Yes, you can fly a drone in Fiji as a tourist, but you need written permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) first. Fiji's Air Navigation Regulations say a pilotless aircraft may only be flown with the Authority's written authorization, and CAAF issues a recreational permit for visitors through form OP 137. Once you have it, fly below 200 ft (61 m), keep away from airports, and get permission before flying at a resort.
Get the recreational permit
CAAF's form OP 137, "Issue of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Declaration and Permit for Recreational Use Only," is built for tourists as well as residents. It asks for:
- Your name, passport number and citizenship
- Arrival flight number, or the yacht or cruise ship you're arriving on
- Drone make, model and serial number
- Where you're staying and the dates of your stay
You sign a declaration that you'll follow the permit's limits and keep the permit with you whenever you fly. Send the completed form to CAAF by email at Drones@caaf.org.fj or by post to Nadi Airport. Download it from the CAAF drones page and apply well before your trip. Giving false information on the form is an offense.
Limits on the permit
The permit reprints regulation 78 of the Air Navigation Regulations and adds CAAF's safety rules:
- Fly no higher than 200 ft (about 61 m) above the surface. That's lower than the 400 ft US limit, so set your altitude limit in the DJI Fly app.
- Stay at least 5 km from the reference point of an international aerodrome and 3 km from a domestic aerodrome.
- Keep the drone in visual line of sight.
- Check the weather before and during every flight.
Where not to fly
CAAF's list of places to avoid includes:
- Airstrips, helipads and fuel depots
- Private property, vehicles, populated areas and sporting events
- State-owned property
- Government buildings, prisons, hospitals, police stations, military barracks and parliament grounds
- Resorts, unless the management gives permission
Check your distance from Nadi International Airport before flying around Nadi town and the nearby west-coast hotels. On the outer islands, like the Mamanucas and Yasawas, watch for seaplanes and helicopters that serve the resorts.
Which drone to bring
Light drones are easiest to carry on island hops and boat transfers:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: 249 g, obstacle sensing for flying near palms.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: 249 g, 1-inch sensor for reef colors.
- DJI Neo: 135 g for quick beach clips in light wind.
Salt air and sand are hard on drones. Avoid launching from the beach in wind, and consider DJI Care Refresh for water landings.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.
Pack batteries in your carry-on following traveling with a drone, and compare more countries in drone laws by country.
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