Drone Permit Process in Nepal (2025 Complete Guide for Travelers, Filmmakers & Enthusiasts)

Flying a drone in Nepal is an incredible way to capture the country’s majestic beauty from the serene lakes of Pokhara to the towering Himalayas that touch the sky. But before you launch your drone and start filming those dream shots, it’s essential to understand the Drone Permit Process in Nepal.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has strict yet clear guidelines for all drone operations. Whether you’re a tourist, filmmaker, researcher, or local operator, obtaining a proper permit is mandatory to fly legally. This guide will walk you through every step of the Drone Permit Process in Nepal, including requirements, registration steps, authorities involved, and essential dos and don’ts.

Why You Need to Understand the Drone Permit Process in Nepal

Nepal is not only home to the world’s highest peaks but also to restricted airspaces, military zones, and densely populated tourist hubs. Because of this, the government introduced the Drone Permit Process in Nepal to ensure safety, privacy, and proper airspace management.

Flying without permission can lead to fines, drone confiscation, or even legal actions. For foreign travelers, drones entering Nepal must be declared at the airport and registered under CAAN before any flight activity begins.

By understanding the Drone Permit Process in Nepal, you not only comply with the law but also help preserve the balance between tourism growth and airspace safety.

Authorities Involved in the Drone Permit Process in Nepal

The Drone Permit Process in Nepal involves multiple authorities, depending on your purpose and location of operation:

1. Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN): The main authority responsible for drone registration and flight safety regulations.

2. Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA): Provides national-level security clearance.

3. Chief District Officer (CDO) or District Police Office: Handles local permissions and ensures safety in local airspace.

4. Department of Tourism: Involved when drones are used for filming or research in national parks or heritage sites.

Together, these institutions ensure that the Drone Permit Process in Nepal maintains both national security and traveler convenience.

Step-by-Step Drone Permit Process in Nepal

Let’s dive into how to get your drone officially approved for flight. The Drone Permit Process in Nepal can be broken into several key steps, from preparation to final approval.

Step 1: Determine the Purpose of Drone Operation

The first step in the Drone Permit Process in Nepal is to identify your drone’s purpose:

• Recreational Use: For personal videos, vlogs, or travel content.

• Commercial Use: For paid projects, films, or brand shoots.

• Research or Mapping: For surveys, agricultural monitoring, or environmental studies.

• Official Use: For government or institutional projects.

Each category requires slightly different documentation under the Drone Permit Process in Nepal.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

The documentation phase is the backbone of the Drone Permit Process in Nepal, especially for foreign operators. Below is the official list issued by CAAN:

Required Documents for UAV/Drone Registration (For Foreigners)

1. Duly filled Application Form (RPA/Form/001) for drone registration.

2. Passport-size color photograph of the applicant.

3. Photograph of the drone showing its serial number.

4. Copy of foreign passport with a valid Nepal visa.

5. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) customs declaration of the drone.

6. Registration fee: USD 50 + 13% VAT.

7. Purpose of operation and Letter of Commitment (RPA/Form/002).

CAAN also provides important technical notes for those following the Drone Permit Process in Nepal:

• The drone must have a serial number and CE marking or type-approval certificate.

• Valid insurance is required for drones above 2 kg (Category C and D).

• Physical verification of the drone is necessary for drones above 2 kg.

• All applications must be submitted to the Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD), CAAN, Sinamangal, Kathmandu.

Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee

The Drone Permit Process in Nepal requires payment before registration. You can pay via bank deposit or Connect IPS:

Bank Deposit

• Account Name: CAANFSSD

• Bank: Rastriya Banijya Bank, TIA Branch

• Account No.: 1690100000133001

• Amount: USD 50 + 13% VAT

Connect IPS

1. Open Connect IPS

2. Go to More → Semi Govt. (Sansthan)

3. Select CAA Nepal

4. Choose Branch – Flight Safety Standards Department (1203)

5. Complete payment

Keeping proof of payment is mandatory in the Drone Permit Process in Nepal.

Step 4: Apply for Local Permission

Next, you’ll submit your documents to the Chief District Officer (CDO) or District Police Office of the area where you plan to fly. They provide initial security clearance, which is crucial in the Drone Permit Process in Nepal. Without local approval, CAAN will not issue a flight permit. Here is the pdf link for the Drone Registration from

Step 5: Obtain National-Level Clearance

Once local approval is granted, your documents move to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) for national clearance. This step ensures your drone use does not interfere with national security. It’s a mandatory stage in the Drone Permit Process in Nepal for all foreign operators.

Step 6: Final Approval from CAAN

The final step of the Drone Permit Process in Nepal is submitting your entire verified file to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). After reviewing the technical, operational, and security aspects, CAAN will issue a Drone Flight Permit Certificate, allowing you to fly legally.

Once approved, always follow the flight conditions listed in your permit. CAAN recommends staying below 120 meters (400 feet) and maintaining a visual line of sight.

Drone Categories under the Drone Permit Process in Nepal

Understanding your drone category helps determine the permit and insurance requirements. The Drone Permit Process in Nepal recognizes four categories:

These classifications simplify the Drone Permit Process in Nepal by matching permit types with operational risks.

Flight Rules to Follow After Approval

After completing the Drone Permit Process in Nepal, you must adhere to operational guidelines:

• Maximum altitude: 120 meters (400 feet)

• Maintain visual line of sight

• No flights near airports, military bases, or densely populated areas

• Avoid night flights and bad weather

• Respect privacy and local customs

Ignoring these can lead to penalties and even revocation of your permit.

Penalties for Violating the Drone Permit Process in Nepal

CAAN enforces drone laws strictly. Violations of the Drone Permit Process in Nepal may result in:

• Drone confiscation

• Monetary fines

• Legal action or detention for serious violations

This applies particularly near Tribhuvan International Airport, Pokhara International Airport, and restricted zones such as military bases or conservation areas.

Popular Areas for Drone Filming in Nepal

Once you’ve cleared the Drone Permit Process in Nepal, you can explore stunning filming destinations:

1. Pokhara: Capture breathtaking views of Phewa Lake and Machhapuchhre.

2. Kathmandu Valley: Document cultural heritage sites but secure extra clearance for UNESCO zones.

3. Everest Region: Requires Department of Tourism approval.

4. Mustang & Manang: Perfect for adventure footage, but always follow altitude limits.

Each region may have its own local procedures within the broader Drone Permit Process in Nepal, so always verify before flying.

Tips for a Smooth Drone Permit Process in Nepal

1. Start early Applications can take up to 10 working days.

2. Bring your drone for verification if over 2 kg.

3. Keep copies of all submitted documents.

4. Check CAAN’s website for updated forms (RPA/Form/001 & 002).

5. Work with a local media or travel agency to streamline the process.

6. Respect privacy and religious sites while flying.

7. Plan your shoot calendar according to your permit’s validity period.

These small steps will make your Drone Permit Process in Nepal quick and stress-free.

Contact Details for Drone Registration Office

For questions or submissions related to the Drone Permit Process in Nepal, contact:

Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD)
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)
Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal
📞 Tel: +977-4111075, 4111042, 4111119
📠 Fax: +977-4111198

They are open during normal office hours, Sunday through Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the procedure to get permission or a permit to fly a drone in Nepal?

To fly a drone legally, you must follow the official Drone Permit Process in Nepal regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The process involves:

• Filling out the Drone Registration Form (RPA/Form/001) and Letter of Commitment (RPA/Form/002)

• Getting local approval from the Chief District Officer (CDO) or District Police Office

• Obtaining national clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)

• Submitting all verified documents to CAAN’s Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD) in Sinamangal, Kathmandu for final approval.

2. Where should I apply for the drone permit in Nepal?

You must apply in person at the Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD), Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, located in Sinamangal, Kathmandu.
Foreign applicants are advised to declare their drone at Tribhuvan International Airport customs upon arrival. For forms and latest updates, visit CAAN’s official website.

3. How long does it take to get approval?

The total processing time for the Drone Permit Process in Nepal typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on your category (personal, commercial, or research) and the completeness of your documents. Foreign nationals may experience slightly longer processing times.

4. What documents do I need to submit for a drone permit in Nepal?

You’ll need the following documents to complete the Drone Permit Process in Nepal:

• Filled Application Form (RPA/Form/001)

• Passport-size photo of the applicant

• Photo of the drone showing its serial number

• Copy of passport and valid Nepal visa

• Customs declaration slip from Tribhuvan International Airport

• Purpose of operation and Letter of Commitment (RPA/Form/002)

• Insurance for drones weighing above 2 kg (Category C and D)

• Registration fee payment receipt

5. Are there any fees or charges for the drone permit in Nepal?

Yes. The drone registration fee is USD 50 + 13% VAT. You can pay via:

• Bank Deposit: Rastriya Banijya Bank, TIA Branch, Account No. 1690100000133001 (Account Name: CAANFSSD)

• Connect IPS: Go to More → Semi Govt. (Sansthan) → CAA Nepal → Branch – Flight Safety Standards Department (1203)

6. Are there any restrictions or no-fly zones in Nepal?

Yes. CAAN enforces strict operational limits:

• Maximum altitude: 120 meters (400 feet)

• Maintain visual line of sight at all times

• No flights near airports, military zones, or densely populated areas

• Avoid night flights and restricted national parks or heritage zones without additional clearance.

7. Are there official contacts or helpful links for the drone permit process?

Yes, here are the official CAAN contacts:
Flight Safety Standards Department (FSSD)
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)
📍 Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal
📞 Tel: +977-4111075, 4111042, 4111119
🌐 CAAN Official Website

The Drone Permit Process in Nepal ensures safe, legal, and responsible drone operations for everyone. If you need guidance or help preparing your documents, ExploreAllAboutNepal is here to assist you  making your drone permit journey smooth and stress-free.

The Drone Permit Process in Nepal may seem complex at first glance, but it’s designed to keep both operators and the country’s sensitive airspace safe. Whether you’re capturing the Annapurna sunrise, filming a travel vlog in Pokhara, or conducting aerial research in Mustang, having your permit ensures smooth, lawful operations.

By following the Drone Permit Process in Nepal, you demonstrate professionalism, respect for local regulations, and a commitment to responsible travel. Once registered, you can enjoy the freedom to explore Nepal’s diverse landscapes from above legally and safely.

Navigating the Drone Permit Process in Nepal can feel a bit overwhelming from preparing documents to understanding CAAN regulations. But you don’t have to handle it alone. ExploreAllAboutNepal is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you understand the rules, prepare your paperwork, and smoothly complete your drone permit process in Nepal so you can focus on capturing the stunning beauty of the Himalayas from above.