Mexico • North America • Travel Tips

Can I Bring a Drone to Mexico?

Drones, which are also called Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are becoming more and more popular. They are not just a hobby; they are also used in many fields, from film to farming. As technology improves, drones are becoming easier and cheaper for everyone to purchase, and many people are considering bringing their drones with them during international travels.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip soon and want to bring your drone to Mexico with you.

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SO, ARE DRONES ALLOWED IN MEXICO?

Well… yes and no. Mexico’s laws about drones seem pretty old and aren’t very clear about what they actually mean. Some sources say you can bring a drone into Mexico as a foreigner, while others say you can’t.

There is a lot of information on the internet that says you can’t bring drones to Mexico, and there is also information that says you can bring the drone as long as you follow the rules.

We have to agree with the statement that you can bring your drone to Mexico because we have done so every time we have visited with no problems. But this doesn’t rule out the possibility that you may run into some issues when trying to bring your drone to Mexico.

We are not here to tell you whether or not you can fly a drone in Mexico, though I have to admit that I chuckled a little when I saw various posts on the internet telling you that you should absolutely not bring your drone to Mexico, with a drone shot from Mexico right below. There aren’t any clear rules about bringing and flying a drone in Mexico, so it’s hard to be certain of what you can or cannot do.

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DO I NEED A LICENSE TO FLY A DRONE IN MEXICO?

To fly a drone in Mexico, it’s important to know the rules set by the government. Different sources say that all drones, no matter how big or small, need to be registered with the Mexican Federal Aviation Administration (AFAC) and have a flight permit. This would include the use of drones for both recreational and commercial purposes.

The registration process can be done online through the AFAC website, but it is important to start the process early because it can take up to two weeks to finish.

Other sources say that drones that weigh less than 250g (0.55 lb) do not need to be registered in Mexico in order to fly. We looked everywhere on the internet, but we couldn’t find any official government sites that could back up any of these claims. If you can find any official statements, we’d love to read them. You can get in touch with us via Instagram or our Community Group.

⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Recently, one of our readers (shoutout to @bmwjogga) contacted us with some helpful links that make understanding the regulations surrounding drone usage in Mexico much clearer. We're excited to share these updates and clarify the drone regulations for anyone planning to visit Mexico with their flying companion.

First, let's take a look at the official AFAC (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil) website, which provides essential information on RPAS (drones) and the requirements for flying them in Mexico: LINK

Second, here is the official document containing the detailed regulations: LINK.

Please note that both of these links are in Spanish. If you don't understand the language, you may need to use tools like Google Translate to help you navigate the information.

Do I need a permit to fly a drone under 250g in Mexico?

Good news! If your drone weighs less than 250g, you do not need to register it or obtain a permit for recreational or non-recreational use. Just make sure you follow local safety regulations and respect people's privacy.

Do I need a permit to fly a drone over 250g in Mexico?

Yes, you do. If your drone weighs over 250g, you'll need to register it and obtain a permit. This applies to both Mexican citizens and foreign visitors. So, if you're a non-Mexican citizen, you can still obtain a permit to fly your drone in Mexico.

How to obtain a permit to fly a drone in Mexico (simple steps):

1. Fill out the "APÉNDICE 'K' NORMATIVO: REGISTRO DE RPAS POR EL OPERADOR DE RPAS" form.

2. Attach a scanned copy of your official identification (for individuals) or the incorporation deed and notarized power of attorney of the legal representative (for legal entities).

3. Review your information carefully, as this affects the processing time.

4. Prepare scanned copies of the documentation proving ownership or possession of your drone (acceptable formats: .pdf, .docx, .jpg, or .png).

5. Send an email to rpas@afac.gob.mx requesting the registration of your drone. Attach the completed form in Excel format, the printed version signed by you, and the scanned copies of the required documentation.

6. Wait for your registration folio or additional considerations to be sent to your email within 10 business days of submitting your application.

7. If needed, the agency will contact you to resolve any issues.

Rules for flying a drone in Mexico:

• Maintain a maximum altitude of 122 meters (400 ft)

• Maintain a horizontal distance of at least 50 meters (164 ft) from people not related to the drone operation

• Do not fly over people unless they are directly involved in the drone operation or protected by a structure

• Keep the drone within visual line of sight

• Do not fly in restricted or controlled airspace without authorization

We hope this update helps clarify the drone regulations in Mexico for our readers. If you have any questions or additional information, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to us on Instagram at @twosolesabroad. Happy flying!

FLYING AND GETTING YOUR DRONE TO MEXICO

We have a DJI Mini 3, which weighs less than 250g. We’ve never had any problems at the airport or crossing the border with the drone when we’ve visited Mexico.

We were, however, stopped by the Cancun airport authorities once, where they searched our bags, saw a drone (DJI Mini 2), and let us go with no issue. We don’t know what they were looking for. The point is, we didn’t have to pay anything or give up our drone to keep going.

As for flying in Mexico, you have to follow the local laws and stay out of the no-fly zones, but we’ve never had a problem taking off and exploring the sky. When you are in a non-secluded area, simply ask anyone working there if it is okay to fly a drone, and most of the time it should not be an issue. Sometimes they may want you to pay a small fee in order to take off, but that has never been the case for us.

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There are some stories all over the internet about people who had to pay a “tax” on their drone while at the Mexican airport. The airport locations where that occurred are all different, and unsurprisingly, so are the taxes. Some people have been charged 6%, some have been charged 10%, and some have even been charged as much as 19%.

We would recommend that you keep the drone purchase receipt in case you have to pay this mysterious tax. Remember that this is still Mexico, where corruption is still alive, and not everything that should make sense and be obvious will. It is just a big unknown lottery based on whether you will be let in for a further search when you arrive at the airport or not.

Remember:
The only thing you can be sure of while you're in Mexico is that you can never be sure of anything. No matter what the laws and regulations say.

RULES FOR FLYING A DRONE IN MEXICO

In addition to registering, there are rules and guidelines that must be followed when flying a drone in Mexico. This includes:

➳ Flying only during daylight hours

➳ Keeping the drone within visual line-of-sight at all times

➳ Not flying over restricted areas like airports, military bases, or protected natural reserves

➳ Not flying over crowds of people or populated areas

➳ Not flying higher than 120 meters (400 feet)

➳ Operating drones that weigh between 2kg and 25kg requires a permit and a pilot license.

It’s also important to remember that drone flights may not be allowed in some parts of Mexico, or the rules there may be stricter. This includes places like national parks and natural reserves that are protected. Before flying in a certain area, you should always check with the local authorities to make sure you follow any additional rules.

TRAVELING WITH YOUR DRONE BY AIR

When traveling to Mexico with your drone, make sure to confirm the airline’s policy on carrying drones as checked or carry-on luggage. Some airlines may have rules about how big or heavy the drone can be, or they may ask that the battery be taken out and put in a separate bag.

We always put our drone in carry-on luggage to make sure it doesn’t get stolen or broken when our bags are dropped or thrown around the airport.

Another important thing to think about when traveling with a drone is the customs process. Some unofficial sources say that when you get to Mexico, you should tell the customs officials about your drone and have all the paperwork you need, like the registration and flight permit, ready. It’s always a good idea to be prepared, but there shouldn’t be any major issues if you are not.

It should be noted that, as of now, Mexico does not have a specific regulation for commercial drone use. However, it is expected that the Mexican government will establish regulations for the use of drones in commercial activities in the future. Before bringing your drone to Mexico, it is important to stay informed and check for any updates or changes to the rules.

THE NO DRONE ZONES IN MEXICO

Unsurprisingly, there is no official map of Mexico that shows where you can and can’t fly a drone. There are a lot of “no drone zones” in Mexico, and for good reason. You can tell where these zones are by looking for a sign that says “no drones.” You should not attempt to fly your drone over any historic sites, ruins, cenotes, or sacred sites. Most of the time, they will not even let you in with one, and in extreme cases, they may have to confiscate it. As I’ve already said, it’s a big gamble whether or not that will happen, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Marcel tried to bring a drone to Mexico’s Chichen Itza… Did I say he shouldn’t do it? Absolutely. Did they let him in with a drone? Nope. However, instead of confiscating the drone, they have agreed to hold it for us until we have finished exploring the ruins.

Many of the major sites that do not permit drones will require you to go through a scanner to see if you have any prohibited items before entering. This means that they will know if you are trying to sneak in with a drone.

In conclusion, it is possible to bring a drone to Mexico, but it is important to follow the rules set by the government. This includes registering the drone and getting a flight permit, following the rules and guidelines for flying, and being aware of any additional rules in certain areas.

It’s also important to check with the airline and lodging provider about their drone policies and to declare the drone to customs officials upon arrival. With proper planning and following the rules, you can fly your drone in Mexico safely and legally. Or, you can take your chances and try your luck by entering a big Mexican lottery.

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We would love to hear from you! Share your own experiences with bringing a drone to Mexico and any updates that may have happened since we’ve visited. So don’t hesitate to reach out and share with us in the comment section below.

Also, don’t forget to join our Travel Community Group, where you can connect with other travelers from all around the world, share your experiences and best pictures, and get advice on your next adventure. Let’s keep exploring together!

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Last updated: April 2023

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