Can you fly your drone in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, the credential to know about is the RPAS License. Whether you need it depends on your drone's weight and how you fly — DGAC Costa Rica runs the scheme, and the official sources below spell out exactly when it applies.

Yes, but know the rules: recreational flying with a drone under 25 kg needs no formal registration. Any non-recreational use, at any weight, needs DGAC registration and proof of competency (an RPAS licence if commercial), plus liability insurance if non-commercial. All drones need an ID plate with the owner's contact details. Rules for foreign pilots can change, so always double-check with DGAC Costa Rica before you travel, and see the official sources below.

The short version: Maximum altitude: 120 m (400 ft) above ground level, in uncontrolled airspace. On top of that: Minimum distance of 8 km from any airport or aerodrome; flying closer requires DGAC approval and the issuance of a NOTAM. Also: Fly only away from congested areas of buildings in cities, towns or settlements and away from open-air gatherings of people. Only with specific DGAC approval may you operate closer, and never closer than 30 m to those buildings or gatherings. These are central aviation rules — location-specific airspace, land, nature, privacy and photography requirements can also apply in Costa Rica, so always check the official sources.

What you need to avoid are the restricted zones — typically around airports, prisons, military areas and protected nature areas. You'll find the official map for Costa Rica under Sources below, and the DroneKoll app shows current NOTAMs (temporary airspace restrictions) for Costa Rica.

Drone flying in Costa Rica is regulated by DGAC Costa Rica, which handles both the rules and the airspace. Their official pages are linked under Sources below — that is where changes appear first.