Travelers and visitors are prohibited from flying drones (unmanned aircraft systems) in Bhutan.

All drone operation in Bhutan must be approved by the Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) at Paro International Airport. However, the approval is granted only to government organizations. Therefore it is not allowed to operate drones as a traveller.

If you happen to be carrying a drone, declare the drone at the customs office at the Paro International Airport. The customs office will return the drone when you exit the country.

If you can somehow get the permission, the following drone rules apply.

Maximum flight altitude: In Bhutan, your drone is not allowed to climb higher than 90 meters (300 feet) above ground or the water surface.

Maximum horizontal distance and FPV: Bhutan allows the operation of drones only within the visibility.

Maximum take-off weight (MTOW): Your drone cannot weight more than 6 kilograms.

Distance to airports: You must guarantee a distance of 5 kilometers (3 miles) to airports at any time.

Flight bans: In Bhutan, you cannot fly over yellow roofs (religious buildings).

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