Want to bring a drone to the Dominican Republic but not sure if you can? Read this article: after digging through and cross-checking a number of official documents, we’ve put together the key rules for flying and using a drone in the Dominican Republic.
Under the requirements of the Dominican Republic’s National Aviation Authority and the Instituto Dominicano de Aviación Civil (IDAC), flying unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is allowed. You just need to follow a set of rules:
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Drones weighing more than 2 kg must be registered with the Instituto Dominicano de Aviación Civil (IDAC). You can do this via the IDAC website: https://serviciosvirtualestac.idac.gob.do/portalciudadano/. Such drones must also carry insurance.
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Drones weighing less than 2 kg can be used without prior registration.
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Drones may not be used if doing so could endanger people or property, or if it would violate privacy rights.
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You may not fly a drone in overcast weather that reduces visibility. You must always keep the drone within visual line of sight.
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You may not change the drone’s operator while it’s in flight.
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Flying a drone after sunset is prohibited unless the drone is adequately lit, or unless special permission has been obtained.
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Use your drone responsibly. Flying drones within 8 km of any airport or airfield is prohibited.
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Avoid flying a drone over hazardous or restricted zones without prior authorization from Air Traffic Control.
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Do not operate more than one drone at a time.
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Operating a drone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.
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Do not drop objects from drones.
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Do not use drones in fire-risk areas.
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Drones weighing more than 2 kilograms may not be operated more than 500 meters horizontally or 120 meters vertically from the operator. Drones weighing less than 2 kilograms may not be flown more than 450 meters horizontally or 120 meters from the operator.
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The permitted flight speed for drones over 2 kilograms is 160 km/h; for drones under 2 kilograms, it’s 55 km/h.
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Operating a drone from a moving vehicle is prohibited, except from a vessel on the water.
The small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) industry is growing fast, so both the government’s response and the rules for drone use in the Dominican Republic can change quickly over the course of a year. We’ll do our best to keep an eye on the situation and keep you informed.
Filming is banned in some places!
The Dominican Republic’s beauty makes it a dream location for drone footage for many travelers.
We recommend planning ahead and putting together your own list of permitted spots.
At Bávaro beaches, it’s best to fly before 10 a.m., before the helicopter rides and parasailing-boat excursions get going.
At Macao Beach, flying is generally fine, as long as you keep an eye out for crowds.
Redonda Mountain is a scenic spot for filming. That said, watch out for the flock of eagles, which can attack your drone.
Filming is banned in Santo Domingo, as well as in Cap Cana, due to the concentration of private villas. And filming in the city of artists, Altos de Chavón, requires a special permit. This involves paying $200 for a photography permit, plus another $200 to fly a drone over the town — a total of $400 for filming!
Currently, due to COVID-19 restrictions and new protocols, visits to Altos de Chavón are on hold. Only scheduled photo shoots and tour-operator visits are available, along with access for hotel guests and residents.
For any questions about drone filming, you can contact IDAC directly before your trip at: +1 809 221 7909
Clear skies to your drone, and unforgettable footage for vivid memories!
See you on the Atlantic!
