Permit to Operate Drones
This service can be used by individuals, registered businesses or government entities to obtain a permit to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in the Maldives.
Responsible Entity: Ministry of Defence
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After signing in, you can start with the form application selected.
Before you start
All necessary approvals must be obtained from all relevant authorities and/or site owners prior to any film shootings.
If the drone is to be operated at a resort, you should coordinate with resort management to ensure that there are no risks to seaplanes.
All areas designated as security zones by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) must be excluded from photo and videography.
Please be aware that the MNDF reserves the right to halt drone operation at any time if deemed necessary, and operators should comply with such instructions.
If obtaining a permit for commercial purposes in the Greater Male’ Area for any walking or running event, the start and end point needs to be included in the flying area map. (Check FAQ for more details.)
Eligibility
Private citizens can apply for this service.
Tourists can apply for this service.
Businesses can apply for this service.
Government entities can apply for this service.
How to Apply
Log into your eFaas account.
Logging into your own account will direct you to the oneGov homepage.
Documents Required
An authorization letter from the government entity, granting permission to apply. (If the application is on behalf of a government entity.)
Technical specifications of the drone.
The live-aboard route for any boats, safaris, or other mobile vessels.
Additional supporting documentation for commercial purpose
After you apply
After successful submission, a notification will be sent to your email and phone.
You can check the status of the request from the My Application tab.
Once the application is approved, the status will change to “Approved”.
Should the status of your application be changed to “Cancelled”, you will receive a notification along with the remarks via email and phone.
Once the application is processed, the permit will be issued via email.
Estimated time frame
All duly completed applications will be processed within 03 working days.
FAQs
1. What is eFaas and how do I register?
eFaas is the digital identification of the Maldivian government. It is available to citizens, foreign nationals, and tourists alike. eFaas is also used as the identification method for the oneGov platform. To apply for eFaas, you need to head to [efaas.egov.mv] and click ‘Register’ at the top right corner of the page. Then, you can follow the instructions given by the website to obtain your eFaas account.
2. What counts as a walking/running type event?
Events such as a demonstration, a gathering, a flash mob, a walk to show support for a cause, or a road race, etc can count as a walking/running type event.
3. Do I need any further permissions after I receive the Drone Operation Permit?
After you obtain the permit, please ensure that you obtain approval from the Maldivian Civil Aviation Authority before operating the drone.
4. What is the maximum allowed height and flight radius for operating a drone with this permit?
The maximum height at which the drone is allowed to operate is 120 meters. In urban areas drones will be allowed to operate within a radius of 50 meters, and over water areas within a radius of 150 meters. MNDF reserves the right to make changes to the allowed flight radius and height, based on the requested location.
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