Drone Laws in Costa Rica

Last update on 23.01.2021 | 6 Kommentare

In this post, you’ll learn what laws to follow if you want to fly in Costa Rica with your drone.

Overview: Drone rules in C

Further requirements for drone pilots in Costa Rica

Private drones cannot be heavier than 25 kilograms. They must always be operated within line of sight.

As far as I know, you do not need special drone insurance by law. Nevertheless, you should your drone should be covered worldwide.

Safety distances and flight bans

To airports, you have to keep a distance of 8 kilometers. If you want to get your drone within 8 kilometers of an airfield, you will need a single permit from the Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC).

Flights are only allowed in uncontrolled airspace. Around buildings, a distance of 30 meters must be observed.

Drone flights are only permitted outside urban centers. You need permission for flights in cities, communities and over crowds. Absolute flight bans apply in the following areas: La Reforma Prison, Presidential House, El Ministerio de Seguridad Pública, Arenal Volcano, La Palma Passage, Zurquí Tunnel and El Murciélago Police Training Center.

Drone flights are only allowed in daylight. Night flights are subject to approval by the DGAC, which imposes special conditions for flights at night.

Requirements for commercial pilots

Commercial drone pilots need to register with the Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC).

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica!