I’m heading to the Langtang valley, one of Nepal’s most stunning trek, and I was determined to bring my drone. But let me tell you, trying to figure out the permit process online as a Nepali citizen was incredibly frustrating.
I spent days reading blogs that were clearly just recycling old, vague, & often incorrect information.
It felt like 90% of the people writing about getting a drone permit in Nepal had never actually secured one themselves they were just churning out content for clicks.
I kept seeing vague references like, “You might need this letter……..” or “The process can take weeks…” without any concrete steps, official names, or even the right government offices. This lack of clear guidance was almost enough to make me leave my drone at home.
My first hand account: Cutting through the red tape
I’m happy to report that I completed the whole process! I successfully registered my drone with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and secured all necessary flight permissions for the Langtang region. It was a multi step process involving several government offices, but it is absolutely doable if you know where to go.
Here is the honest reality I wish those rehashed articles had provided:
Stop relying on old PDFs and blogs:
Forms, fees, & requirements change frequently. You must check the official CAAN website for the latest procedures not a blog post from years ago.
It’s a multi office effort:
Even as a local citizen, flying in a protected area like Langtang means you need more than just one approval. After registering with CAAN and getting your UIN (Unique Identification Number), you need clearance from the district administration office (CDO), the relevant national park office, and depending on your drone’s weight and purpose, potentially the ministry of home affairs (MoHA).
CAAN is step one:
The first crucial step is going to the CAAN flight safety standard department (FSSD) with your citizenship, drone’s details, and proof of purchase (like a VAT bill or customs document). Nothing else moves forward until you are registered here.
My personal guide: How to register your drone with CAAN for Nepali citizens
I documented the entire ordeal, from the initial CAAN registration to gathering all the stamps and signatures needed for the final national park area flight clearance. It was bureaucratic, but holding that stack of approved papers in my hand made all the effort worth it.
For a Nepali citizen, the first and most critical step for legally flying a drone in Nepal is obtaining your drone’s unique identification number (UIN) from CAAN’s flight safety standards department (FSSD).
Step 1: Gather your required documents (The paperwork)
You must prepare the following documents before visiting the CAAN FSSD office in Sinamangal, Kathmandu.
| Application form | RPA 001 (Drone registration) and RPA 002 (Purpose of operation and commitment letter). These forms can also be downloaded from the CAAN website or obtained at the office. |
| Personal identification | Printed copy of your citizenship certificate. |
| Institutional details | Copy of the company registration certificate and tax clearance certificate, if registering under a company |
| Passport size photo | Recent passport sized color photograph. |
| Photograph of drone | A photograph clearly showing the drone’s model and a aerial photograph of drone. |
| Technical specifications of drone | Copy of the drone’s manual specification from the manufacturer’s manual. |
| Proof of purchase | If purchased domestically submit copy of the retailer’s VAT Bill. Or, if imported then submit copy of the custom’s clearance certificate. |
For drones weighing more than 2 kg, you will need to bring the drone to the office for a physical inspection before the final UIN certificate is issued. Third party insurance is mandatory for drones weighing more than 2 kg.
Step 2: Submit your application at CAAN FSSD
Take all the documents listed above to the CAAN FSSD office in Sinamangal. Here is the location map:
Have the forms and documents verified and submit them to the appropriate counter. Pay the prescribed fee either at the Rastriya Banijya Bank (TIA Branch) or via Connect IPS to the designated CAAN FSSD account.
For drones weighing more than 2 kg, you will typically need to bring the drone to the office for a physical inspection before the final certificate is issued.
Step 3: Receive your UIN (Unique identification number)
Once the documents and payment are verified and approved, CAAN will issue a registration certificate with your drone’s unique identification number (UIN).
This UIN is your drone’s legal identity. You are required to clearly affix this number to the drone using a durable plate or tag.
The registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
My drone registration cost (As of 2025 – heads up!)
Just wanted to share the lowdown on registering my drone, since I just went through the process in 2025.
If you’re looking to get your drone officially registered, here’s what it set me back:
The main registration fee is 50 USD. On top of that, there’s a tiny 0.05 USD miscellaneous fee. So, before tax, we’re at 50.05 USD. But, of course, there’s the VAT (Value Added Tax) to factor in! It’s 13%, which works out to be 6.50 USD on the initial fee.
So, all in all, my first registration cost me 56.55 USD.
Good news is the renewal is cheaper! The base renewal fee is set at 10 USD. With the same VAT, that brings the renewal total to 11.30 USD.
I’ll be tackling that next year on November 4th, 2026, so keep an eye out I’ll update the blog with that exact amount once I pay it, just in case anything changes!
Crucial: UIN is NOT flight permission!
Registering your drone with CAAN and obtaining a UIN only grants your drone legal identification.
To fly in the skies of Nepal, you must obtain a separate Flight Permission. This involves applying to different bodies based on your drone’s size and location. In my case it’s Langtang, I must also obtain clearance from the relevant National park.
Complete the CAAN UIN process first. Only then should you proceed to apply for flight permission at the CDO or MoHA, depending on your flight’s purpose and location.
Flying drone in Nepal: Step by step guide to obtain the permit
Now, I’m ready to capture the majestic Langtang, the stunning high altitude landscape, and the resilient local Tamang & Lama communities from the air. If you are planning to bring your drone to Nepal, don’t trust the rehashed blogs! Follow the account of someone who just navigated the system successfully.
I’ll be posting all the best aerial shots and ground photos from the Langtang Valley throughout my trek. Check out my Instagram now to see Nepal’s Himalayas from a breathtaking perspective!
Fly safe and fly legally!
Share Your Thoughts