Plan
Drone rules: Sri Lanka
Last checked: October 1, 2026
Permit required
You may only fly here with a permit issued by the authorities in advance.
Besides registration, every operation needs CAASL approval for specific locations and dates, including security clearance from the Ministry of Defence. According to reports this is laborious and uncertain for tourists.
As a tourist you do not need an import procedure but apply for flight approval via the CAASL online portal; this requires security clearance from the Ministry of Defence.
Under the CAASL standard (SLCAIS-053), liability insurance is mandatory for all drones over 250 g, graded by weight; not needed up to 250 g.
Depending on drone weight
- From 251 g· Registration: Required· Insurance: RequiredOver 250 g liability insurance mandatory (at least 100,000 rupees up to 900 g, more above).
For tourists
National parks, archaeological and religious sites and military areas are no-fly zones; night flights require a separate permit.
Further rules
- Different sources give conflicting information on the maximum permitted flight altitude (including 45 metres and 120 metres, and in some cases no explicit altitude limit at all), which is why we deliberately don't state a figure here; what is undisputed, however, is that constant visual contact (VLOS) and a minimum visibility of 5 kilometres must be maintained.
- Drones are divided into four weight categories (A from 25 kilograms, B over 1 to under 25 kilograms, C over 200 grams to 1 kilogram, D up to 200 grams); categories A to C with recording sensors must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), while very small category D devices without sensors are exempt from registration.
- Several sources cite an insurance requirement for categories A to C, while category D drones are exempt; since common recreational drones such as compact DJI models under 250 grams often already fall into category C, insurance may be required in individual cases, but a blanket legal requirement for all private use cannot be clearly established from the available sources.
- Foreign tourists need a separate registration via the CAASL registration portal, often referred to as temporary registration, with passport and travel details, proof of purchase and photos of the device, as full regular registration is reserved for nationals; according to travellers' reports, processing often takes several weeks and may require additional clearance from the Ministry of Defence and the telecommunications authority.
- Flight bans apply, among other places, to national parks, archaeological and religious sites and military areas, and a safety distance of several kilometres from airports must be kept; night flights are prohibited without a separate CAASL permit.
- Specific, officially published fine amounts for violations are not documented; travellers' reports do, however, mention confiscation of the drone and, in individual cases, criminal consequences.
Sources
- CAASL – Dronesofficial
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.