Drone Regulations for Travelers in Bhutan

Travelers and visitors are prohibited from flying drones (unmanned aircraft systems) in Bhutan. The country has strict regulations on drone operations, and only government organizations are permitted to operate drones. Any drone operation in Bhutan must be approved by the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) at Paro International Airport, and approval is typically granted exclusively to government entities. As a traveler, you are not allowed to fly a drone.

What to Do If You’re Carrying a Drone

If you happen to be carrying a drone into Bhutan, you must declare it at the customs office at Paro International Airport. The customs officials will hold onto the drone and return it to you when you leave the country.

If You Manage to Obtain Permission

If, by any means, you can obtain permission to fly your drone in Bhutan, there are several important rules to follow:

  1. Maximum Flight Altitude: Your drone cannot fly higher than 90 meters (300 feet) above the ground or water surface.
  2. Maximum Horizontal Distance and FPV (First Person View): Drones must be operated within the operator’s visibility. Flying beyond the operator’s line of sight is prohibited.
  3. Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): The drone cannot weigh more than 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds).
  4. Distance from Airports: You must maintain a minimum distance of 5 kilometers (3 miles) from any airport while flying your drone.
  5. Flight Bans: Drones are not permitted to fly over yellow roofs, which are typically associated with religious buildings. Flying over sacred sites is considered disrespectful.

Conclusion

Drone regulations in Bhutan are strict, with heavy restrictions on who can operate drones and where they can fly. As a traveler, it’s essential to comply with these rules to avoid legal issues. Always check with the authorities for any updates and ensure you declare your drone properly at customs if you’re carrying one.