Plan
Drone rules: India
Last checked: October 5, 2026
Unclear
We have no reliable official information for this country. Check with the aviation authority before you travel whether and how you may fly.
Importing ready-built drones has been prohibited since 9 Feb 2022 (DGFT); exceptions exist only for government bodies, research and defence. For nano drones up to 250 g flying below 15 m, the rule requires radio equipment type approval (ETA) instead of an import licence. There is no procedure for tourists.
From 250 g an identification number (UIN) via Digital Sky; according to sources practically impossible for foreigners.
Under Rule 44 of the Drone Rules 2021 you need third-party insurance – also for private flights. Only nano drones up to 250 g are exempt.
Depending on drone weight
- From 250 g· Registration: Required· Insurance: RequiredFrom 250 g: UIN via Digital Sky and third-party insurance; remote pilot certificate from 2 kg or for commercial use.
For tourists
Declare the drone on arrival at the red customs channel and expect it may be held. The safest option is to leave the drone at home.
Further rules
- Drones are divided into five weight categories (Nano up to under 250 grams, Micro up to 2 kilograms, Small up to 25 kilograms, Medium up to 150 kilograms and Large above that), with only Nano drones used purely privately and non-commercially exempt from the registration requirement.
- All drones from the micro category upwards need a Unique Identification Number (UIN), applied for via the government platform Digital Sky. Under Rule 36, you do not need a remote pilot certificate for nano drones or for micro drones used non-commercially; in all other cases it is mandatory.
- In airspace classified as green, the maximum flight altitude is 120 metres (400 feet) above ground without separate permission; in zones marked yellow, clearance must be obtained in advance via Digital Sky, and areas marked red around airports, military installations and the national borders are completely off-limits.
- Under Rule 44 of the Drone Rules 2021, the third-party insurance rules of the Motor Vehicles Act apply to drones – whether you fly privately or commercially. Only nano drones up to 250 grams are exempt.
- For tourists, import is the real hurdle: under the DGFT notification of 9 February 2022, importing ready-built drones is prohibited; exceptions apply only to government bodies, recognised research institutions, manufacturers, and defence and security. Nano drones up to 250 grams flying below 15 metres need radio equipment type approval from the telecommunications ministry instead of an import licence – not a simple procedure for travellers. Drones have repeatedly been held at customs.
- Violations such as flying without registration or in no-fly zones are punished with fines ranging from the equivalent of around 250 to over 5,000 euros; serious or repeated violations can lead to confiscation of the drone and criminal proceedings.
Sources
This overview is not legal advice and not an official statement — laws change, and we cannot guarantee that every entry is fully up to date. Before your flight, please also check the official source or the local civil aviation authority.