Drone Laws in Peru

Flying drones in Peru

This article provides you with the Peruvian drone laws.

In 2025, the regulations for drone pilots became more streamlined. As a result, it’s now easier for tourists to fly drones in Peru.

Entering Peru with a Drone

Note that you must declare your drone on the customs form upon entry, otherwise you may face a fine of US$250. At customs, you’ll need to pay approximately 18% of the drone’s purchase value as a deposit, which will be refunded upon your departure. Be sure to keep the receipt. The deposit serves as VAT in case the drone remains in the country. The refund is issued at the airport upon departure and takes about 1–2 hours, so plan enough time at the airport!

Registering Your Drone in Peru

No registration is required for drones under two kilograms that are flown purely for recreational purposes.

Drones over two kilograms or those used for commercial flights must be registered with the DGAC, and a pilot license is required. Since January 2025, a simplified online registration system is available.

The current cost for the pilot license is USD 13, and the operating permit is USD 440. Processing takes about 30 days.

Overview: Drone rules in Peru

Recreational use of drones allowed? Yes, without further requirements
Commercial use of drones permitted? Yes, after registration or approval
Maximum Altitude:400 in uncontrolled airspace.
Is drone insurance mandatory? Yes, for commercial drone flights. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Does the drone need a badge?No.
Drone labels can be ordered here
Is a registration necessary? Yes.
Keep distance to airports
Respect the privacy of other people
Contact information

For all commercially used drones and privately used drones weighing 2 kg or more

No-Fly Zones in Peru

Flying a drone is prohibited at religious sites and over Machu Picchu.

Drones are also not allowed over archaeological sites (Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuamán, Choquequirao, etc.) and in national parks like Paracas or Manu.

In Huascarán National Park or for flights in urban areas such as Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, you can apply for a permit from MTC/DGAC. The application must include the date, time, and coordinates of the planned flight.

Drone footage of the famous Rainbow Mountains also requires approval from local authorities. In rural areas, there are generally no additional restrictions.

Keep a distance of 4 km from airports, government buildings, and military facilities, and stay 30 meters away from roads, crowds, and buildings.

Special Regulations in Peru

Drone operators must be at least 18 years old. Only fly your drone during daylight and in good visibility conditions. Currently, drones may only be airborne for one hour at a time. Upon landing, the battery level must still be at least 20%.

Carry all relevant documents with you (customs receipt, possibly pilot license and registration) so you can show them during inspections to avoid fines.

The Peruvian drone rules listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. To be on the safe side, contact the Peruvian aviation authority. Alternatively, you can reach out to the Peruvian embassy in your home country for further information on the regulations. Please leave us a comment if you learn of any updates or have personal experience flying your drone in Peru!

Foto von Francis Markert
Über den Autor

Since January 2015, we travel around the world. In our backpack we carry a camera drone which we use to capture the best places from a bird’s perspective. First we travelled with a DJI Phantom 2. But now we use several drones like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ or the DJI Mini 3 Pro. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a drone. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

Diskussionen zum Thema

  • Dirk | 22.02.2017

    Hi, it seems that there is an update for drone law in Peru. I found the follwing comment & document:

    “Just to share with you guys that effective Oct 31, 2016 there is a new law in Peru, that allows you to take up to 1 drone with non-commercial purpose into Peru.”

    http://www.mtc.gob.pe/comunicaciones/concesiones/internamientos/documentos/RD_479-2016-MTC27.pdf

  • Kenneth Agee | 13.01.2019

    Any way to get a permit to fly a drone Machu Picchu?
    Can you fly it around the town of Aguas Calientes?
    How long does it take to get tax refund when you leave. We only have about two and half hour connecting when we leave. is that enough time?

  • Gavin Johnson | 08.04.2019

    For what it’s worth I just took my Mavic Pro. No one at the airport said anything coming or going and neither did I. I was fine. Nothing paid.

    • Dylan | 05.07.2019

      They didn’t search your bag at all?

      • BLTraveler | 15.07.2019

        I went with my mavic pro also in December. No one searched that bag and no issues flying the drone.

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