If you're planning on taking your drone with you on your travels, please do your own research too. It's not as simple as taking it out the box and flying it over a temple. I thought this concise summary may help some people decide on what's best for them and also potentially avoid anything serious occurring during border crossings or whilst flying the drone in different countries.
Thailand:
You can take your drone with you. No issues, although:
- You NEED insurance to fly your drone
- NBTC registration
- CAAT registration
- Restrictions: Flying drones near airports, military bases, or government buildings is prohibited. National parks also have strict no-fly zones.
- Permits: Permit is required for commercial drone use.
Apparently registration takes weeks to apply for and you have to visit an office in Bangkok.
We chose not to even take the drone out of our bag to avoid a huge fine or even imprisonment.
Laos:
No issues having a drone in your possession.
We decided to fly the drone in Laos but only got it out in Nong Khiaw. For the trek up Pha Daeng Peak in search of the stunning views!
- Regulations: The Civil Aviation Authority regulates drone flights.
- Restrictions: Drone operation near government buildings, military installations, and airports is prohibited. Special permission is needed for aerial photography.
- Permits: Permit required for all drone operations.
Cambodia:
- Regulations: Drone flights are regulated by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).
- Restrictions: Flying drones near airports, military installations, or sensitive areas is prohibited.
- Permits: Permit required for commercial drone use.
We chose not to use the drone in Phnom Penh or Angkor Wat.
All OK to fly otherwise.
Vietnam:
There seems to be an increased amount of incidents going through Danang airport. From what I've read, you should expect your drone to be confiscated from you until you leave the country.
We travelled to Vietnam by night bus and were quite nervous when all our bags had to go through a conveyor belt and x-rayed. All was fine however and we restarted our journey to Hanoi with no issues.
We didn't fly the drone in Vietnam.
- Regulations: The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) oversees drone operations.
- Restrictions: Flying drones near airports, military areas, and government buildings is restricted. National parks may also have no-fly zones.
- Permits: Permit required for both recreational and commercial drone use.
Indonesia:
We experienced no issues at all.
- Regulations: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates drone flights.
- Restrictions: Flying drones near airports, military installations, and sensitive areas is prohibited.
- Permits: Permit required for all drone operations.
Australia:
- Registration should be done through the myCASA portal.
- This lasts 12 months
- Cost is $20 for recreational drones and $160 for commercial
- Regulations: The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates drone operations.
- Restrictions: Drones must be flown within visual line-of-sight, away from airports, and below certain altitudes. No-fly zones include national parks and populous areas.
- Permits: Registration required for drones weighing over 250g. Additional permits for commercial use.
New Zealand:
We experienced no issues at all.
- Regulations: The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) oversees drone flights.
- Restrictions: Flying drones near airports, people, and property without consent is prohibited.
- Permits: Permit required for commercial drone operations. Recreational drone flyers must follow CAA's guidelines.
Singapore:
We're in Singapore for such a short time, so I have decided not to fly at all.
- Regulations: The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) regulates drone operations.
- Restrictions: Flying drones near airports, military installations, and certain restricted areas is prohibited. Drones must be flown below 61 meters.
- Permits: Permit required for all drone operations.
Scotland:
- Regulations: Drone flights are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
- Restrictions: Flying drones near airports, military bases, and congested areas is restricted. Special permissions may be required for certain locations.
- Permits: Permit required for commercial drone use. Recreational flyers must adhere to CAA's Drone Code.
