Can you fly your drone in Costa Rica?
Whether you can fly depends on your drone, your registration and exactly where you fly. Here is what applies: key rules, no-fly zones and the official sources, in one place.
Regulator
DGAC Costa Rica
Framework
RAC OPS RPAS + Directiva Operacional (DGAC)
Pilot credential
RPAS License
KEY RULES
- Maximum altitude: 120 m (400 ft) above ground level (AGL)
- Minimum distance of 8 km from airports and airfields
- A minimum distance of 30 m from people, animals, and buildings not involved
- ALL drones weighing less than 25 kg must have an identification plate with the serial number, owner's name, and phone number
- Drones weighing 25 kg or more: mandatory registration at drones.dgac.go.cr
- Recreational use <25 kg: Does NOT require formal registration if you follow basic rules
- Always keep the drone within direct line of sight (VLOS)
- Flying is permitted only during the day and in good weather—night flying requires authorization
- Commercial use: RPAS license + Technical Council certificate + DGAC operational certificate
- It is prohibited to fly over private property without permission, prisons, restricted areas, and airports
No-fly zones and restrictions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence or certificate to fly a drone in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, the credential to know about is 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.
Can I fly a drone as a tourist or foreign visitor in Costa Rica?
Yes, but rules tightened: the RAC-RPAS decree, in force since September 2024, added DGAC drone registration (in practice from 250 g), a broad liability-insurance duty and competency requirements — the old no-registration regime is gone. All drones still need an ID plate with the owner's contact details. Foreign RPAS licences can be validated for up to 3 months; confirm current tourist steps with DGAC before travel. Rules for foreign pilots can change, so always double-check with DGAC Costa Rica before you travel, and see the official sources below.
What are the most important drone rules in Costa Rica?
The short version: Maximum altitude: 120 m (400 ft) above ground level (AGL). On top of that: Minimum distance of 8 km from airports and airfields. Also: A minimum distance of 30 m from people, animals, and buildings not involved. 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.
Where am I not allowed to fly a drone in Costa Rica?
What you need to avoid are the restricted zones — typically around airports, prisons, military areas and protected nature. You'll find the official map for Costa Rica under Sources below, and the DroneKoll app keeps the country's rules, weather and checklists in one place before you fly.
Who regulates drone flying in 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.
Good to know
OFFICIAL SOURCES
- DGAC — Drone Registry (dedicated portal) Official website of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation for registering drones and obtaining a registration number. Platform specifically for RPAS drones.dgac.go.cr
- DGAC — Home Page Official website of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. Access to regulations, RAC, aviation procedures, and public services dgac.go.cr
- DGAC — Frequently Asked Questions (Drones) DGAC's official FAQ section with clear answers on drone operations, registration, requirements, and special permits dgac.go.cr
- RPAS License Application (Commercial Use) Official procedure for obtaining an RPAS license for commercial use. Includes a certificate from the Civil Aviation Technical Council and an operational certificate from the DGAC sub.dgac.go.cr
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- SJO Airport — Information on Drones Near Airports Official information from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) regarding drone operating rules near airports. Important for the Alajuela and San José areas sjoairport.com
- SINAC — Conservation Areas National System of Conservation Areas: information on national parks and drone restrictions (Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Tortuguero, etc.) sinac.go.cr
- Visit Costa Rica — Official Tourism Information Costa Rica's official tourism website. Useful for understanding tourist areas with special restrictions on drones visitcostarica.com
Always check the DGAC’s official sources before flying. This app is a tool, not a legal authority. Costa Rica enforces the RAC OPS RPAS and the DGAC’s Operational Directive. All drones must have an identification plate; commercial use requires a certificate from the Civil Aviation Technical Council.
The app
The whole picture, up to date — in your pocket
DroneKoll brings together the country's rules, weather, flight log and checklists — everything you need before you fly.
More in the app: Interactive zone map · Flight log · Planning & measuring · Pre-flight checklists
