Drone Laws in Bolivia

Summary of Drone Laws in Bolivia

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Plurinational State of Bolivia

Bolivia’s Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC)

DGAC Drones Section with Links to Forms

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Bolivia

The Bolivian agency responsible for drone safety, DGAC, 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 Bolivia?

According to DGAC, drone use is allowed in Bolivia, subject to DGAC regulations. Read on for more details.

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

Bolivia passed a new law regulating drone flights in 2019. Since then, drone operators must register all drones weighing more than 250 grams. You may register using this linked online form. A fee of 50 bolivianos is due for any drone weighing 6 kilograms or more. Registration requires a minimum age of 18 years. When a business is registered, it is assigned a registration number. You must prominently display your business registration number on the drone. 

Bolivia requires that all aerial photographs be approved by the Servicio Nacional de Aerofotogrametra (SNA).

By and large, nobody should be at risk when using drones:

• Flights over crowds such as outdoor events, festivals, sporting events, or demonstrations are prohibited without permission. 
• You must maintain a 50-meter buffer zone between your drone and congested areas, pedestrian areas, buildings, and private and public housing. 
• There is a 6-kilometer safety zone around airports and a 2-kilometer safety zone around heliports. 
• Drones should stay a minimum of 9 kilometers away from forest fires. 
• Flights are also prohibited near military and police bases, prisons, the government palace, the president’s residence, and the president and vice president’s whereabouts. 
• You can fly only between sunrise and sunset and in good visibility and weather conditions, so there should be no fog, rain, snow, or ice on the ground. 
• Keep the drone within your visual line of sight at all times. 
• You must not control drones from moving vehicles. 
• Pilots are limited to operating a single drone at a time. 
• The maximum speed is 70 kilometers per hour. 
• Flight maneuvers should not be performed while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances. 
• Minors operating drones must be supervised by an adult (18 years and older).

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Bolivia

Bolivia distinguishes between recreational drone flights and “aerial work” (Trabajos aéreos). The definition is not concerned with the commercial aspect but with the purpose. 

As photography is listed as one of these purposes, it appears that private users of camera drones fall under the aerial work category. Thus, photography drone use would require the Civil Aviation Authority to register each flight (DGAC). 

It is sufficient to send the completed online form at least 12 hours in advance for drones weighing less than 6 kg and complying with the following rules.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Bolivia

Bolivia distinguishes between recreational drone flights and “aerial work” (Trabajos aéreos). The definition is not concerned with the commercial aspect but with the purpose. 

As photography is listed as one of these purposes, it appears that private users of camera drones fall under the aerial work category. Thus, photography drone use would require the Civil Aviation Authority to register each flight (DGAC). 

It is sufficient to send the completed online form at least 12 hours in advance for drones weighing less than 6 kg and complying with the rules above.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Bolivia

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

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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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