Drone Laws in Uruguay
Written by Francis Markert | Last update on 7. August 2026 | 0 comments
In this post, you will find the current laws for the use of drones in Uruguay.
In Uruguay, drones are divided into three categories: Menores (small, up to 25 kg total weight), Medianos (medium, 25 kg to 260 kg) and Mayores (large, over 260 kg). For those of us flying standard camera drones, the Menores classification applies. Private drone pilots do not have to register in this weight class. The legal basis is Resolution 291/2014 issued by DINACIA.
Overview: Drone rules in Uruguay
Whether registration is required depends on the weight class of the drone and the purpose of the flights. Since 2020, you register flights through DINACIA’s UTM portal; for recreational flights this is optional. Commercial flights require a DAOD operator permit (basic training at an authorised training institution, a theoretical and a practical exam, and a valid health certificate).
DAOD and licensing matters: [email protected]
General questions about procedures: [email protected]
Further drone rules in Uruguay
You may only fly within visual line of sight and in uncontrolled airspace, at a maximum altitude of 120 meters. For recreational flights, DINACIA has designated dedicated recreational zones. Inside those, the altitude limit is 30 meters.
Since 2020, DINACIA has been running the UTM portal, where you register your drone flight. For recreational flights, using it is optional.
Anyone who wants to fly commercially in Uruguay also needs a DAOD operator permit (“Permiso de Operador de Dispositivo Aéreo Operado a Distancia”) from DINACIA.
The requirements are completed basic training at a training institution authorised by DINACIA, a theoretical and a practical exam, and a valid health certificate (“Carné de Salud”). The official application procedure describes the process.
Safety distances and flight bans
Drone flights in controlled airspace and near airports are only possible after clearance from air traffic control.
Generally not allowed are the transport of persons, international air traffic (in other words, crossing borders), and flights over populated areas and crowds.
Image and location data from drone flights count as personal data in Uruguay. The data protection authority URCDP has published its own data protection guide on the subject.
Have you already travelled in Uruguay with your drone? Leave us a comment below this post and help everyone who is planning the same thing.
We have researched the listed drone regulations for Uruguay 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 Uruguayan aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the Uruguayan embassy in your home country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Uruguay!
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