With our trip to Vietnam starting in February 2025, I’m starting to look into bringing our drone along to capture the country’s amazing landscapes—from packed cities to dense jungle. This post will detail the regulations as they stand in early 2025, and I’ll update it if we encounter any issues along the way.
This guide is based on my anticipated experience, focusing on how factors like drone type, purpose, and weight can influence what rules apply. I’m planning to bring a DJI Mavic Air 2 for recreational use, which is generally allowed—provided I follow Vietnam’s drone regulations.
General Guidelines for Recreational Drone Use
- Permission Requirement: All drone flights require prior approval from the Ministry of Defense. This process can be time-consuming if not near impossible.
- Operational Hours: Fly only during daylight hours and when weather conditions are favorable.
- Visual Line of Sight: Always maintain a direct visual line of sight with your drone.
- Altitude Restriction: Do not exceed 120 meters (393 feet) above ground level.
- Prohibited Areas: Steer clear of military zones, government buildings, and other sensitive or restricted sites.
- Privacy Considerations: Respect privacy by avoiding capturing images or videos of individuals without proper consent, especially around private properties or cultural sites.
Registration and Certification
- Recreational Use: For lighter, consumer-grade drones (such as those under 7 kg), direct approvals from the Ministry of Defense are typically sufficient for recreational flights.
- Commercial Use or Heavier Drones: If your drone is heavier or you plan on using it commercially (e.g., professional photography or survey work), additional permits, certifications, and possibly local operator licenses may be required. Always verify these details well ahead of your trip.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with Vietnam’s drone laws can result in fines, confiscation of equipment, and even legal action. In some cases, authorities have the capability to disable unauthorized drones mid-flight.
Additional Considerations
While the general guidelines provide a solid framework, local restrictions vary across Vietnam. Some provinces have experimented with temporary no-fly zones, so be prepared for unique conditions depending on where you travel.
That said, I still plan on bringing my DJI drone to Vietnam without first securing explicit military permission. Through my research—and consistent with experiences in several other countries—requests for authorization often go unanswered. This means that if you do choose to fly without formal approval, there’s a genuine risk of having your drone confiscated or facing fines.
A similar situation arose when we visited Peru, which enforces strict rules regarding drones entering the country. In theory, you must pay a tax upon arrival and then claim a refund upon departure through your airport. For us, that didn’t fit our plans as we were crossing the border by bus into Bolivia. Ultimately, we just brought the drone and hoped for the best. Despite Peru’s stringent official stance, our bags were inspected and no mention of the drone was ever made. Like many nations in Asia and South America, there’s often a gap between written regulations and on-the-ground enforcement. My personal experience suggests that while rules appear strict online, actual enforcement can be sporadic at best.
Final Note
The guidelines outlined above offer just a glimpse of Vietnam’s drone landscape. Your experience may differ based on your destination cities, the type of drone you use, and how local authorities choose to apply the rules. Officially, you should always seek the necessary permits and approvals—especially in sensitive areas or heritage sites—but be aware that responses may be slow or nonexistent.
Ultimately, it’s a balancing act: If you decide to proceed without explicit permission, understand the risks. Confiscation, fines, or other penalties remain a possibility. On the other hand, if enforcement is lax, you might face few obstacles—much like we encountered in Peru and elsewhere.
By thoroughly researching each location, exercising cultural sensitivity, and using common sense, you can increase your chances of capturing Vietnam by drone while minimizing potential complications.
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