Introduction

Let’s get the legal and technical details out of the way. If you are an avid drone pilot, some of these rules and regulations are standard across most countries, but we do urge you to read all the bullet points carefully. Being aware and fully informed of all the guidelines and safeguards provides protection for you and everyone around you.

The CAAF (Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji), the leading authority in Fiji for the operation of an unmanned (pilotless) aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, has simplified the whole process, so you can enjoy the beauty of Fiji from above as easily as possible. Pour yourself a nice, cool refreshment, and let’s get started. The whole process should only take 20–30 minutes.

Do I Need a License to Fly a Drone?

Inspiration Drone Photo of May Beach Resort Fiji (Courtesy of Tropical Go)

You don’t need a license to fly a drone for recreational purposes***, BUT YOU DO NEED TO APPLY FOR A DRONE PERMIT, all the details are below, you will need to know your Regulations and the scope of what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Source.

Safety Tips	Do Not Fly Your Drone – Over / To / Around / At
Always maintain a visual line of sight of your Drone at all times.	Airstrips, helipads, fuel depots, private property, vehicles, populous areas, sporting events, state-owned property.
Always fly your Drone below 200 feet (approximately 61 meters)	Sensitive and restrictive areas, such as government institutions, prisons, hospitals, police stations, military barracks, and parliament grounds.
Always check weather conditions before and during every flight.	Resorts without permission from management.***
	Beyond your line of sight.

Table: Drone Safety Tips – ***This particular point cannot be stressed enough, in Fiji, we have a lot of low-flying aircraft transferring guests from the main international airports to their respective resorts, via seaplane, fixed-wing flights, and helicopters. so checking with management has to be the top priority when planning your drone adventure. Ask the appropriate member of staff, via the resort’s reception desk.

How Do I Get a Drone Permit in Fiji?

The following steps break down the simple process of obtaining the recreational permit. (Steps 1-2-4-5 are the steps you need to follow)

Pre-Application – Contact CAAF | Office Number +679 892 3155 | Email – info@caaf.org.fj | Three options here,
- Phoning | To get some greater information and reassurance on the process involved, this is not normally required
- Email | Info@caaf.org.fjto get the latest information and PDF Formal Application sent directly to your inbox
- Visit in Person | at the Nadi International Airport, you can pick up the physical form and fill out the details, it is heavily advised that you arrange your permits before you arrive, to avoid any kind of issues.
Formal Application – Recreational | For recreational use fill out the OP137 Form
- The form is very simple to understand and should only take a few minutes to fill out, just make sure you provide all the correct information (Example of the form is just below these bullet points)
~~Formal Application – Commercial | For commercial use, fill out OP138 and attach liability insurance, letter of intent, and drone certification.~~
- ~~COMMERCIAL USE ONLY~~
Application Evaluation – CAAF evaluates the submitted application
- The application process will only take a few days from start to finish via email.
Formal Award of Permit – After the evaluation process has been completed satisfactorily CAAF issues the approval to the applicant
- The approval document will be sent to you after the evaluation process. Print the document and add this to your travel documents.

Drone Permit Infographic | Image: Supplied

OP 137 - Issue of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Declaration and Permit for Recreational Use Only_page-0001 — OP 137 – Issue of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Declaration and Permit for Recreational Use Only_page-0001

Future Reading
References

FURTHER READING: Remaining well-informed about travel advisories and updates is highly recommended both before and during your trip to Fiji. Prior to departure, regularly check for any official notifications or travel advisories issued by the relevant authorities listed below:

The image above shows the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Declaration and Permit for Recreational Use Form (PDF) that you fill out and submit to the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.

This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.