Drone Laws in Uruguay

Uruguay Drone Regulations

According to Uruguay’s national aviation authority, the National Directorate of Civil Aviation and Aeronautical Infrastructure of Uruguay (DINACIA), flying a drone is legal in Uruguay, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the DINACIA directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: info@dinacia.gub.uy / + 598 2 604 0408 ext. 4225

Why fly a drone in Uruguay? To get great aerial shots like these!

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Uruguay

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Uruguay.

• Drones up to 25 kilograms (55 pounds) do not have to be registered with DINACIA. See the section below to learn more about registration and permit requirements.
• Do not let your drone fly beyond your line of sight.
• Do not fly your drone over populated areas (city, town, or isolated neighborhood) or concentrations of people.
• Do not fly your drone higher than 120 meters (400 feet).
• Do not fly in airport or airdrome traffic zones.
• Do not fly in prohibited or restricted areas.
• To fly commercially, you must have civil liability insurance or aeronautical insurance.
• A permit is required for all commercial drone operations. See the section below to learn more about permit requirements.

For more information on Uruguay’s drone laws, see this infographic created by the DINACIA and this page containing drone legislation on the DINACIA site.

Know something we don’t about drone laws in Uruguay? Send us an email at support@horizonap.com. We are not international aviation attorneys and do our best to keep this page up-to-date for drone pilots, but the reality is that given the pace of the small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) industry and how governments are responding, drone regulations in Uruguay can change throughout the year, and those changes can be hard to track. If we missed something, please reach out to let us know.

Registration and Permit Requirements for Flying a Drone in Uruguay

Registration

Drones weighing 25 kilograms (55 pounds) or more must be registered. Register your drone on this page on the DINACIA website.

Permit

A permit is required for all commercial drone operations. The process includes:

• Online registration
• A theoretical exam
• A practical exam

According to Decree No. 158/978, “Regulation of the Aeronautical Code, Article 122. Air Work Service,” permits for commercial drone operations are reserved for Uruguay-owned companies registered with the DINACIA. The General Directorate of Civil Aviation may authorize, on a transitory basis, the operation of foreign companies in the national territory.

Visit this page on the DINACIA website to learn more about how to obtain a permit for commercial drone operations in Uruguay.

Want to get a feel for the kind of footage you could get flying a drone in Uruguay? Here you go: