Drone Laws in Panama

Panama Drone Regulations

According to Panama’s national aviation authority, the Panama Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (PDCA), flying a drone is legal in Panama, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the PDCA directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: rpublicas@aeronautica.gob.pa / +507 501 9000

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

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Panama

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

• Drone pilots in Panama are required to apply for a Certificate of Operation. However, it appears that certificates from other countries might be recognized, but we recommend confirming this by contacting the PDCA.
• Drones weighing up to 250 grams (.55 pounds) may fly up to 30 meters (98 feet) above the ground. Drones weighing between 250 grams (.55 pounds) and 25 kilograms (55 pounds) may fly up to 60 meters (197 feet) above the ground. Drones weighing between 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and 150 kilograms (330 pounds) may fly up to 120 meters in the air (393 feet).
• Drones cannot fly more than 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from the pilot.
• Drone insurance is required for all drone operations.
• Drones may not fly within 8 kilometers (5 miles) from any airport or airfield.
• Drones may not fly within 150 meters (492) of any building or structure, within cities.
• Drones may not fly within 30 meters (98 feet) horizontally or 10 meters (33 feet) vertically of people.
• Drones may not fly faster than 130 kph (80 mph).
• All commercial drone operations require permission from the PDCA.

For more information on Panama’s drone laws, see this document created by the PDCA.

Know something we don’t about drone laws in Panama? Send us an email at support[at]horizonap[dot]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 Panama can change throughout the year, and those changes can be hard to track. If we missed something, please reach out to let us know.

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