Vanuatu National Film and Audio Department

All foreign film and audio productions in Vanuatu must apply for and receive a Production Permit issued by the Vanuatu Cultural Centre's National Film and Audio Department prior to commencing any production. Please visit the Vanuatu Cultural Centre's website for more information and to apply for a permit.

To access and download a drone registration form, go to Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu's website here. You can also get more information on Vanuatu Drone Laws here (UAV Systems International). 

 

Drone permits & support

All drones and flying cameras flown in Vanuatu by any visitor or resident—whether amateur or professional—must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV), as the governing authority to regulate any remotely controlled flying device.

Upon review of the application, CAAV will issue a valid permit to fly, prior to use.

Some flying restrictions apply above residential areas, villages, cultural sites and within 4km of airports, airstrips and helipads.

Please note for drone operations approval, provide the following;

A formal request letter addressed to info@caav.vu indicating your intention to fly the drone and

  • Flight Plan,
  • Location (Google Map),
  • Coordinates,
  • Specific date and time,
  • Height and Radius,
  • RPAS licence (if applicable)
  • and a Copy of the current ID of the person (i.e passport) who will operate the drone.

The processing time frame of a drone operation approved by CAAV, is 5 business days. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Always ask before photographing people, especially children, and before shooting in villages, ceremonies or around nakamals. Some communities will say no, or ask for a small fee. Commercial film and audio work needs a permit from the Vanuatu Cultural Centre's National Film and Audio Department. When in doubt, put the camera down and ask.
In Port Vila, street and waterfront photos are usually fine if you are not pushing a lens into someone's face. In villages and kastom settings, permission is expected and privacy matters more. Outer-island hosts may be happy to be photographed after a greeting, or may prefer you wait. Treat every community as its own, not as one national rule.
Ask the landowner or village before you fly, and do not fly over crowds, airports or ceremonies without approval. All visitor drones should be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu; restrictions include residential areas, cultural sites and airspace near airports. Check CAAV and Vanuatu Customs rules before you pack a drone, as requirements can change. A permit is not a substitute for local permission on the ground.