Bhutan’s Drone Policies: What Travellers and Filmmakers Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan and wondering whether you can bring a drone, here’s the short answer: you can’t—at least not for personal or commercial use. Bhutan’s rules are among the strictest in the Himalayas, and they are strictly enforced. Attempting to bring one in without prior approval will almost certainly result in seizure at the border.

Legal Framework

Bhutan’s unmanned aircraft system (UAS) regulations are governed by the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) under the UAS Regulation 2017. The rules clearly limit drone operations to government agencies only. Private individuals, tourists, and companies are not permitted to own or operate drones within the country. Furthermore, BCAA does not issue a local drone pilot licence to private users.

Advice for Travellers and Content Creators

• Leave your drone at home. Don’t bring one to Bhutan, and don’t courier it there.

• Do not attempt spontaneous flights near dzongs, monasteries, or festivals.

• Remember that your guide and tour operator can be fined if you are caught flying.

• If you are working on an official, government-sanctioned project, coordinate directly with your Bhutanese host agency at least a month in advance. They will handle all BCAA documentation on your behalf.

Import Restrictions

No individual or organisation may bring a drone into Bhutan without prior written approval from BCAA. Import permits are issued solely to government entities. If you arrive with a drone in your luggage, it will likely be confiscated at the point of entry by customs or law enforcement.

Regulatory Bodies

• Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) – primary regulatory body for UAS oversight and permitting

• Royal Bhutan Police and Royal Bhutan Army – responsible for enforcement and security monitoring

• Dzongkhag Administrations – assist in regional oversight

• Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) – manages protected and environmentally sensitive areas

Permitted Use and Operating Conditions

Where government operators are authorised, the following conditions apply:

• Drones up to 6 kg MTOW, and in special cases up to 25 kg, may be used

• Operations are restricted to daylight hours and visual line-of-sight

• Flights over populated areas, open-air gatherings, or restricted zones require additional BCAA clearance

• Flights within restricted, military, or danger areas are prohibited without explicit authorisation

Registration and Permitting

Only government entities can apply for registration and operational permits.
The BCAA requires at least 30 days’ advance notice for all applications.

Applicable Fees

Penalties for Violations

Operating a drone without BCAA approval carries heavy penalties, including:

• Fines of Nu. 20,000–50,000

• Seizure of the drone

• Liability for the local tour operator, who may also face a Nu. 20,000–50,000 fine if they fail to inform clients

• Imprisonment up to one year for serious offences such as privacy breaches or security violations

No-Fly Zones

In addition to general restrictions, the following areas are categorically off-limits:

• Dzongs (fortresses) and monasteries

• Government buildings

• Military installations

• Heritage monuments

• Protected landscapes and national parks

Even with government approval, separate clearances are often required for each of these zones.

Contact for Authorised Use

For official government or documentary projects, contact:
Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA)

Bhutan prioritises safety, cultural sanctity, and environmental protection above all else. Its no-drone policy is designed to preserve the serenity of its sacred landscapes and protect the privacy of its communities. Unless you’re working directly with a Bhutanese government agency on an approved project, drones are not allowed and strictly prohibited in Bhutan.