🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known regulation around recreational & commercial drone use in Cambodia (Angkor Wat in Siem Reap & Phnom Penh). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in our Cambodia 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 Cambodia
Cambodia does not seem to differentiate commercial & recreational drone uses.
✅ In Cambodia, drone rules fall under the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) which can be contacted anytime via:
Email: ssca-int@civilaviation.gov.kh
Phone: (+855) 23 890 198
Can I bring my drone to Cambodia?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Cambodia (Phnom Penh & Siem Reap) as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 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.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in Cambodia?
🚨 We didn't find any official map from Cambodia's government so see below an interpreted map based on online feedback & personal travel experiences in the country & after asking local police.
🚨 Note, some temples (other than Angkor Wat) do not allow any flights above without permission. This is the case for Koh Ker Temple for e.g. If you get caught, you might have to write an apology letter to the Cambodian Royal Family 🤴
🚨 Do not fly above manifestations or open air events.
💡 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 Cambodia.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Cambodia
✅ Aside from Angkor Vat (Siem Reap) & Phnom Penh, there doesn't seem to be any official restrictions or laws around recreational and commercial drone use in the country making it a real little paradise to take care of.
Saying this, it isn't because their aren't any official regulation that you should do crazy things. As for a minimum behavior, it is always advised to:
Avoid flying near the 3 Cambodian airports (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh & Shinanoukville).
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 all Cambodian temples.
Drone flights in Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) and Phnom Penh
You will need a permission for drone recreational and commercial use in Angkor Wat in Siem Reap and/or Phnom Penh from local temple security who are likely to say no unfortunately.
The previous process used to be more transparent with 2 letters required:
A request letter: asking to explain the purpose of the filming, when & where?
An application letter: asking more details about the movie's purpose, length, format, crew names and anticipated production budget.
You then needed to submit the request through a Cambodian government office in your home country: Cambodia Embassy or Cambodia consulate.
What do I risk for flying my drone illegally in Cambodia?
🚨 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. See the story of James who got 15 months of jail for flying above an anti-governmental manifestation.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Cambodia's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Cambodia! Have fun & safe flight! #cambodia #cambodian #regulation #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Cambodia 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 regulations.
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