Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card

Consumer Drone → India

Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-04-25

RESTRICTED

Foreign nationals cannot fly drones in India without prior DGCA approval.

Details

India's Drone Rules 2021 (amended 2022) restrict drone operations for foreign nationals significantly. Foreign nationals wishing to fly drones in India must obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and register the drone with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) via the DigitalSky platform. Importing a drone into India is subject to customs duty and must be declared at the border. Flying over defence installations, national parks, international borders, or state capitals requires additional permissions. Micro-drones (under 250g) have lighter requirements but foreign nationals still need MHA clearance for flying. Unapproved drone use carries fines and drone confiscation.

Quantity limit

One personal drone

Documentation required

MHA prior permission for foreign nationals
DGCA registration on DigitalSky platform
Customs declaration on arrival

Legal reference

Drone Rules 2021, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Aircraft Act 1934

At the airport

Foreign-registered drones must be registered with the DGCA Digital Sky platform before entering India. Complete registration and obtain your UIN (Unique Identification Number) before departure.
At customs (BOM, DEL, CCU), declare the drone on your arrival form. Present your DGCA UIN registration, purchase receipt, and manufacturer specs.
Customs may levy import duty if the drone is above the personal exemption value. Retain the duty payment receipt.
Fly only in designated green zones using the Digital Sky app. Yellow and red zones require prior approval. Never fly near airports, government buildings, or military installations.

IATA dangerous goods

Consumer Drone is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage limits apply on top of customs rules.

Practical advice

The MHA approval process is complex and can take weeks. Many travellers find it impractical and choose not to fly drones in India. Carrying a drone in your bag without intent to fly is unlikely to cause issues at the airport, but declare it if asked.

Customs authority

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) · https://www.cbic.gov.in