Drone Photography Nepal: Rules and Regulations 2026

Overview

Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) regulates drone operations under the Unmanned Aircraft System Regulations, most recently updated in 2024. All commercial and recreational drones above 250g require registration and operational permits. Flying without permits risks equipment confiscation and fines of NPR 50,000 or more.

The permit process requires: drone registration with CAAN (submit UAS registration form, drone serial number, operator passport copy), flight area clearance from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) for tourism photography, and additional clearance from park authorities for flights within national parks (Chitwan, Bardia, Sagarmatha, Annapurna Conservation Area).

Prohibited zones include all airspace within 5km of Tribhuvan International Airport, all military installations, all royal palace compounds, and the immediate area around Pashupatinath. Flying over crowds or populated areas without specific clearance is prohibited regardless of permit status.

Practical processing time is 2–4 weeks for standard recreational permits, 4–6 weeks for commercial permits. Apply before booking flights to Nepal. Permits are location-specific — a Pokhara permit does not cover Chitwan flights.

DJI Mini 3 (sub-250g) falls into Nepal's lightest category with reduced but not zero permit requirements. Even sub-250g drones need NTB tourism photography clearance for commercial use.

FAQ

Can I fly my drone in Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park? A specific NTB and park authority permit is required. Processing is slow. Unapproved drone flights in the park have resulted in confiscation.

What happens if I fly without a permit? Equipment is typically confiscated at customs or at the flying site. Fines apply. Re-entry to Nepal may be complicated for repeat offenders.

Is there a simplified permit for travel bloggers? No separate category exists. Tourism photography permits through NTB apply to any commercial or publicly shared imagery regardless of platform.