🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in the Maldives (Malé). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in Maldives Drone Discussion Group. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
Recreational vs commercial drone use in the Maldives
The Maldives do not seem to differentiate commercial & recreational drone uses. However, drone use in the country of islands is subject to restrictions & a code of conduct.
✅ The use of drones in the Maldives is under the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) & they can be contacted via:
Email: civav@caa.gov.mv
Phone: (+960) 332 4983
Can I travel to the Maldives with my drone?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within the Maldives as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in the Maldives?
✅ The Maldives are like no other country, lots of little islands all around which most are reached by seaplane. This makes it a little trickier to fly your drone safely as basically most islands will have their own seaport. The Maldives built a sweet map showing all the airports and seaports which can be found here.
Maldives Drone Fly Map
🚨 Be aware that some island resort have also completely banned the use of drones; usually for the tranquility of their other guests & to protect their bird sanctuaries 🦅 This is the case for Vilamendhoo Island Resort & seems to be the case for Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.
🌲 National / Marine parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities. 🐳
🌊 Be aware that most people going to the Maldives are usually paying a high price for tranquillity & relaxation time. Reading forums, several guests (understandably) ask for peace whilst in this little paradise on 🌏 & you will need to consider this fact while there.
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for the Maldives.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in the Maldives
✅ You will need to obtain permission prior taking off with your drone. Additionally, there are also rules & a code of conduct to follow for all operators:
With this in mind, you must fly:
at a maximum altitude of 122 m above the ground.
fly away from airports, heliport, seaports & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see an aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
fly avoiding sensitive areas including resorts, government & military facilities.
flyaway from a fire or any site where emergencies are required as you could interrupt their operation and delay their intervention.
How to obtain a permit to fly my drone in the Maldives?
🚨 This is a 2 steps process which will take a bit of time to complete as you need to deal firstly with the Ministry of Defense & National Security & then with the Civil Aviation Authority to confirm:
Complete this online form & return it to admin@defence.gov.mv
Complete this online form & return it to ans@caa.gov.mv
✅ The amount of information required is very reasonable & you shouldn't have to much trouble to obtain the authorisations providing you're not flying above an airport or seaport.
🚨 Note, if you intend to fly above a resort or private property, you will need their authorisation in written ahead of your permission request(s). Once obtained, you can show them your permissions on the fight day 👌
🕔 However, because of the two steps' process, allow at least 3 weeks time for local administration to process your requests & to be on the safe side.
💡 Smart! Heading to the islands? Water glare is a killer when flying above coastal waters, make sure you have a lens filter before heading there.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in the Maldives?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
The excellent news is that if you get a permission, you can start flying above Maldives' awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in the Maldives! #maldives #malavian #regulation #rule #rules #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Maldives Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning we will get a commission if you decide to purchase via them. This has no costs for you but helps Dronemade stay free for all. If you need to buy anything on Amazon or DJI stores, think of us.
Sources
Other resources
Коментарі