Can you bring a drone to India?

• Drones

  prohibited

  Import of drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) in Completely-Built-Up (CBU), Semi-Knocked-Down (SKD), or Completely-Knocked-Down (CKD) form is classified "Prohibited" under India's ITC (HS) 2022 import policy (Chapter 88, Policy Condition No. 03, as revised by DGFT Notification No. 54/2015-20 dated 9 Feb 2022). The only stated exceptions are: (i) government entities, government-recognised educational/R&D institutions, and drone manufacturers importing for R&D, each requiring a DGFT import authorisation; and (ii) drones for defence and security purposes, also requiring DGFT authorisation. Import of drone components (not assembled units) is classified "Free".

  No exception for tourists or personal/recreational use is stated anywhere in this notification — a foreign visitor's personal camera drone falls squarely within the prohibited CBU category, with no realistic path to a DGFT import authorisation. This is a genuinely high-risk item: many travelers assume a personal drone is fine to pack, and India's rule is stricter than most destinations already in this dataset.

  Also covers: drone, uav, quadcopter, unmanned aircraft

  Checked 2026-08-13 — Source: Directorate General of Foreign Trade — Notification No. 54/2015-20 dated 9 Feb 2022, ITC (HS) 2022, Chapter 88 Policy Condition No. 03 (import policy for Unmanned Aircraft Systems)

Check your specific trip →|Compare a drone in every destination →|Full India guide →

Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history