Drone regulations in the Philippines
Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 22.12.2025 | 33 Kommentare
This article provides the laws for flying drones in the Philippines.
You are allowed to use your drone in the Philippines for recreational purposes. All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the CAAP. Registration is mandatory for both tourists and locals. You do not need a separate permit to bring your drone into the country.
Things become more complicated if you plan to fly commercially.
As long as you follow the rules below for recreational flights, no special permit is required.
Drone Categories in the Philippines
Drones are classified by weight and purpose. The following table summarizes when registration or a permit is required:
| Category | Weight | Usage | Registration | License | Permit | Insurance |
| Open | ≤25 kg | Recreational | Yes (>250g) | No | No* | Recommended |
| Specific | Any | Commercial | Yes | Yes (RPL) | Yes (CoA) | Mandatory |
| Specific | >25 kg | Any | Yes | Yes (RPL) | Yes (CoA) | Mandatory |
| Certified | Any | e.g. Passenger transport | Yes | Yes | Yes + CoA | Mandatory |
Explanation of the table:
*Except in controlled zones, where a Special Permit is required
CoA = Certificate of Authorization
RPL = Remote Pilot License
Overview: Drone rules in Philippines
Drone labels can be ordered here
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines:
[email protected]
Additional Regulations for Drone Pilots in the Philippines
Drones may only be flown within visual line of sight in the Philippines.
Drones may be flown without prior permission if they weigh up to 25 kilograms. Heavier drones require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
We recommend that you obtain coverage through a multicopter insurance policy that covers third-party damages caused by your drone.
Safety Distances and No-Fly Zones
You must maintain a minimum distance of 10 kilometers from airports at all times. Keep at least 30 meters away from uninvolved persons.
The operation of unmanned aircraft in populated areas (e.g. markets or schools) and over crowds is not allowed. Keep at least 150 meters away from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas.
Drones in the Philippines may only be flown during daylight hours. The transport and dropping of objects are prohibited.
Regulations for Commercial Drone Pilots
Commercial flights require a license from the CAAP. Several tests must be passed and appropriate flight experience must be demonstrated:
- CAAP Application Form No. 542
- Training Certificate (minimum of 5 hours flight training)
- Drone specifications
- Photo of the drone with serial number
- Knowledge Test Result (theory exam)
- 2 passport photos (1×1, white background)
Costs vary depending on the training provider and range between ₱10,000 – 30,000.
Tourist Special Zones
Boracay:
- Recreational flights are not allowed
- Commercial flights: only with permit (Special Permit)
- Fees for locals: ~₱10,000 per drone
- Fees for tourists: ~₱50,000 + ₱1,000 per drone
- Weddings/events: possible with permit
Manila/NAIA:
- 10 km no-fly zone around Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- Strict enforcement
- No exceptions without a Special Permit
Palawan (El Nido, Coron):
- General rules apply
- Local permits required for certain protected areas
- Respect the environment and privacy
Cebu (Oslob Whale Sharks):
- Specific local regulations
- Drone use often restricted to protect the animals
You can request a no-fly zones map from the CAAP.
If you violate the rules, your drone may be confiscated and you could face a fine. Serious violations can result in criminal charges. You will not get your drone back if it was used illegally.
The drone regulations for the Philippines listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. If you want to be sure, contact the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Alternatively, you can also inquire at the Philippine embassy in your home country for more information about the regulations. Please leave a comment if you hear of any updates or have experience flying your drone in the Philippines!
Anyone with experience bringing a Mavic Pro into the Philippines (Cebu) through Hong Kong? Thanks!
I did not bring through HK… but Singapore and I had no problem at all. I contacted them first to make sure.
I went there in March 2017
You should be fine, but please don’t take my words for granted. Just double check.
Thanks!
hi, appreciate if you could share the information on who or which authority you check with
CAAP – Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
see also links in the comments below
Brought my Mavic Pro in October 2018. No issues at all as long as the batteries are in a Lipo safe bag and contacts taped.
Here’s some new stuff from 25 october 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXKAYDhy9o8
It is published officially on CAAP main site: http://www.caap.gov.ph/#publications
Chears from Free Sky Solutions 😉
I am planning to go to the Philippines shortly for a vacation with a drone. I just want to know the basic regulations or documents required for the same. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi
I contacted UAV yesterday to ask if I could bring my Mavic and use it on my holiday at Cebu
And got this message back today.
I’m bringing my Mavic 🙂
Alonso (UAV Systems International )
Dec 13, 08:58 CST
Hi Hbh,
The Philippines allowed the drone use in recreational situation, you just need a permit if is commercial purpose
Alonso C
Customer Service Representative
1 (855) UAV – 4002 | [email protected]
http://www.uavsystemsinternational.com
Maximum take-off weight is below 7 kg. Any drone as heavy as 7 kg and more is considered as a “large RPA” and requires licensing.
Time of flight: Night time flights need permits
http://uavphilippines.com/dl/20151208%20-%20CAAP%20MC%2029-15.pdf
This link shows the latest regulations as far as I know.
Just took a look at the YT link from Ignat… which confirms my findings.
I am a US Citizen. My wife is Filipino. We prefer to live in the Philippines. I currently hold the US FAA Part 107 commercial drone pilot license. Would that hold any credentials or do I have to go through the whole process and if so how long does that take?
Scott, have you read the document referenced in the post directly above yours?
Scott – I am afraid that your license will not hold much water here in PH, as a PH license would not be acknowledged in the US. But regulations here are comparatively droner-friendly.
If you don`t use your drone commercially and is below 7 kg, you have only to watch for basic rules and regulations, as no night flights, no flights over crowds and populated areas, airports within a 10 km area and not above 400 feet hight.
Thanks Francis for all this bullet points precious information, have a nice trip.
You’re welcome! 🙂
I’m a Filipino and I have a 4 Day Vacation plan to Melbourne Australia this coming August 2018. Some of my Friends Say that it is Okey to bring Hand Carry with me my DJI Mavic Air, Do I need to Register or Apply anything please let me know.
Hi Talz,
Please check this page: https://drone-traveller.com/drone-laws-australia/
I just landed in Manila and took a transfer flight to Puerto Princessa. No problems at all! (DJI Mavic Pro in my carry on luggage)
BUT. You’re not allowed to fly your drone in Boracay anymore. At least not at the beach! Started it again later from within the Resort,- no problem.
Hi Sebastian,
Thanks for sharing!
I am just a hobbyist do I need a license to fly drone in provinces or remote areas in the Philippines?
Is there any drone updates for 2019 I’m thinking of taking my Mavic air in October
My neighbor put pictures of my property on social media with irrelevant information against me.
Something I can do about?
If your neighbor really is invading your privacy, you should go to the police. Most drone pilots will obey the law. But unfortunately there are also people who are not so careful with the new technology.
is there by any chance to apply permit online (caap)
Hi, wanted to fly my Mavic Pro 2 at Rizal Park in Manila, but was not permitted as there is some new directive from the Manila Police Department that says even for recreational purposes, flying a drone in Manila required CAAP certification. I understand the certification also involves completing a course with a registered provided. Can anyone please recommend a course provided that can also liaise with the CAAP for certification – preferably in Manila? Thanks in advance.
Hello I am Peter and I live since 2010 in the Philippines. Every now and then I travel back to the Netherlands and now I am back in the Netherlands. I have now also bought a drone the Mavic pro 2 with a lot of accessories. I live in manila and went to look for things.
Of course you should not break the law and stick to the rules then there is little to worry about. Do not think it is a no fly zone here but it is possible for a photo because it is not possible.
For the rest I can say there are many beautiful places in the philippines so a very nice country to fly with your drone.
So enjoy everyone with his drone and greetings from Peter / Manila
Do we need an import clearance for Drones if we buy it from abroad? Will the BOC put it on hold? Thank 🙂
excited to be back my home country Philippines this summer bringing my drone dji spark. Hope can fly freely with abiding the rules. Thanks for the info above it’s helps a lot.
excited to be back my home country Philippines this summer bringing my drone dji spark. Hope can fly freely with abiding the rules. Thanks for the info above it’s helps a lot.
Hello.
I order my drone in lazada yesterday.
Drone name “YUE SG901”
I order this drone for only P3,700.
It Can fly only in a remote distance of 100 meters.
And the airport distance from my Barangay is about 6kilometers.
Do I need a cirtificate to fly or permission for CAAP to fly or what ever from the government.?
What should I do.
Please u can reach via email.
[email protected]
Thanks.
God bless
My friend wants to bring drone when he come to visit me maybe June 2021.What documents he needs to bring?
Thanks you in advance
Hi!
No license is needed unless your friend intends to use his drone for commercial purposes or if the drone weighs more than 7 kg. Our readers have also reported no problems when bringing their drone into the country, but there could always be someone at Customs who wants additional documentation. If you want to be sure, we recommend contacting the Bureau of Customs beforehand to find out which documents your friend should prepare.