The Nepal agency responsible for drone safety, CAAN, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying a drone for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Nepal?
According to CAAN, drones are allowed in Nepal, subject to CAAN regulations. Read on for details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Nepal:
For drones weighing more than 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) that fly 400 feet or more above ground level, prior authorization from the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the CAAN is required before operating a drone in Nepal.
Drones weighing less than 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) do not require authorization from the CAAN so long as they are flown on private property and under 200 feet.
Do not recklessly fly drones.
Do not fly drones higher than 120 meters (394 feet).
Do not fly drones further than 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Drones may not be used to drop articles or animals.
Do not fly drones over or within 150 meters (492 feet) of any congested area.
Do not fly drones over or within 150 meters (492 feet) of an organized open-air assembly of more than 1,000 persons.
Do not fly within 50 meters (164 feet) of any vessel, vehicle, or structure.
Operators must maintain unaided visual sight with the drones.
Airport areas must be kept clear of all drone activity.
Registration and Permit
Drones must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) in Nepal.
If your registration is successful, a unique identification number is issued for your drone.
All drone flights up to 200 feet in public spaces require approval from the local administration office. In national parks, for example, the national park administration is responsible.
The permit is valid for three months.
You can register your drone online at this link: Nepal Online Drone Registration
Required Documents for Temporary License
Passport with valid visa
Letter of commitment from applicant to comply with the existing UAV requirement of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) UAV working procedure 2019 including flight information(purpose, location and duration of operation)
If any additional document regarding drone operation
Note:Drone should have CE marking
Restricted areas
The new rule related to drone operations has categorized the following regions as the restricted area for drone operations:
The airport area (up to 5 km) must be kept clear of all drone activity
The international boundary within the area of a 5 km horizontal distance
Religious, heritage, and sacred sites, up to a radius of 1 km
President, Vice-President, PM, VVIP office, and resident within up to 1 km aerial radius distance
Military and safety office up to 1 km and other safety departments up to 500m
Conservation areas, ores
Areas with conflicts and war
Other restriction areas, as stated by the provincial or local governments