Drone Laws in Bolivia

Last update on 27.01.2022 | 0 Kommentare

In this article I would like to shed light on the legal situation for the use of drones in Bolivia.

In 2019, Bolivia has introduced a new law regulating drone flights. Since then, all drones over 250 grams must be registered. There is an online form for this. From a weight of 6 kilograms, a fee of 50 bolivianos is due. The minimum age for registration is 18 years. Once registered, a registration number is issued. The drone must be visibly marked with this number.

Overview: Drone rules in Bolivia

Additional rules for drone pilots in Bolivia

According to the law (article 164), all aerial photographs in Bolivia must be approved by the Servicio Nacional de Aerofotogrametría (SNA). We haven’t heard anything about how this is done in practice.

Bolivia differentiates between drone flights for recreational use and “aerial work” (trabajos aéreos). The definition does not address the commercial aspect, but the purpose. Photography is listed as one such purpose, so that it seems like private users with camera drones could fall into the category of aerial work. This would mean that every flight must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC). For drones up to 6 kg and in compliance with the following rules, it is sufficient to send the completed online form at least 12 hours in advance.

Generally, nobody should be endangered when using drones. Flights without permission over crowds such as outdoor events, festivals, sporting events or demonstrations are prohibited.

A distance of 50 meters should be kept from congested areas, pedestrian areas, buildings, private an general public housing.

There is a safety distance of 6 kilometers from airports and 2 kilometers from heliports.

Drones should not fly closer than 9 kilometers to forest fires.

Flights are also prohibited near military and police bases, prisons, the government palace and the president’s residence, as well as the whereabouts of the president and vice president.

You can only fly between sunrise and sunset and in good visibility and weather conditions, which means no fog, rain, snow or ice should affect the flight. Always keep the drone within visual line of sight.

Drones must not be controlled from moving vehicles. Pilots can only operate one drone at a time. The maximum speed is 70 km/h.

Flight maneuvers must not be carried out under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances. When minors control a drone, they must be supervised by an adult (18 years and older).

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Bolivia to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Bolivia!