Cambodian Government Imposes Drone Ban in Over 20 Key Areas

• 19 February 2025
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The Cambodian government has announced a new ban on the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in more than 20 key locations across the country. This decision was made jointly by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation.

The ban, detailed in Inter-Ministerial Decree No. 1644 dated February 14, 2024, outlines regulations for data management, prohibited zones, and security measures concerning the use of UAVs. The decree specifically targets drones capable of carrying a weight of 2 kilograms or more, excluding those used for national defence and security purposes.

The more than 20 areas where UAVs are now strictly prohibited from flying include:

The Royal Palace, State institutions, Hospitals, schools, and markets, Sports stadiums, Angkor sites and temple complexes, Residences of the President of the Senate, President of the National Assembly, and Prime Minister Diplomatic residences, embassies, consulates, and international organizations, Military bases and national police bases, Locations or warehouses containing flammable or explosive substances, Radio and television stations, oil, gas, and mining refineries, power plants, and substations.

Individuals who own, manage, or operate UAVs capable of carrying 2 kilograms or more must declare their drone data at the police inspectorate of the respective city, district, or khan. Additionally, drone owners are prohibited from flying their UAVs above 20 meters from the ground or water surface unless they obtain permission from the State Secretariat for Civil Aviation.