The Vietnamese agency responsible for drone safety, CAAV, 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 Vietnam?
According to CAAV, drones are allowed in Vietnam, subject to CAAV regulations. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Vietnam:
According to the new rules, drones must be registered.
Each drone flight conducted in Vietnam requires a special flight license. Applications must be submitted to the Operations Bureau of the General Command Post of the Ministry of Defense at least 14 days before the planned date of the flight.
Drones are not permitted to transport radioactive, flammable, or explosive materials.
Drones may not be used to launch, shoot, or jettison potentially hazardous objects or substances.
Drones can fly to a maximum altitude of 492 feet.
Drones must weigh less than 26 lbs.
Drones are not permitted to be flown over military bases or government buildings.
Drones are only permitted to be flown during daylight hours.
Without a license issued for that purpose, drones may not be mounted with aerial equipment or used for aerial videography or photography.
Drones are not permitted to fly flags or banners, distribute leaflets, or engage in any other form of propaganda.
How to obtain a drone permit in Vietnam?
You do not need a flight permit for each individual flight if the drone is under 250g and used for recreational purposes. Permission is required for all other recreational drone use in Vietnam. You can obtain it on your own or through the assistance of an agency. In both instances, you must submit a flight license application dossier that includes the following:
A flight license application. Apply at least 14 days before your scheduled flight (no modifications less than ten days before)
Technical documentation for your drone includes photographs of the type and a written explanation of its technical aviation properties.
A license or other legal document authorizing your drone to take off from or land on an airfield, land surface, or water.
All other papers and documents of your drone.
Unmanned aircraft and other flying vehicles in one of the following cases are exempted from a flight permit:
Operating outside prohibited flying areas, restricted flying areas, operating areas within visual range, with a maximum take-off weight of less than 0.25 kg for entertainment purposes;
Operating in emergency cases to protect the lives and property of organizations and individuals according to the decision of competent authorities but must notify the flight management agency before flying.