Can you bring a drone to Maldives?

• Drones

  depends on specifics

  Flying a drone needs prior approvals, reviewed "case-by-case" by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority: "Depending on the area of operation, you may need approval from Maldives National Defence Force" (MNDF); "once approval has been obtained from MNDF, apply to the CAA" with the application form and a copy of the MNDF permit; plus "approval from any other relevant parties (e.g. resorts, island or city council)". Operations must stay below 400 feet. The airport operator's customs page: "Permits required in advance from MCAA + MNDF. Drones without permits may be held at customs."

  This CAA page sets out the flying-permit procedure only. It does not say whether tourists or small recreational drones are exempt, how far ahead to apply, what the penalties are, or how customs treats a drone in luggage, so none of that is asserted from the CAA page. The airport operator's customs page adds: "Permits required in advance from MCAA + MNDF. Drones without permits may be held at customs", and lists drones without permits among items given a retrieval receipt at the border.

  Also covers: drone, uav, quadcopter, unmanned aircraft, rpas

  Checked 2026-09-21 — Source: Maldives Civil Aviation Authority — Flying Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Drones) in the Maldives

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