How to Get a Permission for Drones in the Maldives

Going to the Maldives and want to take those perfect aerial shots? Don't know the drone laws in the Maldives and how to get permission for drones? Don't worry! We have got you covered. Here are the details about the drone laws in the Maldives, restrictions on the private islands, permissions you need to fly a drone and how to carry the drone safely to the Maldives?

Can you fly a drone in the Maldives?

Yes! Of course, you can fly drones in the Maldives with some restrictions. There are drone regulations in the Maldives due to seaplanes being there to transfer guests from airports to resorts, and other excursions like parasailing would be distracted by the unregulated usage of drones.

Resort Specific Restrictions

Many private island resorts do not allow flying drones due to following reasons-

1. Seaplane transfers

2. Invasion of privacy as they have open showers, pool, and jacuzzis, and guests might complain if they see a drone buzzing over their head

3. Water Sports like Parasailing etc.

Although some resorts still allow flying drones only in restricted areas away from guest villas and with some strict regulations. Still, for flying drones, you will need permission.

Drone Laws in the Maldives

For flying drones in the Maldives, you must have the permission from Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA). While flying drones in the Maldives, you must adhere to the below-mentioned drone laws:

1. Do not fly drones over people or large crowds

2. Do not fly drones higher than 120 meters (400 ft.)

3. Do not fly drones past the visual line of sight

4. Respect other's privacy when flying your drone

5. Do not fly drones near airports

6. You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions

7. Do not fly drones in sensitive areas, including government or military facilities, where the use of drones or cameras is prohibited

8. Take the resort permission before flying a drone in your resort, as some resorts have a strict no-drone policy due to privacy issues.

What all do you need to get the permit?

There are two kinds of drone permits in the Maldives. One is for recreational purposes, and another one is for commercial purposes. You will need a recreational one, and for that, the two things that you need are to have drone registration and a map of the area you are going to fly your drone in the Maldives.

How to get Drone Permit?

You will need permission from Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA). It is a case-by-case procedure and can take a long time. So if you want to take your drone to the Maldives, start the permission process in advance. Follow the below steps to get all the permissions you need-

Step1- Complete this application form and email it to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) (admin@defence.gov.mv) to obtain their approval.

Step2- Once you get the approval from Maldives National Defence Force, send this application form and a copy of the MNDF's defence permission to ans@caa.gov.mv.

These permissions will allow you to fly drones legally, but if you want to fly drones in private island resorts, you will need permission from your resort management. You can mail the resort and ask about the drone regulations and permission.

And that's it! Voila, you can now fly drones freely in the Maldives and get those perfect vacation pictures.

How to travel with a drone to the Maldives?

Now that you got permission, the next step is how to carry your drone in the aeroplane. Check the size and weight of the drone, and check the airline restrictions for the drone. And be ready to be asked about the drones at the airport. Buy a case for the drone to protect it from damage and carry it in your check-in luggage. The drone batteries are not allowed in check-in luggage, so remove them and keep them in your hand luggage. Also, keep the controller in your hand luggage. Make sure to put a fragile tag on the bag to be extra careful about the drone safety.