Drone Laws in Tonga

Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 08.07.2025 | 0 Kommentare

You’re planning a trip to Tonga and want to take your drone to capture the breathtaking landscapes from above? Here you’ll find all the essential information you need to fly legally and worry-free in the Pacific island nation of Tonga.

First, the good news: you are allowed to use your drone in Tonga. But there’s also some bad news: there are a few minor hurdles. Namely, you must register your drone in advance.

Overview: Drone rules in Tonga

How to register your drone in Tonga

It’s best to bring your drone, your passport, and your European drone license. On-site, you’ll need to fill out a registration form. Afterwards, someone will explain the Tongan drone rules to you, which you’ll also find below. Based on previous experience, the entire process takes about fifteen minutes, after which you’re cleared to legally fly your drone in Tonga.

Things you must keep in mind when flying in Tonga

For the following, we assume your drone weighs less than 25 kilograms, falling under the lighter regulation ‘Part 101’. Under Part 101, the following rules apply.

Drone flights in Tonga are only permitted during daylight hours. Drones must remain grounded after dark.

You must be able to see your drone in flight with your own eyes. Extending your line of sight with tools like binoculars is not allowed. If you’re flying FPV, you can have a spotter maintain visual contact for you.

The maximum altitude is 120 meters above ground level, just like in Europe.

You should always be aware of the airspace you’re flying in and any restrictions that may apply.

Give right of way to all manned aircraft to avoid collisions.
Operate your drone in a way that doesn’t pose a danger to other aircraft, property, or people.

You must keep a distance of 4 kilometers from airfields that are in uncontrolled airspace. In controlled airspace, you must get clearance from air traffic control.

Get permission from the appropriate authority (e.g., the military) if you plan to fly in special-use airspace (such as military training zones or restricted areas like palaces).

You need the consent of individuals you’re flying over, as well as permission from the property owner or the responsible person for the area you’re flying in.

Safety and weather – what to watch out for

The weather in Tonga can change quickly. Always keep an eye on the forecast and avoid flying in strong winds or rain. Also, respect nature and avoid disturbing wildlife.

What happens if you don’t follow the drone rules?

Those who ignore drone regulations in Tonga risk hefty fines, legal trouble, or even the confiscation of their drone. Better to be safe and follow the rules – then nothing stands in the way of your drone adventure!

Conclusion

To fly stress-free in Tonga, make sure your drone is registered and that you’re familiar with all local regulations. Respect the culture and privacy of locals and other tourists, and you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Tonga from the air without worry.

Do you still have questions about flying drones in Tonga or have you been there yourself with your drone and want to share your experience? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

The drone regulations for Tonga listed here were researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. If you want to be sure, contact the TCAD Civil Aviation Authority. Alternatively, you can also get more information from the embassy of Tonga in your home country. Please leave a comment if you learn of any updates or have flown your drone in Tonga yourself!