How to obtain permission to fly a drone in Nepal

How to obtain permission to fly a drone in Nepal

The following are the steps we took to obtain permission to fly a drone in the Everest region – specifically to shoot videos for our Everest Three Passes Trek. Steps 1 and 2 are possible in Kathmandu. Step 3 (Application to the District Administration Office) can be completed online. Step 4 will have to be done at the field National Park office (where you will be filming) – so at Namche if you are flying a drone in the Everest region. The steps are similar for non-Nepalis; only difference is that the fees are much higher. So if you are non-Nepali unless you are part of a filming group of an organization (such as Nat Geo or a research firm), we would not recommend you try to fly a drone in Nepal as costs are quite prohibitive. Flying a drone without permission is illegal and will have repercussions such as confiscation of the drone, fine etc.

1^st step: Get approval from Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Kathmandu

Submit the following documents:

1. Passport size color photograph of application (For individuals)
2. Copy of valid passport or company registration certificate.
3. Photograph of RPA /Drone showing model & serial number.
4. Proposal of operation & commitment letter – RPA / Form 002
5. Specification of RPA / Drone (from manufacturers manual)
6. Copy of Value Added Tax bill from the retailer (if purchased in Nepal) of copy of custom clearance certificate (if imported)
7. Registration fee USD 10 plus 13% VAT – after approval of drone while receiving the registration certificate.

Note:

1. Drone should be of proper type/model with serial number having CE marking of type approval certificate.
2. Valid insurance is required for CAT C and CAT D drone (weight above 2 kg)
3. Applicant shall bring their drone to Flight Safety Standards Department, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal for the physical verification at the time of receiving drone registration certificate – only for drone of CAT C and CAT D (weight above 2 kg)

2^nd step: Get approval from Department of National Park & Wildlife Office, Kathmandu

• Cost USD 2000 for non-Nepalis and Rs. 12,000 for Nepalis
• Necessary documents– passport copy, authorization letter to local Nepali agent, details of drone flight location.
• Trek/tour itinerary.
• VAT bill if Drone purchased in Nepal.
• Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal letter copy
• Tribhuwan International Airport custom office letter if drone brought by non-Nepali.
• Drone specification details.
• Time to get approval 5 working days.

3^rd  step: Get approval from Chief District Office, Salleri (Solu Khumbu)

• Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal registration certificate approval copy.
• Department of National Park & Wildlife Conservation approval certificate copy.
• Trek / tour itinerary with drone flight start and end date, location.
• Passport and visa copy and bio-data of pilot.
• Authorization letter to local agent/company.
• Flight approval: 3 – 5 working days.
• Flight approval letter from Government of Nepal, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
• Flight approval letter from Government of Nepal, Ministry of Défense

 

 

 

 

 

4^th step: Get approval from Department of National Park & Wildlife Office, Namche.

– A national park liaison officer must accompany drone flight operator.

– Daily wages to liaison officer (Rs. 2500 for Nepali operator or USD 25 for Foreigner operator).

– Daily fooding and lodging must also be provided for liaison officer