations and laws regarding drone use in Nepal.
• Do not fly or operate the drone near air traffic.
• Be aware of drone altitude limits: the maximum height is 120 meters, and the maximum distance is 500 meters.
• Any damage caused by the drone will be the responsibility of the operator.
• Penalties will be imposed if you fly a drone without proper permission from the government and local authorities.

Category of Drone Cameras

Generally, the category of drones in Nepal is based on weight and risk level. Here are the types of drones:

• Class A: Less than 250 g, which is categorized as a very low-risk
• Class B: 250 g to 2 kg, which is categorized as a low-risk.
• Class C: 2kg to 25kg, which is categorized as a regulated low-risk.
• Class D: More than 25kg, which is categorized as a high-risk.

Things to Know Before Bringing Drones to Nepal

• Know details about the fly zone and no-fly zone areas of Nepal.
• Get the drone permission from the concerned authorities.
• Respect the privacy of the individual while using the drone cameras in Nepal.
• Fly your drone responsibly so that it doesn’t violate any code of conduct or laws.
• Choose favorable weather to operate the drone.
• The drone pilot must be an expert and familiar with the basics to advanced use of the drone to operate it safely.

Drone rules and regular foreigners need to know

• Stay informed about drone policies and regulations to make sure you meet the necessary security requirements.
• Foreigners need to obtain all required permits before bringing a drone into Nepal.
• Get approval letters from the Home Minister, Tourism Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, Defense Minister, Local Administration, and Federal Affairs Ministers.
• Submit a commitment letter stating your intention to follow the laws and rules of the Nepalese government while operating drones in Nepal.
• Seek assistance from your trip organizer or an authorized local agency to prepare a letter outlining your tour plan.

What is the procedure for registering drone cameras in Nepal?

There are a few things you must know about the process of registering drone cameras in Nepal. Without following this process, you won’t be able to bring your drone into Nepal or obtain drone permission there. Follow these steps to get drone permission in Nepal:

• First, get approval from the required authorities.
• Submit necessary documents such as filled-out forms, the drone registration certificate, flight details, the purpose of the drone, and an authorization letter.
• Obtain approval letters from legal authorities like the Federal Affairs, General Administration, the Ministry of Federal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Tourism Board.
• Provide personal details of the drone operator, including citizenship, passport, visa, and contact information.
• Acquire approval from the local trekking agency and guide.
• After your documents are reviewed and meet security requirements, you will receive the Drone Permission in Nepal.

Drone permit in Nepal and its cost

After you complete the registration process and get the green signal from all the authorities, you have to pay for the Drone Permit in Nepal. The Drone Permit Cost in Nepal is USD 10 plus 13% VAT. However, the drone permit cost in Nepal depends on your goal and intention. If you are using it for personal purposes, it can be around USD 100. Likewise, for commercial purposes, the permit cost of a drone can be more than USD 300 and can reach up to USD 500. Likewise, for documentation and filming, the cost can go up to USD 1500.

Remember that the validation of the Drone Permit in Nepal is just a year. If you want to use the drone time and again after a year, you must follow the same procedure and get permission.

Consequences of breaching the rules and laws of the Drone

Anyone who breaches the drone rules and laws of Nepal may face serious penalties and consequences based on the nature of the violation. It can be a fine, an arrest, or a combination of both based on the violation.

• Drone operators who violate the Drone Rules and Regulations of Nepal may face a monetary penalty of NRP 2000 to NRP 5000.
• Based on the violation and harm caused by it, you can be arrested and face imprisonment as well.
• The monetary penalty can be more or less, depending on the harm done by the violation of the laws.
• Moreover, a fine or arrest can be imposed based on the intention of the drone pilot or operator.
• If some private property or individuals are harmed by your drone, then it can lead to a serious problem. Any private property or individual can accuse you of a privacy violation.

FAQs

Can I fly a drone in Nepal without permission?

No, you can’t operate any kind of drone without permission from the Government and local authorities. If caught without permission, you may face charges and penalties.

Who should I contact to get permission for a drone in Nepal?

You should contact the local trekking agency, then proceed with the legal process through the Home Ministry, the Federal Affairs, the Tourism Board, and finally, local government offices to obtain drone permission in Nepal.

Can I fly a drone over the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek?

You need to follow specific rules and regulations to fly a drone over Everest Base Camp. Obtain legal permission from government agencies like CAAN, the Home Ministry, local government, and Federal Affairs, with the necessary documents and valid reasons.

Are there any restricted areas for drone permission in Nepal?

Yes, there are several restricted and no-fly zones in Nepal, including airports, military areas, government facilities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and residential zones.

I want to use a drone on the Mardi Himal Trek. How can I follow the drone laws in Nepal for the Mardi Trek?

To use a drone camera during the Mardi Himal Trek, obtain the necessary documents and legal permissions from the relevant authorities.

Can I use drone cameras on restricted treks in Nepal, such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, or Nar Phu Valley Trek?

You will need special permission to operate drones in restricted areas of Nepal. Additionally, be cautious of military zones, Tibetan borders, and government sectors when using a drone in restricted zones.

Conclusion

In summary, drone permission in Nepal is granted only if security requirements are fulfilled and approval is given by all relevant government and local authorities. Complying with drone rules and regulations in Nepal reflects responsible tourism. Overland Trek Nepal always encourages our visitors to practice responsible tourism without issues or consequences. For more information about drone laws in Nepal, feel free to contact us or WhatsApp us at +9779841920870