Costa Rica Drone Laws

You’re planning to spend your vacations in costa Rica’s natural beauty. You want to look into rainforests and volcanos, but you want to capture some bird-view videos. Now you want to be updated about Costa Rica drone laws.

Drones are allowed in costa Rica, but you will need an operational certificate from the costa Rica DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and a TCCA (Technical Council of Civil Aviation) certificate.

Drones rules and laws in Costa Rica

Some DGCS laws are familiar with FAA, but not all. Before operating your drone, you must be updated about all these laws.

Commercial Drones

If you’re looking to operate a commercial drone, you will need a DGAC operational certificate and a TCCA certificate.

Only some people are eligible for the certificate. You must need a high school diploma, be 18 years old, and have 20 hours of drone flying experience.

If you need the criteria mentioned above, you can take courses. These certificates represent a drone license, and you will need to carry these certificates along with you.

Drone Registration

Drone registration is also essential. You will need the DGCA website or the government website of Costa Rica to apply for registration.

Drone registration is entirely free in Costa Rica. You need to provide proof of drone purchasing during registration.

Flight During Day Only

It’s a wonder to hear that drone flight during the night time not allowed in Costa Rica. If you visit Costa Rica, you can fly drones only in the daytime.

Night flights are permitted sometimes, but you need Permission from DGCA. If you can get Permission, you will still need to follow specific rules.

No-Fly Zones

You can fly drones anywhere in Costa Rica, but there are still a few No-fly zones. On their websites, they mentioned no-fly zones. 

These are places where you can’t operate your drone.

• The Ministerio de Seguridad Publica
• La Reforma Prison
• The Zurqui Tunnel
• Arenal Volcano
• The Presidential House
• The El Murcielago Police Training Center
• The La Palma Passage

Permit While Operating Crowded Area

As in other states, you will need permission before operating your drone in crowded areas as well as costa rica’s cities. These laws are for the rights and privacy of citizens.

You will need Permission before operating your drone for exceptional cases. Without Permission, you have to face legal authorities.’

• Laws you will need to Know.
• You have to maintain a 30-meter distance from buildings.
• You have to maintain an 8 km distance from airports and airfields
• Drones wights more than 25 kg are not allowed
• Fly drone in visual site

FAQs