Can you fly your drone in the Philippines?
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
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
Framework
CAAP PCAR Part 11 (RPAS) + Memorandum Circulars
Pilot credential
RPA Controller Certificate
KEY RULES
- Maximum altitude is 120 m (about 400 ft) above ground level.
- You must keep the drone in direct visual line of sight yourself at all times (glasses or contact lenses are fine; FPV goggles, binoculars or screens do not count). Flying beyond visual line of sight, including with visual observers (EVLOS), requires CAAP authorisation (PCAR Part 11).
- Registration with CAAP is required for all drones used commercially (any weight) and for non-commercial drones of 7 kg and above (CAAP registration rules). PCAR Part 11 is worded more broadly, so if in doubt, check with CAAP (awd@caap.gov.ph).
- Stay at least 10 km from any aerodrome unless you hold a CAAP Special Permit (then with a visual observer and max 120 m AGL) — reaffirmed by CAAP Memorandum Circular 026-2025 and strictly enforced.
- Without a CAAP Special Permit, do not fly in controlled airspace, in prohibited or restricted areas, over national security-sensitive facilities, over fire, police or other emergency operations, or from a moving vehicle (PCAR Part 11).
- Keep at least 30 m distance from uninvolved persons.
- Keep at least 150 m horizontal distance from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, and never fly over uninvolved persons or crowds (PCAR Part 11, Open category; max take-off mass 25 kg).
- Night flying requires a special CAAP permit and proper lighting on the drone — not permitted by default.
- RPA Controller Certificate required for commercial use or drones over 7 kg (valid 5 years)
- Commercial drone work and any flight outside the Open category (e.g. drones over 25 kg or flights beyond visual line of sight) require a CAAP Certificate of Authorization (valid 5 years), a licensed remote pilot, drone registration and third-party liability insurance (PCAR Part 11).
- Always give way to manned aircraft.
- No flying within 8 hours of drinking alcohol. Report any serious injury or property damage to CAAP within 48 hours.
No-fly zones and restrictions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence or certificate to fly a drone in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, the credential to know about is the RPA Controller Certificate. Whether you need it depends on your drone's weight and how you fly — Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) 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 the Philippines?
Yes — recreational drones under 7 kg need no licence or insurance, tourists included. CAAP's registration rules exempt them, but PCAR Part 11 is broader: check with CAAP. Stay 10 km from airports, below 400 ft, by day, in line of sight; at night or over populated areas you need a CAAP Special Flight Permit. 7 kg+ or commercial: registration and certificates. Rules for foreign pilots can change, so always double-check with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) before you travel, and see the official sources below.
What are the most important drone rules in the Philippines?
The short version: Maximum altitude is 120 m (about 400 ft) above ground level. On top of that: You must keep the drone in direct visual line of sight yourself at all times (glasses or contact lenses are fine; FPV goggles, binoculars or screens do not count). Flying beyond visual line of sight, including with visual observers (EVLOS), requires CAAP authorisation (PCAR Part 11). Also: Registration with CAAP is required for all drones used commercially (any weight) and for non-commercial drones of 7 kg and above (CAAP registration rules). PCAR Part 11 is worded more broadly, so if in doubt, check with CAAP (awd@caap.gov.ph). These are central aviation rules — location-specific airspace, land, nature, privacy and photography requirements can also apply in the Philippines, so always check the official sources.
Where am I not allowed to fly a drone in the Philippines?
What you need to avoid are the restricted zones — typically around airports, prisons, military areas and protected nature areas. Check which restrictions apply in the official sources under Sources below. The DroneKoll app keeps the country's rules, weather and checklists in one place before you fly.
Who regulates drone flying in the Philippines?
Drone flying in the Philippines is regulated by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), 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
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Always check official CAAP sources before flying. This page is a guide — not a legal authority. Rules may change without notice.
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
