Bringing drone to India

[mavic-usa-1]

Hello,

I am an Indian citizen currently living abroad. I plan to visit India for holidays and wish to bring my drone. I have come across a variety of information and it is unclear if I can legally bring a drone to India. I plan to register it and follow all govt protocols. Just need to know if its legal or not.

It is a DJI drone. If it may be easier to bring a different make due to issues with DJI that is ok too. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Exphantomflyer]

Hello,

I am an Indian citizen currently living abroad. I plan to visit India for holidays and wish to bring my drone. I have come across a variety of information and it is unclear if I can legally bring a drone to India. I plan to register it and follow all govt protocols. Just need to know if its legal or not.

It is a DJI drone. If it may be easier to bring a different make due to issues with DJI that is ok too. Any help is appreciated.

not sure about rules but i do know that in india DJI firmware limits the height to 15m and distance is limited to, my advice is to leave it at home.

 

[waynorth]

As you are an Indian citizen, you are allowed to fly a drone in India. Foreigners are not allowed to fly drones.

The rules for flying in India are complicated and extensive.
Here is a summary (but still complex): Drone Laws in India [Updated July 14, 2022]
And here are the rules from the government, in Hindi and English: https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/229221.pdf

 

[mavic-usa-1]

As you are an Indian citizen, you are allowed to fly a drone in India. Foreigners are not allowed to fly drones.

The rules for flying in India are complicated and extensive.
Here is a summary (but still complex): Drone Laws in India [Updated July 14, 2022]
And here are the rules from the government, in Hindi and English: https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/229221.pdf

Thanks for your feedback. My question is, since india has banned import of drones, can I still bring a DJI drone with me? Given i will have to clear customs in India.

 

[edfrombama]

Good afternoon to all-
My son and his family just got back from India. he flew his Mini 1 there and got some good shots and videos. he is not Indian, but his wife is. He had to problems with authorities flying his drone out in the rural areas.

good evening to all- Ed

 

[dji30t]

Anyone know if Mavic 3 or Air 2 will be a problem bringing into Delhi. I have a friend who is Indian citizen going back to Delhi and he wants to record some footage in rural areas. Is it best for him to get Mini 3 Pro?

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

Anyone know if Mavic 3 or Air 2 will be a problem bringing into Delhi. I have a friend who is Indian citizen going back to Delhi and he wants to record some footage in rural areas. Is it best for him to get Mini 3 Pro?

As per the link in post #3 . . . Drone Laws in India [Updated July 14, 2022]

Classification of unmanned aircraft systems.— The unmanned aircraft system shall, based on the maximum all-up weight including payload, be classified as follows:–––

1. Nano unmanned aircraft system: weighing less than or equal to 250 grams (no permits required); You are required to ensure that you do not fly any nano drone beyond 50 ft (15m) Above Ground Level (AGL). Also, you will need permits, even for nano drones, if you fly in controlled airspaces like airports or other sensitive facilities.
2. Micro unmanned aircraft system: weighing more than 250 grams, but less than or equal to 2 kilograms (No permits required for non-commercial usage only);
3. <snip

Registration is required for all but the Nano category.
_________

Bear in mind these pages can get outdated, this one supposedly updated mid 2022.

Going by that, the sub 250g nano category is ok for flight up to 15m, totally useless in general for what drone piolts would normally want to do.

So it seems registration is needed, and anything mini, Air2s, or M3 is ok for Micro sub 2kg category, and registration for rec flight.

There seems to be no real restrictions on registering a drone, just a 'fee' which I didn't look for, then affixing the unique identifying number to the aircraft as obtained from that process.

Further down the page is info re foreign drone operators . . .
Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly RPAs in India.

As your friend is an Indian citizen, no problems there, but a shame for many tourists that want to fly there.

 

[echen2323]

im reading this---You are permitted to carry a drone with you into India on a plane, provided that you have prior permission from the Department of Telecommunication to operate in a dedicated frequency band (WPC Wing). A drone without this authorization will be confiscated and returned.

does anyone have the website of where to do this? i have a 249g DJI pro mini 4 by the way.

 

[Bolt77]

Bringing a drone to India requires adherence to regulations set forth by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It's crucial to obtain necessary permits and follow guidelines to ensure safe and legal operation. Familiarize yourself with airspace restrictions and flight protocols to prevent any complications. Stay informed about evolving regulations to maintain compliance and enjoy a hassle-free drone experience in India.

 

[Preethi]

Anyone know if Mavic 3 or Air 2 will be a problem bringing into Delhi. I have a friend who is Indian citizen going back to Delhi and he wants to record some footage in rural areas. Is it best for him to get Mini 3 Pro?

Your friend should check Delhi's drone regulations carefully. Mini 3 Pro might be safer due to potentially stricter rules. sso

 

[Preethi]

Bringing a drone to India requires adherence to regulations set forth by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It's crucial to obtain necessary permits and follow guidelines to ensure safe and legal operation. Familiarize yourself with airspace restrictions and flight protocols to prevent any complications. Stay informed about evolving regulations to maintain compliance and enjoy a hassle-free drone experience in India.

Navigating drone regulations in India, as overseen by the DGCA, is essential for safe and legal operation. Obtaining permits and understanding airspace restrictions are crucial steps to ensure compliance and avoid complications. Staying updated on regulatory changes is key to enjoying a trouble-free drone experience while respecting safety and legal requirements. PM Kisan

 

[MS Coast]

im reading this---You are permitted to carry a drone with you into India on a plane, provided that you have prior permission from the Department of Telecommunication to operate in a dedicated frequency band (WPC Wing). A drone without this authorization will be confiscated and returned.

does anyone have the website of where to do this? i have a 249g DJI pro mini 4 by the way.

Where are you reading that? Link?