Can You Bring a Drone to Peru?  

Are you thinking about bringing your drone to Peru? Here’s what you need to know about the rules and regulations for flying a drone in Peru. We’ll also share some of the best places to fly your drone and how to get your drone to Peru.

Can I bring a drone to Peru? #

Yes, you can bring your drone to Peru and fly it there. If you’re flying strictly recreationally and your drone is less than 25kg, you do not need a license, although you do need to register the drone.

To fly for commercial purposes, you must have a drone pilot license and register your drone.

Recreational use #

If your drone is under 25 kilos in weight and you stay out of restricted or controlled airspace, you do not need a license and can fly your drone legally in Peru for recreational purposes. (If your drone is heavier than 2 kg, you must register it).

If you are unsure whether you will need to register your drone or not, you can email rpas-dgac@mtc.gob.pe directly.

You must, however, abide by the following guidelines:

• Keep your drone’s instructions close at hand.
• Avoid crowded places like cities (you might be authorized if your drone weighs less than 6 kg and is equipped with a drone parachute).
• Keep your drone at 152 meters in height at most, and always within sight range.
• Fly your drone only in good weather and during daytime hours.
• Maintain at least 20% of your battery’s charge during landing, at a top speed of 161 km/h.
• You must keep a 30-meter distance from any kind of building or infrastructure, such as highways, railroads, and power plants, as well as from crowded or congested places and metropolitan areas.
• You must yield to all other types of aircraft and be at least four kilometers from public airports.
• You must keep your drone away from locations where its use would endanger the efforts of the law, police, or emergency personnel.
• Avoid places that are extremely sensitive, like government or military institutions.
• Follow the general guidelines outlined above, but check** **DGAC’s website for updates regularly.

Commercial use #

Some specific rules apply to commercial drones and drone pilots in Peru. For example, all drones for commercial use must be registered with the Peruvian authorities, and all pilots must have a valid pilot’s license.

In addition, all drones must be flown in accordance with the law of aeronautical safety and may not be flown over densely populated areas or near airports.

General drone flying guidelines for commercial use in Peru #

Here are the most crucial guidelines for commercial drone operations in Peru according to their regulations.

• Keep your drone within your line of sight at all times.
• Never fly for more than one hour straight.
• Never fly at night or in poor weather without good vision.
• Never soar above 500 feet.
• Keep a minimum of 20 meters (65 feet) of vertical space and 30 meters (98 feet) of horizontal space between you and any obstacles, such as people, objects, or structures.
• Avoid flying above gatherings of people.
• Flying is prohibited within 4 km (2.5 miles) of airports.
• Avoid flying 98 feet (30 meters) or less from any road infrastructure.
• Do not exceed 160 kph when flying (100 mph).
• Without express permission from the DGAC, the drone is not permitted to throw or drop any objects.

Note: Unless you have a separate authorization that allows you to fly your drone at a specific historical site, drones are not permitted in Machu Picchu or any other historical sites.

How do I get my drone to Peru? #

It is important to note that Peruvian law requires that all drones be registered with the Ministry of Transport and Communications (DGAC) before they can be flown in Peru.

The registration process is relatively simple and can be done online. Once registered, drone owners will receive a certificate that must be presented when flying their drones in Peru.

Bringing your drone through customs in Peru #

The DGAC outlines the following particular considerations for visitors from other countries who want to operate drones commercially in Peru:

• In order to fly your drone** commercially in Peru, **you must have a registration certificate.
• You must report your UAV(s) on your customs form and pay a VAT or tax based on the drone’s worth (often about 18%) while entering Peru.
• You’ll receive a receipt that you can use to claim your VAT refund when you leave the country.
• There could be a $250 USD fine if you don’t declare your drone at customs.

How do I register my drone in Peru? #

If you are using your drone for commercial use or it weighs over 2kg, it will need to be registered in order to be able to fly it in Peru.

To register your drone in Peru, you will need to fill out a form from Peru’s General Director of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) and submit it to the Peruvian authorities.

The document for drone registration can also be requested in person at the headquarters of the MTC or at the Citizen Service Center in Peru. This procedure takes 48 hours.

The application form includes personal information such as name, address, email, and phone number, as well as information about your drone such as make, model, serial number, etc.

Once the form is complete, you will need to pay a fee of S$100 (approximately US$30). Payments can be made via credit card or bank transfer. The registration procedure will take about 30 days.

After payment has been made, you will receive a confirmation email with your registration certificate attached.

You will need:

• A copy of your business’s certificate (if applicable).
• A picture of the drone and a copy of the instruction manual (jpg only).
• Proof of your drone insurance.

If your application is accepted, you will receive a registration card, which you must carry with you at all times.

Do I need to insure my drone if I bring it to Peru? #

You will need to insure your drone if you want to fly it commercially in Peru. Proof of insurance is required for the registration of your drone.

You can purchase insurance for your drone from many different companies. Make sure that you read the fine print of any policy that you purchase so that you understand what is covered and what is not covered.

» MORE: How Much Does Drone Insurance Cost?

Where is the best place to fly a drone in Peru? #

Now that you have your drone registered and certified to fly in Peru, it is time to find a safe and legal place to fly it!

There are many beautiful places to fly drones in Peru, but it is important to remember that there are also many restrictions on where drones can legally fly.

Some restricted areas include national parks, archaeological sites, urban areas, airports, military bases, etc. If caught flying a drone in a restricted area without prior authorization, you may face harsh penalties, including fines, jail time, or even deportation.

When choosing a place to fly your drone, always err on the side of caution and make sure that you are not breaking any laws. There are many breathtaking places to fly drones legally in Peru – so take advantage of them!

The Nazca Lines #

An array of historic geoglyphs known as the Nazca Lines can be seen in southern Peru’s Nazca Desert. The lines were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE.

The purpose of the lines is unclear, but they are thought to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes. Today, the Nazca Lines are a popular tourist destination, and they can be seen from above via airplane or helicopter. However, drones offer a unique perspective on the lines, and they can be flown over the desert with relative ease.

Co-ordinates: 14.8359° S, 74.9328° W

AirMap

Rainbow Mountain #

Rainbow Mountain is a mountain located in the Peruvian Andes that is known for its colorful striations caused by minerals in the rock. The mountain is also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, and it attracts tourists from all over the world who come to see its unique appearance.

Rainbow Mountain can be reached via a four-day trek from Cusco, or visitors can take a jeep tour from nearby towns such as Ausangate or Pitumarca.

Drones are allowed on Rainbow Mountain, but visitors must be mindful of other hikers and animals in the area.

Co-ordinates: 13.5152° S, 71.9794° W

AirMap