Welcome to our beginner’s guide to getting to know about Costa Rica Drone Laws. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know and stay updated about Costa Rica drone laws. We also will be covering the following information such as where to get the drone permit for this country, as well as the best drones to fly, travel guides, and contact information to the civil aviation authority of the stated country. Without further ado, let’s dive into the details:

Introduction to Costa Rica Drone Laws

Flying the drones in Costa Rica is legally allowed. The drone regulations and rules for Costa Rica are pretty much simple and straightforward. All recreational and commercial drone operators need to make sure they are following the rules at all the time. Below is the list of applicable drone regulations and rules when flying in Costa Rica:

• Don’t fly your drone higher than 400 feet above the ground level.
• Maintain at least 5 miles away from airports/heliports/aerodromes.
• Maintain at least 30 meters from buildings, moving vehicles and people.
• Don’t fly overcrowded areas or prohibited zones.
• Fly only during the daylight hours.
• Fly when the weather visibility condition is good.
• Don’t fly over the buildings.

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Getting Drone Permit for Costa Rica

Before you can fly your drones in Costa Rica, they must be registered with DGCA. To register your drone, simply visit their official government website and fill out the permit form. There are no fees involved, which pretty much the only things you need to bring with you when visiting the country:

• A valid proof of remote pilot’s license
• A valid proof of insurance
• Drone registration
• Proof of sale
• Your contact information and details

These are the only things you need to fly either recreational or commercial with your drone in Costa Rica.

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Drone Traveling Tips to Costa Rica

There are several methods to travel to another country with your drone. Read our important traveling tips to get the latest scoop on the best drone traveling practices and become informed. In this section, we will be covering what to do if you are traveling by air or by sea.

Traveling by Air

If you decided to travel by air and would like to bring your drone with you. You need to be aware that the airlines can only reimburse up to $1,000 for loss and damage to your property, including drone and its gear. That’s because of the Montreal Convention which limits how much airlines are allowed to pay you up to a maximum value of $1,000 — no matter how expensive your drone is.

Therefore, we highly encourage bringing your drone and its accessories as carry-on all the times. Furthermore, the drone batteries can’t be in the check luggages. Because they are prone to extreme temperature that poses fire hazards when undergoing temperature change. In rare circumstances, some airlines have strict policy and you will be only given the option to check luggage. To avoid this from happening, we recommend buying these fireproof drone battery bags:

• Colcase Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 198 x 150 x 135mm)
• Apex RC Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 240 x  65 x  180mm)
• Realacc Upgraded Fireproof Li-Po Battery Bag (up to 220 x 155 x 115mm)

Traveling by Sea

Generally, you are allowed to bring your drone with you. But that depends on the cruise’s policy regarding to use of the drones. The only time you can operate your drone is when you are on land, never while the ship is in process of ferrying to other country. Flying the drones at the ports is also not allowed. Because each cruise companies are unique, we encourage you to check and familiarize with their policy on drones. Reach out to get more information if possible.

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Best Drones for Costa Rica

These are the best drones for traveling around the world such as Costa Rica due to their flying specifications and camera capabilities. Be sure to read each drone review guide by visiting each link so that you can decide which quadcopter you want to buy before going on a vacation.

Alternatively, you can visit our shop to see a wide selection of prosumer drones that are currently for sale on the best price deals. We only recommend the best drones for traveling that are portable, compact and equipped with powerful camera capabilities, while striving to provide affordable options for those who are looking to get started.

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Contact Information

If you need additional information about drone regulations and flying in Costa Rica. Keep it in mind that we try our best to provide the latest information about drone laws. Because the drone laws are not universal, they can wildly vary from a country with lax regulations to another country that has strict regulations. For any drone regulations that you are not sure, feel free to contact the Aviation Safety Inspector directly:

Costa Rica Civil Aviation Authority Office

Email: contralor.servicios@dgac.go.cr
Phone: 2242-8000
Fax: 2231-2107