🖐 In this blog post we will share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in the Palau (Koror). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to comment your experience or any updates in The 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 Palau
✅ In Palau, aviation regulation falls under the Bureau of Aviation & they can be contacted anytime via;
Email: airportpalau@gmail.com or airport@palaunet.com
Phone: (+680) 587 3539 or (+680) 587 1211
✅ Before flying in Palau, all you need to do is to complete a (free) online form, sign it digitally and you're ready to go.
Can I travel with my drone to Palau?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Palau 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.
Where can I fly my drone in Palau?
✅ You should use the geo app made by DJI to identify where you can fly and under which conditions in Palau. Being a very open and small country, you're pretty much free to fly anywhere except around Roman Tmetuchl International Airport.
Palau Drone Fly Map
💡 Water glare is a killer for aerial imagery, make sure you have a lens filter with you in the Marshall Islands before flying over the seas.
💡 Spare drone batteries are a must when travelling overseas, they give you more autonomy to fly and take pictures during your trips.
Recreational & commercial drone use in Palau
✅ You will need to complete and online form prior importing and flying your drone in Palau. Once completed you must fly your drone within these rules:
you have to be 18years old or older to fly a drone in Palau.
fly below 122, altitude, and within sight at all times.
fly away from stadiums, big events, military, governmental building and urban centres.
fly away from fires and emergency responses' areas.
fly away from airports and give way to any manned aircraft you see.
fly away from people, or at least ask their permission prior, consider local cultures and always respect individuals' privacy right.
do not fly your drone under the influence of any drugs or alcohol
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How to obtain a permit to fly my drone in Palau?
✅ Palau made things a little easier with this online form. To complete it, you will simply need to indicate your personal information along all your drone & flight operations' details so local authorities can approve it for you.
⏰ Make sure to complete it at least 3 days before your arrival/flying day(s). Local authorities will need this time to approve your request.
What do I risk for flying illegally in Palau?
🚨 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 &/or if you had any commercial purpose during your flight.
If you got everything in order, you can start flying above Palau's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Palau! Have fun and safe flight!
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.
Other Resources Drone Registration in Palau