Plan
Drone rules: Panama
Last checked: October 1, 2026
Permit required
You may only fly here with a permit issued by the authorities in advance.
In Panama even recreational drones need registration plus pilot licence and insurance with the AAC; foreign pilots get a special permit for this.
Every drone must be registered with the AAC regardless of weight, also for leisure and social media; the German registration does not apply there.
For registration the AAC requires a liability policy.
Depending on drone weight
- From 250 gFrom 250 g the "liviana" class applies with 120 m height; micro drones up to 250 g may only fly 30 m high
For tourists
Apply for the permit by email to the AAC in good time before your trip, including a passport copy, proof relating to the drone and the insurance policy. Also notify the AAC of flights in advance; for restricted areas such as the old town or the Cinta Costera expect several working days.
Further rules
- In Panama every drone must be registered with the aviation authority AAC regardless of weight – even if you only film privately or for social media – and you need a pilot licence; foreign pilots apply for a special permit by email.
- For registration the AAC requires, among other things, a liability policy covering third-party damage.
- You notify the AAC of every flight in advance by email; for restricted areas such as the old town (Casco Antiguo) or the Cinta Costera approval takes several working days. Flight height is limited to 120 metres, for micro drones up to 250 grams to 30 metres. Spare batteries belong in hand luggage.
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.