A French tourist who was arrested last week after allegedly flying a drone near Myanmar’s Parliament could face up to three years in prison under the country’s strict laws on unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Frenchman, Michel Desclaux, 27, could be charged with bringing a drone into the country illegally as well as flying one in a restricted area, said Min Tin, a police official in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw. An image of Mr. Desclaux’s passport circulating in the Burmese news media gave his first name as Arthur.

Myanmar’s tough restrictions on drones have prompted complaints that visitors who want footage of scenic areas can easily find themselves in violation of the law. Drones are banned over many parts of the capital; in much of Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city; and near a palace in Mandalay.

They also cannot be flown near airports, over gatherings of people or on or near private property without permission.