Drone Laws in Belize

Summary of Drone Laws in Belize

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in Belize

Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA)

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Belize

The Belizian agency responsible for drone safety, BDCA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Belize?

According to BDCA, drone use is only allowed for commercial operations in Belize, subject to CAAB regulations. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Belize:

Belize has strict regulations regarding the use of drones. Currently, only commercial users are permitted to bring an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) into Belize if they have been contractually obliged by a Belize-based company or organization. 

Unfortunately, using a camera drone to capture vacation memories in Belize is not currently possible. However, after a change in the law, it should be possible to introduce a drone into Belize for private purposes in the future. 

Drone operations are generally not permitted within Belize without prior approval from the BDCA.

Note For Foreign Operators

Kindly note that Belize is currently only accepting applications for Drone authorizations from international drone operators commissioned for works/services from an approved local business/organization in Belize.

Drone operators providing services in Belize will need to meet the following process and application requirements prior to entering Belize (with their drone device/s):

1. A letter of request/intent shall be submitted to the Director of Civil Aviation (stating the purpose of the works and services being provided by the drone operator/s) from the said business/organization that has commissioned these services in Belize; this must be emailed to the Department of Civil Aviation at the address info@civilaviation.gov.bz and dayne.vasquez@civilaviation.gov.bz. This letter must state the arrival date of the drone operator/s and the location/s of drone operations to be conducted by the drone operator/s in Belize. Additionally, the following shall be submitted:
   • A copy of the drone operator/s identification card (a government-issued ID card, i.e., passport, etc., from the applicant’s country or residency).
   • A letter of approval for works by the Belize Film Commission.
   • A completed copy of the Drone Application Form
2. The Department of Civil Aviation will analyze the request.
3. The operator/s will then need to visit the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) office on the first floor of Philip Goldson International Airport to pay a $30.00 BZE Currency fee for the PERMIT.
4. The drone operator/s will need to take this receipt to the Department of Civil Aviation, where the drone operator/s will receive the Authorization Letter and Permit for entrance and operations in Belize.

(The Government of Belize currently prohibits the temporary importation of drones for recreational/personal usage. The Government of Belize is currently developing requirements and regulations for recreational drone travelers to Belize. This process will allow all travelers to Belize to operate their devices after meeting the necessary requirements under the Laws of Belize.)

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Belize

Not allowed currently. See above.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Belize

For Belizean Drone Operators:

For Belizean Drone Operators:

1. Complete the Drone Application Form
2. Copy of government-issued ID (Passport, Social Security)
3. The operator/s will then need to visit the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) office on the first floor of Philip Goldson International Airport to pay a $30.00 BZE Currency fee for the PERMIT. 
   Note: Drone authorizations are not issued for areas near 0 to 3 miles of an aerodrome (airstrips). Such places are Ladyville, Placencia, Caye Caulker, and North of San Pedro without written approval from the department.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Belize

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Belize…

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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