Asia
Vietnam
Ministry of Defence — Decree 288/2025/ND-CP
Vietnam is among the most restrictive countries in the group for independent tourists: every flight requires prior Ministry of Defence authorization, and foreigners cannot apply for it on their own — a Vietnamese guarantor who takes responsibility for the application is required.
Tourist flying effectively not allowed
The process requires submission at least 7 days before the flight (12 days if a NOTAM is needed), per Decree 288/2025/ND-CP of 5 November 2025 (art. 22); it indicatively costs 350-700 USD through intermediaries, and usually covers just a single day of flight: in practice it is impractical for a tourist on a short visit without local organization.
Requires legal ownership documents (import papers, customs declaration, invoice); recreational drones under 250 g may be exempt from the flight permit but still need to be reported to local authorities.
A valid pilot licence is required for drones ≥250 g; foreigners still need a Vietnamese guarantor.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Severe restrictions near airports, military areas, government buildings, borders; mandatory customs declaration on arrival. Temporary seizures reported at some airports (e.g. Da Nang).
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Decree 288/2025/ND-CP is confirmed through two independent professional Vietnamese legal sources (LuatVietnam, ThuVienPhapLuat), not a government legislative portal reached directly. The previously listed official link (cambay.mod.gov.vn) turns out to be only the Ministry of Defence's no-fly-zone map, not the permit application portal: corrected to dichvucong.mod.gov.vn.
Verify officially before flying
Source: Bộ Quốc phòng (Ministry of National Defence)
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 Vietnam, the official reference remains Bộ Quốc phòng (Ministry of National Defence). Requires legal ownership documents (import papers, customs declaration, invoice); recreational drones under 250 g may be exempt from the flight permit but still need to be reported to local authorities.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by Bộ Quốc phòng (Ministry of National Defence). A valid pilot licence is required for drones ≥250 g; foreigners still need a Vietnamese guarantor.
Other countries in Asia
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.