Can I fly a drone in Cambodia?
Yes, with registration. Drones over 250g must be registered with the SSCA ($50-100, 3-7 days). Declare at customs on arrival. Angkor Wat is a strict no-fly zone. No flying near airports, the Royal Palace, military bases, or border areas. Maximum altitude 120m, daylight only, visual line of sight.
- Registration required for drones over 250g (SSCA, $50-100)
- Angkor Wat: absolute no-fly zone — confiscation + fines
- Max altitude: 120m (400ft), daylight only, visual line of sight
- DJI Mini (under 250g): registration not strictly required
Drone Rules Overview
Cambodia requires registration of consumer drones with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). The regulations have been tightened in recent years following incidents at Angkor Wat and near airports. While enforcement is inconsistent in rural areas, major tourist sites and cities take drone compliance seriously.
The biggest thing to know: Angkor Wat is an absolute no-fly zone. Park rangers actively look for drones, confiscate them, and can impose significant fines. This is the single most commonly violated drone rule by tourists in Cambodia.
Serious warning: Flying an unregistered drone in a restricted zone (Angkor Wat, Royal Palace, airports) can result in drone confiscation, fines of $1,000+, and criminal charges. These penalties are enforced. It is not worth the risk.
Registration Process
1. Declare at customs
Declare your drone on the customs form when entering Cambodia. Failure to declare can result in confiscation at any point.
2. Register with SSCA
Submit registration application to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). Requires: passport copy, drone specifications (model, serial number, weight), proof of insurance (recommended), and registration fee ($50-100).
3. Receive permit
Processing takes 3-7 business days. You will receive a flight permit specifying approved areas and conditions. Digital or paper permit must be carried while flying.
4. Follow conditions
Fly only in approved areas, below specified altitude (typically 120m/400ft), during daylight hours, within visual line of sight, and away from restricted zones.
Drone Categories & Requirements
| Category | Registration | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Toy drones (under 250g) | Not required for personal use | Still cannot fly in no-fly zones. Good practice to declare at customs. Examples: DJI Mini series, Ryze Tello. |
| Consumer drones (250g-25kg) | Required (SSCA registration) | Must register, declare at customs, follow all flight rules. Maximum altitude 120m. Visual line of sight only. Examples: DJI Air, DJI Mavic Pro, Autel EVO. |
| Commercial/professional drones | Required (enhanced SSCA permit) | Additional commercial flight permit needed for paid work. Insurance mandatory. Pilot certification may be required. Higher fees. |
| FPV racing drones | Required if over 250g | FPV flying (with goggles) technically requires a spotter maintaining visual line of sight. Limited racing venues in Cambodia. |
No-Fly Zones
Angkor Wat Archaeological Park
Reason: Cultural heritage protection. Strictly enforced. Rangers actively confiscate drones.
Penalty: Drone confiscation, fines up to $1,000+, possible arrest
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (Phnom Penh)
Reason: Royal security zone. Flying near the palace is a serious offense.
Penalty: Drone confiscation, arrest, potential criminal charges
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
Reason: Aviation safety. No flying within 8km of any airport runway.
Penalty: Confiscation, heavy fines, criminal charges
Siem Reap International Airport (SAI)
Reason: Aviation safety.
Penalty: Confiscation, heavy fines, criminal charges
Military bases and installations
Reason: National security. Many are not clearly marked.
Penalty: Confiscation, arrest, serious criminal charges
Government buildings
Reason: Security zones around ministries, embassies, and government offices.
Penalty: Confiscation, fines, potential arrest
Border areas (within 10km)
Reason: National security zones along all international borders.
Penalty: Confiscation, arrest
National parks (without permit)
Reason: Wildlife protection and safety. Separate permits may be required.
Penalty: Confiscation, fines
General Flight Rules
- Maximum altitude: 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
- Visual line of sight (VLOS): You must be able to see your drone at all times without binoculars or other aids.
- Daylight only: Flying is restricted to daylight hours (approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
- No flying over people: Do not fly over crowds, gatherings, or populated areas.
- Airport distance: Stay at least 8km from any airport runway.
- Respect privacy: Do not photograph or film individuals without consent, especially in private settings.
- No flying under the influence: Do not operate drones while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Carry your permit: Always have your SSCA registration/permit accessible while flying.
Where You CAN Fly
With proper registration, good legal flying locations include:
- Rural countryside: Rice paddies, open farmland, and rural landscapes (check for nearby military installations).
- Coastal areas: Beaches away from airports and the Vietnamese/Thai border zones. Kep coastline, Otres Beach area (away from Sihanoukville airport).
- Kampot riverside: Open areas along the Kampot River away from the town center and border zone.
- Battambang countryside: The rolling hills and rice paddies outside Battambang city.
- Cardamom Mountains: Remote areas with advance permits from the national park authority.
Always check the DJI Fly app or AirMap for geofenced zones before flying. DJI drones have built-in geofencing that may prevent takeoff near airports and restricted areas. If an area is not geofenced, it does not mean it is legal — always cross-reference with local rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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