Drone Regulations in Nepal: A Complete Guide for Operators

Namaste! I am Rohit Singh, an undergraduate student in the Department of Geomatics Engineering at Kathmandu University (KU). Through aerial photogrammetry, topographic surveying, and field operations across Nepal, one question comes up more than almost any other—from engineering consultancies, survey teams, visiting research scientists, tourists, and hobby pilots alike:

"What are the actual legal rules for flying a drone in Nepal, and how can I operate safely without running into trouble with the authorities?"

Flying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in Nepal offers extraordinary possibilities—whether you are acquiring centimeter-accurate mapping data with a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, conducting thermal infrastructure inspections with a DJI Matrice 30T, or capturing cinematic Himalayan landscapes. However, Nepal's airspace is strictly regulated. Flying inside sensitive border zones, operating near airport approach paths like Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu or Pokhara International Airport, or taking off without proper multi-agency approvals can lead to immediate drone confiscation, heavy fines, or criminal charges under Nepal's Civil Aviation Act.

To make these rules clear, practical, and easy to follow, I have compiled this comprehensive guide based directly on the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Unmanned Aircraft System Requirements (UASR), Issue 01 (April 2021), Rule 82 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2002 (2058 B.S.), and Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) directives.

Before examining the legal paperwork, every pilot in Nepal must memorize these core operating boundaries:

• Maximum Operating Altitude: 100 meters (328 feet) Above Ground Level (AGL)
• Maximum Horizontal Distance: 300 meters from the pilot (Visual Line-of-Sight / VLOS)
• Separation from Bystanders: Minimum 30 meters horizontal separation from uninvolved people
• Airport Safety Buffer: Strictly prohibited within 5 km of any airport or airstrip movement area
• Time of Operation: Daylight hours only under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
• Pilot Control Limit: Exactly 1 aircraft per pilot at any time

In Nepal, drone authorization is not handled by a single desk. Depending on your drone's weight, flight location, and operational purpose, you will interact with four main government bodies:

1. Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN): Established under the Civil Aviation Authority Act 1996 (2053 B.S.), CAAN is Nepal's primary aviation regulator. It publishes the Unmanned Aircraft System Requirements (UASR), manages the national drone registry, issues Unique Identification Numbers (UIN), and oversees Remote Pilot Licensing (RPL). 2. Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA): MOHA enforces national security under the RPA/Drone Working Procedure (2019). MOHA security clearance is mandatory for foreign nationals, commercial mapping projects, and any flight operating near sensitive government or border regions. 3. Department of Tourism: Co-authorizes aerial filming and drone flights in trekking corridors, conservation zones, and cultural heritage sites across Nepal. 4. District Administration Office (DAO) & Local Police: Local Chief District Officers (CDO) and district police headquarters enforce local security and must be notified before flying in public areas or district headquarters.

Under UASR Requirement 101.5(b), CAAN classifies every drone by Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW). The aircraft weight dictates the level of regulatory oversight required:

• Category A — Very Low Risk (< 250 grams): Includes micro-drones (e.g., DJI Mini series). Carries the lowest regulatory burden for private flights on private land, though safety, privacy, and airport buffer rules still apply.
• Category B — Low Risk (250 g to 2 kg): Includes popular compact drones (e.g., DJI Air series, Mavic 3 Classic). Requires CAAN registration, UIN display, and local CDO permission for public space flying.
• Category C — Regulated Low Risk (2 kg to 25 kg): Includes professional survey & enterprise platforms (e.g., DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, DJI Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 30T, Agras T50). Requires formal CAAN registration, physical inspection, mandatory third-party liability insurance, flight clearance, and often a Remote Pilot License (RPL).
• Category D — Regulated High Risk (> 25 kg): Heavy industrial or custom platforms above 25 kg gross mass. Subject to high-risk evaluation and special CAAN authorization under Requirement 101.37.

All drones up to 25 kg fall under the "Open Category" (Requirement 101.3–101.7) provided they fly within standard daylight VLOS conditions.

Under Requirement 101.5, every person or organization possessing a drone in Nepal must register the aircraft with CAAN and obtain an official Certificate of Registration.

• Required Documents for Registration (UASR Appendix I):
• Owner's full name/company registration details, address, and verified contact numbers
• One recent passport-size color photograph of the owner or company representative
• Complete aircraft specifications: Manufacturer, model, serial number, manufacture date, payload type, MTOW, and body color
• Copy of Nepali Citizenship Certificate, Passport, or Company Registration Certificate
• Drone user manual and manufacturer technical specifications datasheet
• High-resolution color photo of the aircraft showing the model name and serial number clearly
• Formal written statement of intended operation purpose
• Copy of local VAT purchase invoice (if bought in Nepal) or TIA Customs Clearance Certificate (if imported)

Upon approval, CAAN issues a Unique Identification Number (UIN). You must permanently mark or paint the UIN onto the aircraft frame in a contrasting, clearly visible font before flying.

• Special Requirements for Foreign Operators & Tourists:
• Foreign pilots flying in Nepal must submit the following to CAAN's Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD) at Sinamangal, Kathmandu or online via drone.caanepal.gov.np:
• Passport with valid Nepali visa stamp
• Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) customs declaration form for the drone
• Official registration fee payment (approx. USD $10 + 13% VAT; confirm current rate with CAAN)
• Signed commitment letter agreeing to comply with CAAN and MOHA regulations, stating exact flight coordinates, dates, and mission purpose
• Valid third-party insurance certificate (mandatory for drones over 2 kg)
• Physical aircraft verification at CAAN's FSSD office in Sinamangal (mandatory for Categories C & D)

To operate legally under baseline "Standard Conditions" (Requirement 101.7) without needing complex special airspace waivers, your flight must strictly satisfy ALL six criteria:

1. Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS): Maintain direct, unassisted visual contact with the aircraft at all times. 2. Altitude & Range Limits: Fly at or below 100 meters (328 feet) AGL and within 300 meters horizontal distance from the pilot during daylight hours only. 3. Bystander Distance: Maintain at least 30 meters horizontal separation from any uninvolved person or crowd. 4. No-Fly Zone Buffers: Strictly avoid government prohibited/restricted areas, populated urban centers, and stay at least 5 km away from any airport or movement area. 5. Emergency Response Exclusion: Never fly over active police, fire, rescue, or military operations without written consent from the commanding officer. 6. Single Aircraft Operation: A remote pilot may control only one aircraft at a time.

Flying outside these limits (such as night operations, BVLOS, flights over 100m AGL, or missions near airports) requires formal ATS coordination, specific CAAN authorization, and NOTAM issuance (Requirement 101.25(c)).

Airspace management in Nepal is taken very seriously due to complex mountain weather and heavy STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft traffic:

• Aerodrome Buffer (Requirement 101.23): No drone may fly within 5 km of any airport (controlled or uncontrolled). Near uncontrolled airstrips where authorized, flights are capped at 100 m AGL, 15 min endurance, 300 m range, and require a dedicated UA visual observer.
• Controlled Airspace (Requirement 101.13): Requires prior Air Traffic Services (ATS) authorization and an aeronautical radio operator qualification.
• Sensitive & Restricted Area Rules (2070 B.S.): Flying near VVIP residences, military cantonments, diplomatic missions, parliament buildings, or international borders requires specialized security clearances from MOHA and concerned ministries.
• High Altitude Waivers: Any flight exceeding 100 m AGL requires at least 24 hours advance notice to CAAN so a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) can be issued to manned aircraft.

• Privacy Rights: Government directives strictly forbid aerial filming, photography, or surveillance that intrudes on personal privacy or private residential property without explicit consent—even for micro-drones under 250g.
• Manned Aircraft Priority (Requirement 101.33): Drones MUST immediately yield right-of-way to all manned aircraft (helicopters, mountain flights, planes) on the ground and in the air.
• Reckless Operation (Requirement 101.43): Operating a drone dangerously, dropping objects (101.19), or controlling a drone while operating a moving vehicle or vessel is strictly illegal.
• Impairment Zero-Tolerance (Requirement 101.45): No pilot, crew member, or observer may operate a drone within 8 hours of consuming alcohol or while under the influence of any impairing substance.

For commercial survey operations, high-altitude mapping, or heavy enterprise drone missions exceeding basic standard conditions, pilots must hold a CAAN-issued Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) under Subpart C (Requirements 102.1–102.11).

• Eligibility Requirements (Requirement 102.2):
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Completion of Class 12 (or equivalent higher secondary) education
• Successful completion of a CAAN-recognized Remote Pilot Training Course
• Passing a formal practical flight test conducted by CAAN flight examiners
• Meeting prescribed aviation medical fitness standards

CAAN maintains strict oversight and can suspend or revoke an RPL through a formal "Show Cause" procedure (Requirements 102.9–102.11) if a pilot endangers aviation safety or violates airspace laws.

Nepal’s Himalayas are home to world-famous national parks and conservation areas (e.g., Annapurna Conservation Area / ACAP, Sagarmatha National Park, Chitwan National Park). Flying a drone in these ecologically sensitive regions requires multiple approvals:

1. Conservation Area Clearance: Requires permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA), Department of Tourism, CAAN, and the specific Conservation Area Management Committee (e.g., NTNC for Annapurna/Manaslu). 2. National Parks Authorization: Park administration acts as local approving authority. Approved permits are typically capped at ~200 ft AGL for limited durations (typically up to 3 months). 3. Academic & Research Permits: Academic studies require additional authorization from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).

• Incident Reporting (Requirement 101.009): Remote pilots must formally notify CAAN within 48 hours of any drone incident that causes personal injury or third-party property damage.
• Inspection Powers (Requirement 101.007): CAAN authorized officers retain the legal right to inspect any UAS, examine pilot logs, and verify compliance at any time.
• Legal Penalties & Confiscation: Flying without valid registration or flight authorization is a serious criminal offense under the Civil Aviation Authority Act 1996 (2053 B.S.). Violations result in immediate drone seizure, financial penalties, and potential prosecution by security agencies. Falsifying registration documents (Requirement 101.005) results in immediate license revocation.

• Commercial Surveyors & Engineers (Category C, 2–25 kg):
• ✓ Register aircraft with CAAN & display UIN
• ✓ Obtain mandatory 3rd-party liability insurance
• ✓ Submit flight mission plan to CAAN & MOHA
• ✓ Secure local DAO / CDO & police clearance for project site
• ✓ Verify pilot holds CAAN RPL certification

• Foreign Tourists & Filmmakers:
• ✓ Obtain TIA Customs Declaration on arrival
• ✓ Submit Passport, Visa, Commitment Letter & Insurance to CAAN FSSD
• ✓ Secure MOHA Security Clearance & Dept of Tourism approval
• ✓ Obtain Conservation Area / National Park permit if trekking

• Recreational Hobbyists (< 250 g, Private Land):
• ✓ Register drone on CAAN portal
• ✓ Fly strictly within VLOS (< 100m AGL, < 300m range)
• ✓ Keep > 5 km away from all airports
• ✓ Respect privacy and avoid flying over uninvolved people

Before conducting any flight, verify updated forms, fees, and circulars directly with CAAN:

• CAAN Main Website: caanepal.gov.np
• CAAN Drone Registration Portal: drone.caanepal.gov.np
• Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD): flightsafety.caanepal.gov.np
• Phone: +977-1-4262387
• Email: drone@caannepal.gov.np
• Office Address: Flight Safety Standards Department, CAAN, Sinamangal, Kathmandu 44600

As a Geomatics Engineering student at Kathmandu University, I strongly encourage all operators to respect Nepal's airspace and local communities. Compliance protects safety, preserves our heritage sites, and keeps our skies open for responsible aerial survey innovation!