Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world for aerial photography and drone surveying — but it also has strict regulations governing drone flight. Whether you're a tourist with a DJI Mini, a real estate photographer, or a commercial surveyor, understanding the rules is essential. Flying illegally in Costa Rica can result in fines, equipment confiscation, and even criminal charges.
This guide summarizes Costa Rica's current drone regulations as of 2026. Note that regulations can change — always verify current requirements with the DGAC before flying.
Who Regulates Drones in Costa Rica?
Drone operations in Costa Rica are regulated by the Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC) — the Civil Aviation Directorate, equivalent to the FAA in the US. The DGAC issues drone permits, maintains the national airspace registry, and enforces aviation regulations through the Policía de Tránsito and other authorities.
The primary regulation governing drones is Decreto Ejecutivo N° 42297-MOPT, which established the framework for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in Costa Rica.
Key Rules for All Drone Operators
✈️ Maximum Altitude: 400 feet (122m)
All drones must fly below 400 feet (122 meters) above ground level in uncontrolled airspace. Near airports, controlled airspace, and helipads, lower limits apply and prior DGAC authorization is required.
👁️ Visual Line of Sight Required
You must maintain direct visual contact with your drone at all times during flight. Flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) requires special DGAC authorization and is rarely granted.
☀️ Daylight Hours Only
Drone operations are generally restricted to daylight hours. Night flying requires specific DGAC authorization.
🏘️ Distance from People & Structures
Drones must maintain safe distances from people not involved in the operation, buildings, roads, and infrastructure. Flying over crowds is prohibited.
🚫 No Flying Near Airports
A 9km radius no-fly zone surrounds all international airports (Juan Santamaría, Daniel Oduber, Tobías Bolaños, etc.). Flying within these zones without DGAC authorization is a serious violation.
Registration Requirements
Drone registration requirements depend on weight:
- Under 250g (e.g. DJI Mini 4 Pro) — generally no registration required for recreational use, but DGAC rules still apply
- 250g to 25kg — registration with DGAC required before any flight, recreational or commercial
- Over 25kg — full aircraft certification required, treated as conventional aircraft
Commercial Drone Operations
If you're being paid to fly a drone — for surveying, photography, real estate, construction, agriculture, or any other commercial purpose — you need a commercial RPAS operator permit from DGAC. This applies regardless of drone weight.
Commercial permit requirements include:
- Proof of operator training and competency
- Operations manual approved by DGAC
- Liability insurance coverage
- Drone airworthiness documentation
- Flight plan submission for each operation
✅ Working with a Licensed Operator
When you hire Drone Survey Costa Rica, all regulatory compliance is handled for you. We hold the required DGAC commercial operator permits, maintain all required insurance, and file flight authorizations for each project. You don't need to deal with the paperwork.
Where You Cannot Fly in Costa Rica
National Parks & Protected Areas
Flying drones inside Costa Rica's national parks, wildlife refuges, and SINAC-managed protected areas is prohibited without special authorization. This includes popular destinations like Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Tortuguero, Corcovado, and Monteverde. Violations can result in fines up to $5,000 USD and equipment confiscation.
Special scientific or conservation permits can be obtained through SINAC for legitimate research or survey purposes — a process that typically takes several weeks.
Airport Zones
9km no-fly zones around all commercial airports. 3km zones around smaller airstrips. Flying near the approach/departure paths of any airport is strictly prohibited.
Border Areas
Flying near Costa Rica's borders with Panama and Nicaragua requires special authorization from both civil aviation and border security authorities.
Government & Military Facilities
Government buildings, presidential residence, legislative assembly, and any security installations are no-fly zones.
Tourists & Visitors: What You Should Know
Tourists frequently arrive in Costa Rica with drones and are surprised to discover the restrictions. Key points for visitors:
- Your drone must be declared at customs on arrival
- Drones over 250g must be registered with DGAC even for tourist use
- You cannot fly in any national park without authorization — this is strictly enforced
- Beach flights may be restricted near wildlife nesting areas (sea turtle beaches in particular)
- Rental properties and hotels do not have authority to grant drone flying permission — only DGAC and relevant authorities can
⚠️ Penalties for Violations
Illegal drone operations in Costa Rica can result in fines ranging from ¢50,000 to ¢5,000,000 colones (~$100–$10,000 USD), equipment confiscation, and in serious cases, criminal charges under aviation law. Park rangers and police are increasingly trained to identify and enforce drone violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to fly a drone in Costa Rica?
For recreational flights, drones under 250g generally require no permit but must follow DGAC rules. Drones over 250g require registration with DGAC. Commercial drone operations always require a commercial operator permit regardless of drone weight.
Can I fly a drone in Costa Rica national parks?
No. Flying drones inside Costa Rica's national parks and protected areas managed by SINAC is prohibited without special authorization. Violations can result in significant fines and equipment confiscation.
What is the maximum altitude for drones in Costa Rica?
The general maximum altitude is 400 feet (122 meters) above ground level in uncontrolled airspace. Near airports and controlled airspace, lower limits apply and prior DGAC authorization is required.
Can I fly my drone on the beach in Costa Rica?
Beaches outside of restricted zones are generally permissible for recreational drone flight, but you must stay away from nesting wildlife, crowded areas, and any nearby airport approach paths. Always check for local restrictions before flying.
How do I get a commercial drone permit in Costa Rica?
Commercial permits are obtained through the DGAC. The process involves submitting an operations manual, proof of training, insurance documentation, and drone registration. The process typically takes 4–8 weeks. Alternatively, hire a licensed operator like Drone Survey Costa Rica to handle compliance for your project.
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