Yes, you can fly a drone in Bali for personal photos and video. Indonesia's Directorate General of Civil Aviation allows hobby flights in uncontrolled airspace without a permit, but you need permission inside airport zones and controlled airspace, and Bali's main airport covers a large part of the south of the island. Temples, ceremonies and many attractions have their own rules, so ask on site.
What the rules say
Indonesia's drone rules come from the Ministry of Transportation (regulations PM 37/2020 on airspace and PM 63/2021, the Indonesian version of Part 107). For a tourist flying a small camera drone for fun, the practical points are:
- No permit for hobby flights in uncontrolled airspace, in daylight, within visual line of sight.
- Height: stay at or below about 120 m (394 ft). Some guides quote 150 m; staying under 120 m keeps you inside every version. Flying higher needs a permit applied for well in advance.
- Airports and controlled airspace: you need permission inside an airport's safety zone (KKOP) or controlled airspace. Many guides use a 15 km buffer around airports, and the control zone can reach further.
- People and sensitive sites: don't fly over crowds, military or police sites, or government buildings.
- Registration and pilot certificates through the SIDOPI system are for Indonesian citizens and companies. Paid work by a foreign pilot generally isn't possible without going through a local company.
Rules here are less clearly published in English than in the US. If you plan anything beyond casual flying, contact the Directorate General of Civil Aviation or the Indonesian embassy in Washington before you travel, and keep any written reply.
Bali specifics
- Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) airport: a 15 km buffer around the airport takes in Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur and Nusa Dua. Pilots have been asked to land on beaches there. Check an airspace map before every flight in the south.
- Temples and ceremonies: flying over a temple or a ceremony without permission is seen as deeply disrespectful. Ask the temple staff first, and expect a no during ceremonies.
- Paid sites: places such as the Jatiluwih rice terraces, Tanah Lot and Uluwatu may charge a drone fee or refuse drones. Ask at the entrance.
- Night flights: stick to sunrise-to-sunset flying.
Good areas tend to be away from the south: the rice terraces of central Bali, the north coast and the east around Amed, always with local permission.
Which drone to bring
Light drones draw less attention and are easier to launch from a hotel balcony or boat deck.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: 249 g with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, good around palms and terraces.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: 249 g with a 1-inch sensor for sunrise over the terraces.
- DJI Neo: 135 g, launches from your palm for quick clips.
Heat and humidity are hard on batteries. Keep spares shaded and in your carry-on for flights, as covered in traveling with a drone.
Quick checklist
- Check whether your spot is inside the Denpasar control zone.
- Ask the temple, hotel or site manager.
- Fly in daylight, below 120 m, away from crowds.
- Carry your passport and drone receipt.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Planning a bigger Asia trip? See drone laws by country or compare travel drones in our best drone for travel guide.
Related guides
- Drone laws in Argentina: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Aruba: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Australia: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Austria: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Barbados: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Belize: flying there as a US tourist
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
