🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Myanmar (Burma). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in the Myanmar Drone Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Myanmar
Myanmar doesn't seem to officially differentiates commercial & recreational drone uses.
✅ In Myanmar (Burma), the Ministry of Transport’s Department is in charge of the use of airspace via the Civil Aviation which you can contact by (we have to warn that few answers have been received).
Email: aiso@ais.gov.mm
Phone: (+951) 533 015
Mail: DCA HQ Building, Yangon International Airport Yangon 11021, Myanmar
Can I travel to Myanmar (Burma) with my drone?
🚨 It is more than advised to get in touch with Department of Civil Aviation of Myanmar to obtain all authorisations as you will need a permit for importation & flying (depending on which region of the country you intend to fly). See here for import rules.
💡 Thanks to Stefan's feedback, we are able to confirm you will need to declare your drone in your passenger declaration form upon landing in Myanmar (Burma). Additionally, you should not sell it onsite and return it with upon upon departure.
🤔 In practice, not many recreational users bother undertaking the efforts to comply but be aware that authorities can sentence you for illegal importation of goods if a drone is discovered & not declared as a French man just discovered late February 2019.
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Myanmar (Burma)?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Myanmar (Burma) "If you have more information about this, please share it in the Myanmar Drone Discussion Group". Thankfully in the meantime, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way with a coloured legend.
Myanmar (Burma) drone fly map
🚨 Some journalists have been sentenced to jail for flying near the Parliament House so it might be advisable to avoid this building in particular. Try to avoid flying above or near military installations & strategic infrastructure & temples. Fly away from airports & any aerodromes or airports in the country.
🚨 According to the Myanmar Times, the region of Yangon has prohibited the flight in the 16 following cities: North Okkalapa, New East and North Dagaon, Insein, Hlaingthaya, Shwepyitha, Mayangon, Hlaing, Kamayut, Kyimyindaing, Sanchaung, Bahan, Seikkyi Kanaungto, Mingaladon, Hlawgu and Htantapin townships.
🌲 National / Marine parks & reserves might be on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities 🐳
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Myanmar.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Myanmar
🚨 For any drone use, you will need to explain when, where & how high they’re going to fly. Some military, reconnaissance & espionage regulations prevent commercial use. This situation is a little more tense when aware of the country's journalism unfriendliness attitude keeping authorities more suspicious than average.
If you still decided to go and try your luck, it isn't because their aren't any official regulation that you should do crazy things. As for a minimum behaviour, it is always advised to:
fly away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
it is advised to subscribe to an insurance covering all risks.
fly away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
keep your drone in visual sight when flying and fly below 120 m during daylight.
avoid flying above people without their consent or moving vehicles.
ask before flying over religious sites.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Myanmar?
🚨 The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such. Some past intrepid users ended up in jail & it seems that the country's authorities can be quite severe when it comes to sentences. Saying this, according to the different press releases gathered, it seems that most judges rely themselves on the country's 1934 Aircraft Laws & the breach or not of them.
Sentences of a few months of jail have already been given in the past
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Myanmar's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Myanmar! Have fun and safe flight! #myanmar #burma #regulation #rule #rules #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Myanmar Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
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Sources
Other resource
Myanmar National Trade Portal (for drone imports).
Myanmar Customs Regulations (for drone imports).