Vanuatu Drone Laws

Vanuatu Drone Laws

Img 1: Aerial Photography In Vanuatu

  1. General Vanuatu Drone Laws
  2. Drone Permits In Vanuatu
  3. Brining Your Drone On Airplanes Guide
  4. Buying Drones In Vanuatu
  5. Drone Travel Guide Articles
  6. Contact Information For Questions

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General Vanuatu Drone Laws

Drone use is allowed in Vanuatu, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. Operators must ensure that they follow the following drone laws when flying in Vanuatu,

  • Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds
  • Respect others privacy when flying your drone
  • Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas were aircraft are operating
  • You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
  • Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited.
  • Do not fly your drone higher than 400 feet
  • Do not fly your drone farther than 4km

Permit Needed For Recreational Drone Use?

A registration is required for recreational drone use in Vanuatu.

ALL camera equipped drones operated by foreign visitors and non-indigenous ni-vanuatu MUST be registered with the Vanuatu Cultural Centre.

There is no distinction between 'recreational / personal use' on holiday or 'commercial use' by professionals for small drones (under 25 Kgs).(What Is Recreational Drone Use?)

Permit Needed For Commercial Drone Use?

A registration is required for commercial drone use in Vanuatu.

ALL camera equipped drones operated by foreign visitors and non-indigenous ni-vanuatu MUST be registered with the Vanuatu Cultural Centre.

There is no distinction between 'recreational / personal use' on holiday or 'commercial use' by professionals for small drones (under 25 Kgs). Click here to purchase a permit, or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Commercial Drone Use?)

Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes Guide

For a detailed guide to bringing your drone on airplanes click here. All drones should be brought on carry on luggage if possible. This is because according to the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses up to ~$1,000 USD. When traveling internationally, theft and lost luggage can be common issues, particularly if your flight has many connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and you cannot bring it onto the plane you should consider shipping it with DHL, Fedex, or UPS instead and fully insure the shipment.

You should NOT place drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be placed in a Medium Size Lipo Battery Bag like the one shown here in the link and brought onto the plane in your carry on bag. Lithium-ion batteries are considered ""dangerous goods"" by airlines and rules surrounding these batteries on planes are EXTREMELY strict due to multiple incidents of these batteries catching fire. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries in a bag such as the one shown in the link above can result in the airline seizing them, you getting fined, or being denied boarding.

Here is some video footage shot by blakemink8 when flying a drone in Vanuatu.

Buying Drones In Vanuatu

Read all of our Vanuatu Drone Laws, and now looking for drones, parts, accessories, or something else? Read our guide for Buying Drones In Vanuatu. It includes information on drones for sale in Vanuatu, import taxes, payment options, and shipping.

Drone Travel Guide

Vanuatu drone laws are up to date as of July, 2019. Please email [email protected] , or click “leave a message” at the bottom right of the screen if you have any questions or comments.