Am I allowed to own and use drones in Bhutan? +
As per the current UAS regulation 2017 published by Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority, only government organizations are allowed to use/operate drones for government purposes. Private individuals or companies are not allowed to own or use drones in Bhutan. Any non-compliance against this regulation will be subject to offense and penalty mentioned in the section 4.12.21 of the regulation.
Does Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority issue drone pilot license? +
Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority currently doesn’t issue licenses/certificates related to drones. However, when applying for drone operation permits the drone pilot can use foreign drone license or formal drone training certificate as documentary evidence to indicate his/her experience and knowledge.
What do I need to fly a drone in Bhutan? +
Only government organizations are eligible to operate drones in Bhutan. The government organization needs to ensure that the drone is registered and the operation permit has been obtained from Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority. Any non-compliance against this regulation will be subject to offense and penalty mentioned in the section 4.12.21 of the regulation.
Can I bring along drones as a tourist? +
No agency/individual shall be allowed to import drones without seeking prior approval from BCAA and it shall be seized at the point of entry. Drone import permits are issued only to government agencies.
Who is allowed to operate drones in Bhutan? +
As per the UAS Regulation 2017, drone operations are permitted only for government organizations.
How can I apply for a drone import permit? +
To obtain an import permit, the applicant must:
- Submit a forwarding letter to the BCAA, clearly stating the purpose of import.
- The BCAA will review the application and, if approved, issue an import permit.
What is the process for registering a drone (UAS) in Bhutan? +
To register a drone, the applicant must:
- Submit a forwarding letter to the BCAA.
- Complete Appendix I of the UAS regulations.
- Pay the required registration fee as per Clause 4.12.20 of the UAS regulations 2017.
- Provide technical specifications of the drone.
How can I obtain an Unmanned Aircraft Operation Permit (UAOP)? +
Once the UAS is registered, the operator must complete the following steps to apply for an operation permit:
- Submit a forwarding letter to the BCAA.
- Complete Appendix II-Application form.
- Sign the undertaking form (Appendix III), accepting responsibility for any liabilities during drone operations.
- Obtain the necessary clearances based on the location of the drone operation, including:
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) – If the operation involves heritage or archaeological sites.
- Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) – If the operation takes place in protected areas, national parks, or wildlife sanctuaries.
- Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) – If operating in security-sensitive areas.
- Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) – If the operation is within an RBA-designated No Fly Zone.
- Other clearances as recommended by BCAA.
- Submit documentary evidence proving that the operator has the necessary skills and experience to fly the drone safely.
- Pay the UA operation permit fee as prescribed under Clause 4.12.20.