Drone Flying In Belize: What You Need To Know

If you're planning to travel to Belize and want to fly your drone, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, drone use is legal in Belize, but there are strict regulations in place. Currently, only commercial users or those providing a service are permitted to bring and fly drones in Belize with prior approval from the Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA). Recreational drone use is not allowed for visitors or tourists, and hobbyist drone flights are not permitted. However, the government of Belize is working on developing requirements and regulations for recreational drone use. If you are a commercial drone user, you must obtain a permit and follow the application process outlined by the BDCA, which includes providing documentation and paying a fee. It's important to respect privacy, stay clear of sensitive areas, and adhere to height and distance restrictions when operating a drone in Belize.

Drone flights for foreigners are restricted to commercial purposes only

Flying a drone in Belize is a complex process that requires careful consideration of the country's regulations and guidelines. For foreigners, the ability to fly drones in Belize is currently restricted to commercial purposes only. Here are some important points to consider regarding drone flights for foreigners in Belize:

Authorization and Permits:

Belize's national aviation authority, the Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA), has outlined specific requirements for foreigners seeking to operate drones in the country. Foreigners must obtain authorization from the BDCA and provide evidence of being commissioned for works or services by an approved local business or organization in Belize. This involves submitting a letter to the Director of Civil Aviation, stating the purpose of the drone operation, as well as providing specific details such as the date of arrival and locations of the proposed flights.

Application Process:

The process for obtaining a permit includes submitting a letter of request/intent to the Director of Civil Aviation, providing details of the services to be provided and the purpose of the drone flight. Additionally, a copy of the drone operator's identification card (passport or other government-issued ID) and a letter of approval from the Belize Film Commission are required. The completed Drone Application Form should also be submitted. The Department of Civil Aviation will analyze the request and provide authorization if approved.

Fees and Restrictions:

Drone operators are required to pay a fee of $30.00 BZE Currency (approximately $14.90 USD) for the permit. It's important to note that drone operations are not permitted within 3 miles of any airport or airfield. Belize's regulations also prohibit drone flights within sensitive areas, including government or military facilities. Respect for privacy and adhering to height restrictions are also crucial considerations.

Recreational Drone Usage:

While commercial drone usage is permitted for foreigners with the necessary approvals and permits, recreational drone usage by foreigners is currently prohibited in Belize. The Government of Belize is in the process of developing requirements and regulations for recreational drone usage by travelers. These regulations will outline the necessary requirements that travelers must meet before operating their drones within the country.

You must obtain a permit to fly a drone in Belize

Yes, you must obtain a permit to fly a drone in Belize. Here is what you need to know about the process:

Who Needs a Permit?

Drone use is allowed in Belize, but only for commercial operations. Recreational drone use is not permitted at this time. Both residents and non-residents of Belize must obtain a permit to fly a drone for commercial purposes.

The Application Process

To obtain a permit, you must first get approval from the Belize Film Commission in the form of a letter. Next, you need to submit a letter of intent or request to the Director of Civil Aviation, stating the purpose of your drone use, the services you will provide, your arrival date, and the proposed areas of flight. This letter must be emailed to the Department of Civil Aviation at [email protected] and [email protected] or [email protected].

Along with your letter, you must include a copy of your government-issued identification card (such as a passport) and the completed Drone Application Form, which can be obtained by sending a request to [email protected].

Once you have submitted your application, the Department of Civil Aviation will review and approve or deny your request. If your application is approved, you will need to pay a $30 BZE fee (approximately $14.90 USD) for the permit at the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) office at Philip Goldson International Airport. After paying the fee, you will receive your Authorization Letter and Permit from the Department of Civil Aviation.

Important Notes

It is important to note that the Government of Belize prohibits the temporary importation of drones for recreational or personal use. Additionally, drone operations are not permitted within 3 miles of any airport or airfield. Always follow the general drone laws and regulations in Belize, including respecting others' privacy, maintaining direct visual contact with your drone, and avoiding sensitive areas such as government or military facilities.

You must be commissioned by a Belize-based company to fly a drone

If you're planning to fly a drone in Belize, you'll need to be aware of the country's drone regulations. Here's what you need to know about the requirement to be commissioned by a Belize-based company:

To fly a drone in Belize, you must be commissioned for business purposes by a Belize-based company or organisation. This means that recreational drone pilots are currently unable to fly their drones in Belize. The government of Belize is still in the process of establishing guidelines for recreational drone use.

If you're a commercial drone pilot, you can fly your drone in Belize, but you must have a permit and be commissioned for services or works by a local company or organisation. The process for obtaining a permit involves several steps. First, you must obtain approval from the Belize Film Commission in the form of a letter. Next, you need to submit a letter of intent or request to the Director of Civil Aviation, including details such as the purpose of the drone flight, your arrival date, and the proposed areas of flight. You also need to provide a copy of your passport or government-issued ID.

Once you have all the required documents, you'll submit them to the Department of Civil Aviation for review and approval. If your request is approved, you'll need to pay a fee of $30 Belize dollars (approximately $14.90 USD) at the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) office located at Philip Goldson International Airport. After making the payment, you'll receive an authorisation letter and permit from the Department of Civil Aviation, allowing you to fly your drone in Belize.

It's important to note that drone operations are not permitted within 3 miles of any airport or airfield without written approval from the Department of Civil Aviation. Additionally, the government of Belize prohibits the use of drones in sensitive areas, including military and government facilities. Make sure to familiarise yourself with all the drone regulations in Belize before operating your drone.

Drone flights are not allowed within 3 miles of an airport or airfield

Flying a drone in Belize is legal, but there are strict regulations that drone operators must follow. One of the most important rules to know is that drone operations are prohibited within 3 miles of any airport or airfield. This restriction is in place to ensure the safety of manned aircraft taking off and landing at airports and airfields.

Drone operators must be aware of and avoid any safety hazards their drone may create in an airport environment. It is the responsibility of the drone pilot to know the regulations and guidelines and to ensure they are followed. Airports are busy areas with a constant flow of aircraft, and drones can pose a serious risk if they are not operated responsibly.

The restriction on flying within 3 miles of an airport or airfield is a critical one to follow. Drone operators should also be mindful of other restrictions, such as not flying over people or large crowds, respecting privacy, and not flying in sensitive areas, including government or military facilities.

Belize has specific requirements for foreigners wishing to fly drones in the country. Currently, authorisation is only provided to foreigners who have been commissioned for work by an approved local business or organisation in Belize. To obtain authorisation, a letter stating the purpose of the drone operation and other relevant details must be submitted to the Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA).

It is important to stay informed about drone regulations, as they can change over time, and to contact the relevant authorities if you have any questions or concerns before operating a drone in Belize or any other location.

Drone flights are prohibited in sensitive areas, including military and government facilities

If you're planning to fly a drone in Belize, it's important to be aware of the country's drone regulations and restrictions. While drone use is generally allowed in Belize, certain areas are off-limits for drone operations, especially sensitive locations such as military and government facilities.

Drone flights are prohibited in and around military and government facilities in Belize. This restriction is in place to protect national security and ensure the privacy and safety of these critical installations. As such, drone operators must avoid flying their devices in these areas to comply with the country's drone regulations.

The Belizean authorities take a strict view of drone operations near sensitive areas. Drone operators should be aware that violating these restrictions can result in legal consequences. It is the responsibility of the drone operator to ensure they are familiar with and abide by all applicable laws and regulations regarding drone use in Belize.

In addition to military and government facilities, there are other restricted areas where drone flights are not permitted. These include areas within 3 miles (5 kilometres) of an airport or airfield and within 3 kilometres of a heliport. Drone operators should also refrain from flying over people or large crowds, respect the privacy of others, and always maintain direct visual contact with their drone while in operation.

It's important to note that drone regulations in Belize may change, and it's the responsibility of the drone operator to stay informed about the latest rules and restrictions. Before flying a drone in Belize, operators should familiarise themselves with the most up-to-date information provided by the Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA) and other relevant authorities.

Frequently asked questions