Drone regulations in Bhutan

Written by Francis Markert | Last update on 7. August 2026 | 8 comments

Here we explain the rules for flying drones in Bhutan.

To make a long story short: in Bhutan, you have no chance of using your drone. If you are still interested in the topic, you will find all the details below.

Drone regulation in Bhutan is among the most restrictive in the world. Since 2017, drone flights have been reserved exclusively for government organisations. For travellers and private individuals, operating a drone is categorically prohibited.

If a drone is discovered, the BCAA confiscates it. In the case of tourists, the fine of 20,000 to 50,000 ngultrum (roughly 230 to 600 USD) is not imposed on you but on the local tour operator, for not informing you about the ban. Importing a drone is already prohibited without approval, so a confiscation can happen as soon as you enter the country.

Overview: Drone rules in Bhutan

Additional information for drone pilots in Bhutan

There is theoretically a way to obtain permission from the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) at Paro International Airport. However, this operating permit is only granted to government organisations. That means legal drone use is not possible for travellers.

For eligible bodies, the BCAA requires not only a permit but, before that, the registration of the drone, an operation permit, documentation on the drone, evidence of the pilot’s competence and, depending on the area, additional clearances from other authorities. The application has to be submitted at least 30 days before the planned operation.

According to the regulation, the following fees apply:

• Nu. 1,000 for the registration
• Nu. 2,000, 4,000 or 6,000 for the operating permit, depending on its duration
• Nu. 250 for replacing a permit
• Nu. 500 as an application review fee

The BCAA currently does not issue any drone pilot licences or certificates. A foreign drone licence or training record can only serve as evidence of experience in an application.

For those who do receive permission, the following rules apply, among others:

• In general, drone operations are only allowed within visual line of sight.
• Your drone must currently not weigh more than 6 kilograms and must not climb higher than 90 meters (300 feet) above ground or water surface.
• You have to keep a distance of 5 kilometers (3 miles) from airports at all times.
• Keep a minimum distance of 50 meters from buildings, vehicles, animals or people, and 200 meters from heritage and archaeological sites.
• Night flights are not permitted.

There is also a special rule in Bhutan: you are not allowed to fly over yellow roofs (religious buildings).

Have you been to Bhutan with your drone and can share your experience? Leave us a comment below this post.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Bhutan to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the Bhutanese embassy in your home country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Bhutan!