Flying a drone in Nepal without a permit is illegal. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) regulates all drone operations — recreational and commercial — under the Civil Aviation Regulation 2072 (2015) and subsequent amendments.
This is the most complete guide available on getting a CAAN drone permit in Nepal in 2025.
Why You Need a CAAN Drone Permit in Nepal
Nepal has some of the world's most sensitive airspace. The Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by military zones, restricted areas near the palace, and an active international airport. Himalayan trekking routes pass through remote areas with emergency flight corridors.
Flying without a permit risks:
- NPR 50,000–500,000 fine
- Equipment confiscation
- Criminal charges under Civil Aviation Act
- Deportation (for foreign nationals)
CAAN has been increasingly strict since 2023, with checkpoints at popular tourist sites including Everest Base Camp, Pokhara lakeside, and Pashupatinath.
Types of CAAN Drone Permits
1. Recreational Drone Permit (Personal Use) For hobbyists flying drones under 2kg in designated areas. Valid for 1 year. - Cost: NPR 2,000 (application) + NPR 1,500 (annual fee) - Processing time: 2–4 weeks - Restrictions: Below 120m AGL, no flying within 5km of Tribhuvan International Airport, no flying over crowds or government buildings
2. Commercial Drone Operator License For professional work — filming, survey, delivery, inspection. Required for any paid work with a drone. - Cost: NPR 10,000 (application) + NPR 5,000–15,000 (annual renewal depending on category) - Processing time: 4–8 weeks - Requirements: Pilot must hold CAAN Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC)
3. CAAN Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) The personal flying license. Required before any outdoor commercial drone flight. - Cost: NPR 5,000 (exam + certificate) - Training: Minimum 20 hours simulator + 10 hours practical flight training required - Exam: Written theory exam at CAAN office, Babarmahal, Kathmandu
4. Foreign Production / Documentary Permit For international film crews and media organizations shooting in Nepal. - Cost: USD 200–500 depending on equipment and locations - Processing time: 2–6 weeks - Additional requirements: Filming permit from Department of Film Development (DFD), location-specific clearance
Step-by-Step: How to Get a CAAN Drone Permit
Step 1: Register as a Drone Operator Visit CAAN's office at Babarmahal, Kathmandu, or apply through the CAAN online portal.
Required documents:
- Citizenship certificate or passport (2 copies)
- Recent passport-size photo (4 copies)
- Application form (available at CAAN office)
- Technical specifications sheet of your drone (manufacturer datasheet)
- Proof of drone ownership (purchase receipt or import documents)
Step 2: Complete Drone Registration Every drone over 250 grams must be registered with CAAN and have a registration number displayed on the airframe. The registration number must be permanently marked and visible.
Drone registration fee: NPR 500–2,000 depending on weight class.
Step 3: Pass the Theory Exam (for RPC) The CAAN Remote Pilot Certificate requires passing a written exam covering: - Nepal airspace structure and restricted zones - Meteorology basics for drone pilots - CAAN drone regulations and emergency procedures - Radio communication basics
GarudX's drone training academy prepares students for this exam with a 3-day intensive course.
Step 4: Log Flight Hours CAAN requires documented practical flight training. Hours must be logged with an approved training organization. GarudX is an approved CAAN training provider.
Step 5: Submit Final Application After passing the exam and logging hours, submit your completed application with: - Exam pass certificate - Flight log signed by approved instructor - Completed application form - All registration documents
Step 6: Receive Your Permit Processing takes 2–8 weeks depending on permit type and seasonal workload. Expedited processing (NPR 3,000 additional) reduces this to 5–10 working days in some cases.
Location-Specific Permits in Nepal
Some areas require additional permits beyond the standard CAAN authorization:
Everest Base Camp / Sagarmatha National Park: Separate permit from Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. NPR 5,000–15,000. Strict altitude and zone restrictions apply.
Pokhara / Annapurna: Gandaki Province additional permit required for commercial operations. NPR 3,000.
Kathmandu Valley: Flying near Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, or Swayambhunath requires written approval from the respective trust/authority in addition to CAAN permit.
Military Zones: Strictly prohibited without Nepal Army clearance. Do not attempt.
Common CAAN Permit Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying without complete documentation — CAAN returns incomplete applications and restarts the clock. 2. Flying before receiving confirmation — Your permit application does not authorize flying. Wait for the official permit document. 3. Exceeding permitted altitude — CAAN permits specify maximum altitude. Exceeding it on any single flight can void the entire permit. 4. Flying imported drones without declaring them — All drones must be imported through official channels and declared at customs with equipment permit. 5. Assuming recreational permit covers commercial work — It does not. Even a single paid social media post with drone footage counts as commercial use.
CAAN Permit for International Film Productions in Nepal
GarudX handles drone permitting for international productions as a CAAN-authorized operator. Our team handles the full permit process for documentaries, streaming productions, and international advertising shoots.
For international productions, GarudX provides:
- Full CAAN permit processing end-to-end
- Location-specific clearances across all provinces
- CAAN-authorized drone pilot with all documentation on set
- Equipment insurance and liability documentation
Contact: collaborate@garudx.com
Summary: CAAN Drone Permit Quick Reference
| Permit Type | Cost | Processing Time | Who Needs It | |-------------|------|-----------------|--------------| | Recreational | NPR 3,500/year | 2–4 weeks | Hobbyists flying >250g outdoors | | RPC (Pilot License) | NPR 5,000 | 3–6 weeks | Anyone flying commercially | | Commercial Operator License | NPR 15,000/year | 4–8 weeks | Businesses offering drone services | | Foreign Production | USD 200–500 | 2–6 weeks | International media crews |
For drone training, permit assistance, or CAAN exam preparation, contact GarudX at collaborate@garudx.com or visit [garudx.com](https://garudx.com).
