Plan
Drone rules: Papua New Guinea
Last checked: October 5, 2026
Allowed with conditions
Flying is allowed, but with conditions you need to know before you travel.
From 250 g take-off weight (or for flights requiring a Part 102 authorisation), the drone must be registered under Part 47. Whether a registration from Germany is accepted is not officially confirmed; check with CASA PNG in advance.
The operating rules (Part 101) do not require insurance.
Depending on drone weight
- From 250 g· Registration: RequiredFrom 250 g registration under Part 47
- From 10 kgPermit requiredOver 10 kg only with construction/inspection approval and operating permit
For tourists
From 250 g you need a registration; before your trip, check with CASA PNG whether a registration from Germany is accepted. Up to 10 kg you then fly in the open category without any further individual permit.
Further rules
- In Papua New Guinea, drones from 250 grams take-off weight must be registered with the civil aviation authority CASA PNG under Part 47; lighter ones only for flights that require a Part 102 authorisation. The operating rules do not require insurance.
- The maximum flight altitude is 120 metres (400 feet) above ground. In the open category (drones up to 10 kilograms, with continuous visual line of sight, within the altitude limit and away from aerodromes), you do not need an additional individual permit beyond registration.
- Operation is prohibited in designated prohibited, restricted and low-flying zones. In controlled airspace you need prior clearance from the responsible air traffic control, and within 5 nautical miles (about 9 kilometres) of uncontrolled aerodromes only with qualification, observer or approval.
- There is no reliable information on specific fines for violations. No drone-specific safety warning beyond the general travel security situation was found.
- As a tourist with a recreational drone under 10 kilograms, you fly in the open category without an additional individual permit once registered (from 250 grams). From 10 kilograms, you need an operator certificate under Part 102.
- Night flights are only allowed indoors or as shielded operations. Keep at least 30 metres horizontal distance from people not involved in the flight.
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.