Plan
Drone rules: Chile
Last checked: October 5, 2026
Permit required
You may only fly here with a permit issued by the authorities in advance.
Under the aviation standard DAN 91, every drone flight needs prior authorisation from the civil aviation authority DGAC – granted case by case on application with the form “Anexo D”. Only light foam models up to 750 g on private land may fly without one.
DAN 151 requires entry in the DGAC RPA register for flights over populated areas; there is no blanket 250 g threshold.
DAN 151 requires an insurance policy for flights over populated areas; for an individual authorisation under DAN 91, the DGAC sets the conditions.
For tourists
Apply to the DGAC for authorisation well before your trip. National parks and other protected areas of the forestry agency CONAF have additional restrictions of their own – ask the park administration locally.
Further rules
- Under section 91.102 of DAN 91, every remotely piloted aircraft needs authorisation from the DGAC (Subdepartamento Operaciones) before any flight operation. It is granted case by case on application with the form “Anexo D” if the authority sees no risk to people or other aircraft.
- Only models made of foam (expanded polyethylene or similar) up to 750 grams, for private or recreational use, on private land and no higher than 50 metres above the highest obstacle in the area may fly without authorisation. Typical camera drones do not qualify.
- Flights over populated areas are additionally governed by DAN 151: among other things, entry in the RPA register, a pilot credential, an insurance policy and an operating authorisation are required; in visual line of sight, flight height is limited to 120 metres above ground.
- Flying is prohibited, among other places, over military installations, prisons and facilities classified as strategic, as well as within around 2 kilometres of runway extensions; currently valid no-fly zones are published in the Chilean aeronautical information publication AIP and in current NOTAMs.
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.