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Nepal Drone Laws 2026: Complete Registration & Permit Guide for Tourists & Professionals
Planning to capture Nepal’s Himalayan peaks with your drone? Before you fly over Everest Base Camp or Kathmandu Valley, understanding Nepal’s drone laws is mandatory. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) enforces strict drone regulations with penalties up to NPR 200,000 ($1,600) and immediate deportation for violations. This definitive guide covers everything from CAAN drone registration to Sagarmatha National Park permits, ensuring legal compliance for tourists, professional filmmakers, and commercial operators.
Is Drone Allowed in Nepal? Legal Status 2026
Yes, drones are legal in Nepal, but unauthorized flight is a criminal offense. All drone operations require prior approval from multiple government bodies regardless of purpose. The 2026 regulations categorize drones by weight and mandate registration with CAAN‘s Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD) in Sinamangal, Kathmandu. Foreign visitors face identical requirements to Nepali citizens, plus additional customs declarations at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Key Legal Principle: Flying without permits risks equipment confiscation, fines, and travel bans. Even drones under 250 grams need registration for national park flights.
Nepal Drone Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The CAAN drone registration process involves two distinct approvals: registration (one-time drone certification) and operational permit (flight-specific authorization). Here’s the complete workflow:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents (RPA/Form/001 & RPA/Form/002)
Submit these documents to CAAN FSSD office:
- Completed Application Form RPA/Form/001 (drone registration)
- Letter of Commitment RPA/Form/002 (purpose declaration)
- Passport-sized color photograph of applicant
- Clear photograph of drone showing serial number and CE marking
- Passport copy with valid Nepal visa (for foreigners)
- Tribhuvan International Airport customs declaration slip
- Purchase receipt or VAT bill (for Nepal-purchased drones)
Processing Time: 2-3 working days for registration; 5-10 days for complete permit approval.
Step 2: Pay Registration Fees via Connect IPS or Bank Deposit
Registration Fee: USD 50 + 13% VAT = USD 56.50 total
Payment Methods:
- Connect IPS (Instant): Navigate to More → Semi Govt. (Sansthan) → CAA Nepal → Flight Safety Standards Department (1203)
- Bank Deposit: Rastriya Banijya Bank, TIA Branch, Account No. 1690100000133001 (Account Name: CAANFSSD)
Operational Permit Fee: Additional USD 10 + 13% VAT per flight operation.
Step 3: Obtain Multi-Authority Clearance
CAAN registration alone doesn’t authorize flight. You need:
- Local Approval: Chief District Officer (CDO) or District Police Office of your operating area
- National Security Clearance: Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) verification
- Special Area Permits: Department of Tourism and Department of National Parks for conservation areas
For Everest Base Camp: Requires additional Sagarmatha National Park Office (Namche/Monjo) permission plus local municipality consent for villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche.
Nepal Drone Weight Categories & Rules (2026 Classification)
CAAN classifies drones into five operational categories with escalating requirements:
| Category | Weight | Registration | Insurance | Special Permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano | <250g | Required | Not required | For national parks only |
| Micro | 250g–2kg | Required | Not required | MoHA approval for sensitive zones |
| Small | 2–25kg | Required | Mandatory | CDO + MoHA + CAAN clearance |
| Medium | 25–150kg | Required | Mandatory | Full security vetting |
| Large | >150kg | Required | Mandatory | Industrial/military use only |
Critical Rule: Drones exceeding 2kg require third-party liability insurance covering property damage and personal injury. Minimum coverage limits are not officially specified but industry standards recommend $1 million USD for commercial operations.
Flight Operational Limits: Altitude & Distance Restrictions
Even with permits, strict technical limitations apply:
- Maximum Altitude: 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level
- Horizontal Distance: 500 meters (1,640 feet) from remote pilot
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Must maintain unaided visual contact
- Proximity Limits: Minimum 30-50 meters from people, vehicles, structures
- Night Flying: Prohibited without special authorization and lighting equipment
- Crowded Areas: Minimum 150 meters from assemblies of 1,000+ people
GPS Requirement: All drones must have functional GPS and return-to-home (RTH) capabilities to prevent entry into restricted airspace.
Restricted Zones: Where Drones Are Prohibited in Nepal
Flying in these areas results in immediate penalties:
Absolute No-Fly Zones (No Exceptions)
- Airports: 5km radius from any airport or airstrip (includes Lukla Airport)
- Military Installations: All bases, training grounds, and equipment depots
- Government Buildings: Within 1km of President’s/PM’s residences, embassies, ministries
- International Borders: All border regions for national security
Permission-Required Zones
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square
- National Parks: Sagarmatha, Chitwan, Langtang, Annapurna Conservation Area (requires Department of National Parks clearance)
- Religious Sites: Monasteries, temples, and ceremony locations
- Kathmandu Valley: Heavily restricted due to cultural density and air traffic
Everest Region Specifics: The entire EBC trek falls under Sagarmatha National Park. You need park office permission PLUS local village (Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche) consent. Drones are banned near Lukla Airport and monasteries.
Commercial Drone Filming: Additional Requirements
Professional operations face enhanced scrutiny:
Remote Pilot License (RPL) Requirements
- Valid certification recognized by CAAN
- Proof of safety and operational training
- Understanding of Nepali air traffic rules
- For foreign crews: Local licensed pilot recommended
Insurance & Liability
- Mandatory aerial insurance covering third-party liability
- Equipment loss/damage coverage for international crews
- Proof submitted with permit applications
- Recommended minimum: $1M USD liability coverage
Documentation for Commercial Permits
- Detailed flight plan with GPS coordinates
- Storyboard or project description
- Insurance certificates
- Crew list with passport copies
- Processing Time: 2-3 weeks minimum
Pro Tip: Hire Nepal Film Production or similar agencies for permit facilitation. They provide local pilots and handle all government liaisons for $500-1,500 USD depending on project scope.
Drone Import & Customs Procedures at TIA
Declare your drone upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport:
- Customs Counter: Present drone, passport, and proof of ownership
- Temporary Import Permit: Required for stays under 6 months
- Refundable Deposit: May be required (returned upon departure with drone)
- Serial Number Verification: Customs matches drone to declaration slip
Never attempt to bypass customs. Undeclared drones face confiscation and immediate deportation.
Penalties for Violating Nepal Drone Laws (2026 Updates)
Nepal enforces drone regulations strictly:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Flying without registration | NPR 10,000-50,000 fine + confiscation |
| Flying without operational permit | NPR 50,000-100,000 fine + deportation |
| Violating no-fly zones | NPR 100,000-200,000 fine + criminal charges |
| Unauthorized commercial filming | Equipment seizure + project shutdown |
| Endangering aircraft safety | Imprisonment up to 3 years (aviation law) |
Foreign Tourists: Deportation and re-entry bans are standard for serious violations. Always carry permit copies during flight operations.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to fly a drone in Kathmandu?
Yes. Kathmandu Valley requires special permission from CDO and CAAN due to heritage site density. Most tourist areas are restricted.
How long does it take to get drone approval in Nepal?
5-10 working days for recreational use; 2-3 weeks for commercial projects. Start applications 3 weeks before travel.
Can I fly my drone at Everest Base Camp?
Only with Sagarmatha National Park permit (USD 150 for foreigners) plus local municipality consent. Lukla Airport area is permanently restricted.
What happens if I fly a drone without a permit in Nepal?
Immediate confiscation, fines from NPR 10,000-200,000, and potential deportation for foreigners.
How do I register my drone with CAAN Nepal?
Visit Flight Safety Standards Department in Sinamangal, Kathmandu with completed RPA/Form/001, passport, drone photo, customs slip, and USD 56.50 fee.
2026 Compliance Checklist: Before You Fly
- [ ] Register drone with CAAN (RPA/Form/001 + USD 56.50)
- [ ] Obtain operational permit (USD 11.30 per flight)
- [ ] Secure local CDO/police approval
- [ ] Get MoHA national clearance
- [ ] Acquire special permits for national parks/conservation areas
- [ ] Purchase liability insurance (if drone >2kg)
- [ ] Declare drone at TIA customs with temporary import permit
- [ ] Download offline maps of restricted zones
- [ ] Carry all permit copies during operations
- [ ] Verify GPS and RTH functionality
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