Plan
Drone rules: Belize
Last checked: October 5, 2026
Permit required
You may only fly here with a permit issued by the authorities in advance.
The Government of Belize currently prohibits the temporary import of drones for recreational or personal use. The civil aviation authority DCA only issues individual permits to locals and to foreign pilots hired by approved businesses in Belize.
The DCA only mentions an individual permit for drones, no separate registration. As a tourist, you cannot apply for this permit for private flights.
An insurance requirement is not officially documented.
For tourists
Importing a drone for holiday photos is prohibited, so leave it at home. According to the DCA, the government is working on rules for travelling recreational pilots; check before your trip whether they are in force.
Further rules
- In Belize you may only fly with an individual permit from the civil aviation authority DCA; the fee is 30 Belize dollars. According to the DCA, the government is working on new rules for travelling recreational pilots.
- The temporary import of drones for recreational or personal use is prohibited. Foreign pilots can only apply for a permit if an approved business in Belize has hired them; requirements include a letter of request to the Director of Civil Aviation and approval from the Belize Film Commission.
- Within 3 miles (about 5 km) of aerodromes, such as Ladyville, Placencia, Caye Caulker and north of San Pedro, the DCA does not issue drone permits without written approval.
Sources
This overview is not legal advice and not an official statement — laws change, and we cannot guarantee that every entry is fully up to date. Before your flight, please also check the official source or the local civil aviation authority.