Can you fly your drone in Ecuador?
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 Ecuador
Framework
RDAC 101 (DGAC, in force since December 2024)
Pilot credential
Remote pilot authorization (DGAC)
KEY RULES
- Maximum altitude: 122 m (400 ft) above ground level (AGL)
- Registration in the DGAC’s online registration system is mandatory for every drone of 250 g or more (up to 250 kg), with no exception based on use
- The registration number or QR code must be visible on the drone
- Always carry your DGAC certificate with you when operating in public spaces
- Always keep the drone within direct line of sight (VLOS)
- Open category (recreational use): drone under 4 kg, pilot at least 14 years old (with adult supervision) who has reviewed the DGAC’s induction material; the drone must have active remote identification and a geofencing function
- Daytime flight; at night (and during civil twilight) only if the drone has visible position or anti-collision lights — with night vision systems, a visual observer is required
- 🚫 GALÁPAGOS: recreational, private, or tourist use of drones PROHIBITED in land and marine protected areas
- 🚫 Controlled aerodromes: flying is prohibited within a rectangle extending 600 m on each side of the runway centerline up to 3 km from each threshold and within the approach/departure cones up to 5 km, unless the DGAC grants a special UAS flight authorization; in the rest of the 5 km radius, max. 40 m AGL and only with authorization from or coordination with the aerodrome operator. Uncontrolled aerodromes: 1.8 km; heliports: 0.9 km (unless authorized by or coordinated with their operator). The open category may not fly in FRZ zones.
- Commercial operation: requires additional certification + overflight permits depending on the area
- Do not fly over people not involved in the operation
- Urban or residential areas: flying is prohibited within 30 m (horizontally and vertically) of people not involved in the operation and of any building, unless the DGAC grants a special UAS flight authorization; also comply with local ordinances
No-fly zones and restrictions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence or certificate to fly a drone in Ecuador?
In Ecuador, the credential to know about is the Remote pilot authorization (DGAC). Whether you need it depends on your drone's weight and how you fly — DGAC Ecuador 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 Ecuador?
Yes, but drones of 250 g or more (not a sub-250 g Mini) need online DGAC registration, the QR code on the drone and controller, and the certificate on hand. Only adult Ecuadorian citizens or residents may register, so ask the DGAC before you go if a tourist can. Recreational flying needs no licence, but is banned in the Galápagos protected land and marine areas. Rules for foreign pilots can change, so always double-check with DGAC Ecuador before you travel, and see the official sources below.
What are the most important drone rules in Ecuador?
The short version: Maximum altitude: 122 m (400 ft) above ground level (AGL). On top of that: Registration in the DGAC’s online registration system is mandatory for every drone of 250 g or more (up to 250 kg), with no exception based on use. Also: The registration number or QR code must be visible on the drone. These are central aviation rules — location-specific airspace, land, nature, privacy and photography requirements can also apply in Ecuador, so always check the official sources.
Where am I not allowed to fly a drone in Ecuador?
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 Ecuador under Sources below, and the DroneKoll app shows current NOTAMs (temporary airspace restrictions) for Ecuador.
Who regulates drone flying in Ecuador?
Drone flying in Ecuador is regulated by DGAC Ecuador, 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 RegistrationOfficial DGAC page with the procedure for registering drones in the DGAC’s online registration system. RDAC 101 requires every drone of 250 g or more (up to 250 kg) to be registered, whether for recreational or commercial useaviacioncivil.gob.ec
- DGAC Ecuador — Home PageOfficial website of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. Access to RDAC regulations, procedures, certifications, and aeronautical servicesaviacioncivil.gob.ec
- DGAC — Introduction to Drone UseOfficial DGAC training materials for drone operators: RDAC 101, requirements, procedures, and pilot obligationsaviacioncivil.gob.ec
- DGAC — Special UAS Flight AuthorizationDGAC procedure for applying for a special UAS flight authorization, for operations that exceed the limitations of the open or specific category, or that deviate from any requirement of RDAC 101aviacioncivil.gob.ec
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- RDAC 101 — UAS Regulations (PDF)Official text of RDAC 101 – Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), approved by Resolución DGAC-DGAC-2024-0100-R of December 11, 2024aviacioncivil.gob.ec
- Galápagos National Park — Resolutions (drones)Resolutions of the Galápagos National Park Directorate, including MAE-PNG/DIR-2026-0006-RM on drones: recreational, private, or tourist use prohibited in protected areas; only authorized activities with a permit from the Parkgalapagos.gob.ec
- Aeronaut Systems — Drone Pilot Courses (DGAC-Authorized)Company authorized by the DGAC to offer drone pilot courses. Official training and certification in accordance with RDAC 101aeronautsystems.com
Always check the DGAC’s official sources before flying. This page is a guide — not a legal authority. Ecuador enforces RDAC 101 (effective as of December 2024)—drones of 250 g or more must be registered in the DGAC’s online registration system. The Galápagos Islands have special restrictions.
The app
The whole picture, up to date — in your pocket
DroneKoll shows weather and current NOTAMs on the map — with a flight log and checklists built in.
More in the app:Interactive zone map · Flight log · Planning & measuring · Pre-flight checklists · Flying abroad
