Can you fly your drone in Mexico?
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
AFAC
Framework
NOM-107-SCT3-2019
Pilot credential
RPAS Pilot Authorization
KEY RULES
- Maximum height: 122 m (400 ft) above ground level
- Minimum distance of 9.2 km (5 NM) from any aerodrome, controlled or uncontrolled (NOM-107-SCT3-2019, 4.10.1).
- Between 9.2 km (5 NM) and 18.5 km (10 NM) from the aerodromes listed in NOM-107 (Appendix I): maximum height 100 m (328 ft).
- Minimum distance of 900 m from heliports
- Flying is prohibited in the prohibited, restricted or danger areas of the AIP (ENR 5.1) and in helicopter corridors; check NOTAMs before every flight.
- Always keep the drone within direct line of sight (VLOS), no more than 457 m from the operator
- Drones over 250 g: mandatory registration with the AFAC before flying (Appendix K form)
- Drones weighing less than 250 g: exempt from registration, but all other rules apply
- Weight categories: Micro (≤2 kg), Small (>2–25 kg), Large (>25 kg)
- Recreational drones over 2 kg: may only fly within model aircraft clubs authorized by the AFAC.
- Night flights require specific authorization from the AFAC
- Private non-commercial or commercial use: valid civil liability insurance is mandatory; Micro (≤2 kg) additionally requires a special authorization for controlled airspace; Small and Large require an operating authorization from the AFAC.
No-fly zones and restrictions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence or certificate to fly a drone in Mexico?
In Mexico, the credential to know about is the RPAS Pilot Authorization. Whether you need it depends on your drone's weight and how you fly — AFAC 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 Mexico?
Effectively no for most visitors: Mexico bars foreign-registered drones and foreign operators without a bilateral agreement, and none is known; AFAC registration for drones over 250 g is designed for residents. Sub-250 g drones are exempt from registration and widely flown by tourists, but that remains a legal gray zone — fly conservatively or not at all. Rules for foreign pilots can change, so always double-check with AFAC before you travel, and see the official sources below.
What are the most important drone rules in Mexico?
The short version: Maximum height: 122 m (400 ft) above ground level. On top of that: Minimum distance of 9.2 km (5 NM) from any aerodrome, controlled or uncontrolled (NOM-107-SCT3-2019, 4.10.1). Also: Between 9.2 km (5 NM) and 18.5 km (10 NM) from the aerodromes listed in NOM-107 (Appendix I): maximum height 100 m (328 ft). These are central aviation rules — location-specific airspace, land, nature, privacy and photography requirements can also apply in Mexico, so always check the official sources.
Where am I not allowed to fly a drone in Mexico?
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 Mexico under Sources below, and the DroneKoll app shows current NOTAMs (temporary airspace restrictions) for Mexico.
Who regulates drone flying in Mexico?
Drone flying in Mexico is regulated by AFAC. The airspace itself is managed by SENEAM. You will find both organisations' official pages under Sources below — those are the links worth bookmarking.
Good to know
OFFICIAL SOURCES
- AFAC — Rules for Drones (RPAS)Official website of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency, featuring regulations, forms, and drone registrationgob.mx
- AFAC — Drone Registration (Appendix K)Register your drone using the form in Appendix K. Send it to rpas@afac.gob.mx — you will receive a response within 10 business daysgob.mx
- NOM-107-SCT3-2019 — Official StandardOfficial Mexican Standard establishing the requirements for operating a remotely piloted aircraft systemdof.gob.mx
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- AFAC — Aerodrome and Heliport DatabaseCurrent official list of aerodromes and heliports for checking the NOM-107 minimum distancesgob.mx
- SICT — Civil AviationMinistry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation — AFAC's governing authoritygob.mx
- AFAC — Direct Contact (RPAS)AFAC phone number for RPAS inquiries: (55) 5723-9300, ext. 18148, 18125, 18115
Always check the official sources of the AFAC (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency) before flying. This page is a guide — not a legal authority. Mexico enforces NOM-107-SCT3-2019, and penalties are imposed by the AFAC.
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
