Asia
Sri Lanka
CAASL — two-phase approval (MOD + CAASL)
Sri Lanka requires a two-phase process: first a security clearance from the Ministry of Defence (at least 5 days ahead), then operational approval from CAASL, accompanied by third-party insurance. The full process typically takes 10-21 days.
Drones with data-collection sensors must be registered with CAASL; drones without sensors are registered through a certified vendor.
Not verified in detail in this research.
Third-party liability insurance mandatory for all categories before operating.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Mandatory two-phase process (MOD clearance + CAASL approval with a dedicated form); no-objection letters may be required from the flight site's authorities.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
The maximum allowed altitude is not explicitly stated on the official CAASL site (caa.lk/en/drones, reachable and up to date) or in the linked SLCAP manuals consulted; the exact figure should still be confirmed directly with the authority.
Verify officially before flying
Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Sri Lanka, the official reference remains Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), also via CAASL Drone Portal. Drones with data-collection sensors must be registered with CAASL; drones without sensors are registered through a certified vendor.
How this usually works
Here the requirement depends on factors like the drone's weight, distance from people, or use case (recreational vs. commercial). The note above describes the most common case: if your situation is different, check the official source to see exactly which scenario applies to you before flying. The exam and certificate are handled by Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), also via CAASL Drone Portal. Not verified in detail in this research.
Other countries in Asia
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.