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Drone Laws in Mexico

Summary of Drone Laws in Mexico

Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of Mexico

Drone Operations in Mexico are currently regulated.


  • Hobbyist drone flights are allowed in Mexico
  • Hobbyist Mexico drone pilot license is not required
  • Hobbyist Drone registration is required in Mexico for hobbyists
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in Mexico for hobbyists
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations in Mexico

Read below for more details on Hobbyist Drone Laws in Mexico and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of Mexico

Drone Operations in Mexico are currently regulated.


  • Commercial drone flights are allowed in Mexico
  • Commercial Mexico drone pilot license is required
  • Commercial Drone registration is required in Mexico for commercial drone operators
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in Mexico for Commercial Drone Operators
  • Drone Insurance is required for commercial drone operations in Mexico

Read below for more details on Commercial Drone Laws in Mexico and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Regulations For Visitors To Mexico

Drone Operations in Mexico are currently regulated.


  • Foreign visitor drone flights are allowed in Mexico (however permission is rarely granted)
  • Foreign visitor drone pilot license is not required
  • Drone registration is required in Mexico for visitors/tourists
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in Mexico for tourists
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for tourist drone operations in Mexico

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Mexico for Visitors (Tourists) and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Rules For Government Drone Operators in Mexico

Drone Operations in Mexico are currently regulated.


  • Government drone flights are allowed in Mexico
  • Government drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required in Mexico for Government operations
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in Mexico for Government operations
  • Drone Insurance is not required for Government drone operations in Mexico

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Mexico for Government Drone Operations and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the United Mexican States (Mexico)

Drone Regulators in Mexico: Mexico Secretaria de Communicacaciones Y Transportes (Secretariat of Communications and Transport) and AFAC (Civil Aviation Federal Agency) are the new names for DGAC.

Link to Drone Regulations: Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC)Drone Regulations (In Spanish) and Drone (2019) regulations (In Spanish)

Contact Information

If you need additional details we have not covered or specific case assistance, you can contact the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) directly at:

  • Address: Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos 1990 Los Alpes 01010 Ciudad de México
  • Phone: Federal Civil Aviation Agency (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil, AFAC) at (55) 57239300. For citizen attention, you can call 01-800-888-1013
  • Emailrpas@sct.gob.mx

Please continue reading for more details on Mexico Drone Laws.


UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Mexico

The Mexican agency responsible for drone safety, AFAC, has provided many internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, click on the link above.

Are drones allowed in Mexico?

According to AFAC, drones are allowed in Mexico, subject to AFAC regulations. Read on for details.

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

The Mexican Drone laws enumerate drones into three classes:

  • Micro UAV: UAVs in this category weigh 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or less. Micro UAVs can be flown without authorization from the AA, but if used for commercial activities, they should have third-party liability insurance, among other conditions. They can be flown up to 400 feet above ground level and no more than 1,500 feet from the operator within the visual line of sight.
  • Light UAVs: UAVs in this category weigh between 2 kilograms and 25 kilograms (55 pounds). Light UAVs flown for recreational purposes can only be flown on the grounds of a recognized model aircraft club. Light UAVs flown for commercial purposes must be registered with the AFAC and display license plates. In addition, each individual commercial UAV flight must be authorized by the AA beforehand.
  • Heavy UAVs: UAVs in this category weigh over 25 kilograms. Heavy UAVs must adhere to all the rules that apply to light drones. In addition, heavy UAVs must follow the terms and conditions approved by the AFAC. Heavy UAV operators must have a pilot’s license.

Each weight class is regulated distinctly for recreational and commercial use only.

Operations are permitted only in daylight (unless the FAA grants a written exception), and in areas not classified as prohibited, restricted, or dangerous.

All UAVs must stay 9.2 kilometers (5.72 miles) away from controlled airports, 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) away from uncontrolled airfields, and 900 meters (985 yards) from helicopter pads.

All UAVs must not drop objects that may cause damage to people or property.

UAVs cannot be flown over people or animals.

Operators, whether individuals or corporations, are required to respect all laws and regulations, both federal and local.

The UAV pilot must always keep direct eye contact with the UAV (line of sight)

Only RPAS weighing less than 2 kg can be operated without requiring authorization from the AFAC. Still, if used for commercial activities, they must have third-party damage insurance, among other conditions.

As for those weighing more than 2 kg, they can only be used within model airplane clubs when their use is recreational. Those for commercial use require authorization from the AFAC. The limitations are even more specific to operating devices weighing more than 25 kilograms, which can only fly under the terms and conditions authorized by the AFAC, in addition to the fact that their operator must have a pilot license.

Registering a drone in Mexico

The purpose of this instruction is to inform, in detail, about the procedure that must be carried out to register an RPAS online with the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) through its website.

Applicants must complete and submit their form APPENDIX “K” REGULATIONS: REGISTRATION OF RPAS BY THE RPAS OPERATOR to obtain their registration sheet issued by this aeronautical authority.

The recording of RPAS information must be carried out before starting its corresponding operation.

When you submit your form APPENDIX “K” REGULATIONS: REGISTRATION OF RPAS BY THE RPAS OPERATOR, you certify that all the information contained therein is true and correct. Falsifying information can cause you to lose the right to obtain a record. Check that all your answers are correct and that each question is fully answered.

Attach a digitized copy of the documentation proving the legal ownership or possession of your RPAS, as indicated in paragraphs 5., 5.1., 5.1.1. subparagraph a); 6., 6.1., 6.1.1. in subparagraph a) and 15.3 of the Official Mexican Standard NOM-107-SCT3-2019; remember that this information may be protected against third parties in case of any incident or conflict of interest.

*Instructive to obtain a registration of RPAS issued by the Mexican Aeronautical Registry, Dependent on the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).

1. Fill out the form APPENDIX “K” REGULATIONS: REGISTRATION OF RPAS BY THE RPAS OPERATOR.

2. If you are a natural person, you must prove your personality by attaching a digitized copy of your official identification.

3. If you are a legal person, you must prove your personality by attaching a digitized copy of the articles of law and power of attorney.

4. Review the data provided (the waiting time to obtain your registration depends on it).

5. Prepare a scanned copy of the documentation proving ownership or possession of your RPAS (supported formats .pdf, .docx, .jpg, or .png).

6. Send an email to rpas@sct.gob.mx requesting registration for an RPAS, attaching the complete form in the format (Excel) provided below, along with its printed version signed by you and adding in an autograph way your Federal Register of Taxpayers with homoclave, if you have it; as well as digitized copies of the documentation proving the ownership

7. Wait for your registration sheet or the considerations to be covered to obtain it at the email address provided within ten business days from your application’s entry date.

8. Use the space within your email to mention if you had any difficulties or problems filling out the form. Include the comments you have not been able to add, indicating which question on the form they refer to

9. If necessary, we will contact you to solve the problem. Otherwise, their appreciation will serve to improve the tool for future editions.

10. For any questions about it, please contact Tel: (55) 57239300 EXT. 18111, 18113, and 18125.

Appendix “J” Registration of RPAS marketed in Mexico

Appendix “K” Registration of RPAS by owners


Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Mexico

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.


Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Mexico

Authorization for photography and recording in areas, monuments, and museums of INAH

You must get permission to take photographs, film, or record in areas, monuments, and museums of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) for professional or commercial purposes. There is also a fee for taking photos or videos in INAH areas. To apply for permission to take photos and videos in INAH areas, you will need to provide the following to INAH:

  • A written document addressed to the National Coordination of Legal Affairs with a brief synopsis of the project
  • Any Script, storyboard, or dummy sketch
  • Application form INAH-01-001

Start your application process online here. You will complete the application at the INAH service offices.

License for Commercial Drone Operators in Mexico

Commercial drone operators are required to obtain a license to fly a drone in Mexico. To obtain a drone license in Mexico, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be Mexican by birth
  • Provide your military release card
  • Have a high school diploma
  • Be in good health

Foreign Operators

Contact the AFAC for specific rules and regulations. Foreign operations of drones are mostly prohibited. Only in rare circumstances will they be approved.


Useful published information on flying drones in Mexico

Here is a useful introduction video (in Spanish) of tips for flying a drone legally in Mexico…


Authoritative Sources of Information on Mexico Drone Laws

We will attempt to keep an updated list of online authoritative links to regulators and other official websites here:



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.


Find out why

We think you must use a Drone Preflight Checklist

And a Drone Post-flight checklist

Free Drone Flight Checklist PDF

This Drone Flight Checklist is better than others.

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It includes both the preflight checklist and post-flight checklist

It’s an easy-to-use printable PDF that covers all your bases.


Traveling with a Drone?

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



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29 responses to “Drone Laws in Mexico”

  1. Kyle Gladwin

    After clicking the “appendix K” link and translating, in section 4. General Provisions, there is a few lines :4.10.15. RPAS for scientific research must obtain authorization from the Aeronautical Authority, as indicated in this Official Mexican Standard, authorization from INEGI in compliance with articles 60 and 61 of the Law of the National System of Statistical and Geographic Information and permission from the Ministry of National Defense in compliance with article 29, section XVIII of the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration.
    4.10.16. An RPAS with foreign registration or registration or operated by foreign RPAS operators, other than those mentioned in numeral 4.10.15 of this Official Mexican Standard, may not operate in Mexico, unless there is a bilateral agreement between the Aeronautical Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of the state of registration/registration.
    So, as I read it, an RPAS (drone) may not be operated in Mexico by a foreigner, except if conducting scientific research and approved by various Authorities

    1. Editorial Team

      Foreign operations require regulator approval.

    2. Brian

      That was just confirmed to me this morning.

      I received this today from Raul Nateras Gomez (raul.nateras@afac.gob.mx) the AFAC, Mexican equivalent of FAA:

      In response to your email received at buzon_ucg@sict.gob.mx on April 20 of this year and based on section 4.10.16. of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-107-SCT3-2019, which establishes the requirements to operate a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in Mexican airspace, I inform you that RPAS operations by foreigners are not allowed in Mexico, regardless of the weight of the aircraft or the intended use of it.

      I add the aforementioned numeral for quick reference

      4.10.16. They will not be able to operate in Mexico an RPAS with foreign registration or registration or operated by
      foreign RPAS operators, other than those mentioned in section 4.10.15 of this Standard
      Mexican Official, unless there is a bilateral agreement between the Aeronautical Authority and the Aviation Authority.
      Civil Aviation of the state of registration/registration.

      NOM-107-SCT3-2019 can be consulted in its entirety through the following link: http://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/597816/nom-107-sct3-2019-201119.pdf

      Without further ado for the moment, I take this opportunity to send you a cordial greeting.

      So Mexico is a no-fly zone for foreigners….

  2. Thierry

    Hello,
    I am not a mexican citizen and having applied for the registration of my drone to thé aboie authorities, I was request to provide the following in addition to thé mentioned documents:
    “Documento expedido por la autoridad migratoria mediante el cual acredite su estancia regular en el país, lo anterior de conformidad con lo establecido en el artículo 14 Quinquies fracción III del Reglamento del Registro Aeronáutico Mexicano.”
    Anyone knows how I can get this document?
    Thanks

    1. Editorial Team

      Thierry, this is either your visa or entry documents when you arrive in Mexico.

      1. Thierry

        Many thanks for your answer !

  3. Grassler Jürgen

    I want to travel to Mexico and use my drone in Mexiko. I read at your homepage that it is allowed to use a drone with an start weight under 250g in Mexiko without registration. I am not a Mexican citizen. I have a DJI Mini Pro 3. Is the law still current?
    I be allowed to fly a drone?

    1. Editorial Team

      Please contact the regulator for specific rules related to tourist drone flights.

  4. Alexandre

    Hello, I am foreign and I plan to go to Riviera Maya for holidays on december and fly my dji mini 2 there. Is it possible to do it? If so, what do I need to do to follow the rules? Do i need to fill any registration form, and is it possible to find a map with the restricted areas in the surroundings? Thanks

    1. Editorial Team

      Tourist operations of drones are allowed, however you must contact the regulators to get the specific details for getting registered and authorized.
      We are not aware of an official No Fly Zone Map but you should be able to start with DJI Geo Zone system

  5. Chris

    Arrived at Merida Intl Airport and was slapped with a 19% tax on my personally owned DJI drone. They will ask how much you bought it for and tax you based on what you tell them.

    1. Cameron

      Hey Chris, curious did you have proof of your prior purchase available to show them? Guessing they assumed you’d made the purchase in-country. We are flying down in a few weeks and what I’m seeing online says to be prepared with proof of purchase. If you did so may just have to be prepared to pay the tax.

      1. MG

        I was charged 19% tax today in Cabo from a purchase in 2019. Initially I couldn’t find a receipt so they said “this is a comparable version” and it was a $500 drone. I paid $270 for it in 2019. They printed me a bill for 19% tax of the comparable version. I found and produced the receipt from 2019 and they still charged me 19% tax. I saved a little after finding the receipt but obviously the entire thing is just corrupt. What a joke.

        1. Temika

          This may be a silly question, but do you get your “tax” back when leaving? I’m going to Tulum in November and trying to be best prepared as possible. That’s insane to pay for a 2019 purchase, seriously.

          1. Editorial Team

            Our understanding is that the tax is not refundable. Does anyone here have any expereince getting a refund?

          2. Mike Stone

            NO, this is an import duty tax. It is non refundable.

  6. Victor

    Hi my name is Victor I have a holy Stone drone in this under 2 kg would I be allowed to fly it in Cabo San Lucas?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      The drone is allowed if you follw the regualtions

  7. Lungwao

    You cant even fidn the DGAC website… Google and searched all day for answers. I’d like to try and get a clearance from them even as a non citizen. Cant believe they dont allow foreigners to fly. Half the country is an empty desert.

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      The DGAC is now AFAC (Civil Aviation Federal Agency), see link above. Please note that these sites are changing and are sometimes not accessible

    2. Henrik

      Hi Lungwao
      Did you manage to find the DGAC website. And, if, did you manage to get a clearance after all?

  8. Stefan

    The links to the appendixes don’t work. Could someone upload them somewhere else?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Stefan, we have included a new link that brings up the regulations and the appendices. Hopefully, the original links will be back up soon.

  9. Carl

    Hi, are foreigners allowed to bring and fly a drone in Mexico for recreational use and under 2kg? Previously at least, you had to be a local.

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Carl, unfortunately, best as we can tell, the regulations don’t say one way or the other. You should contact DGAC directly, and please come back and tell us about your experience.

      1. Mike Stone

        I am an American that has been living in Mexico for over 18 years. I established numerous contacts with AFAC,Policia Federale, State and other law enforcement agencies. I never get the same answer to the same question when I ask about non Mexican citizens flying drones (under 250 grams) here. Many people have them confiscated, fined or at least verbally assaulted. So fly at your own risk. Most of the times if you’re flying respectfully you will be ok. Make it a point to seek out the law enforcement officers and be nice. But when flying into Mexico be prepared to pay the duty tax upon entry, so bring a receipt with you.

    2. Vanessa

      Hey! We’re going to Mexico tmr, are drones allowed? Ours is under 2kg?

      1. Merlin at Drone Laws

        Vanessa, the DGAC has not published specific rules related to foreign operators. Under 2kg is allowed (see above), and we have been told that foreigners have flown small drones without requiring DGAC approval (please note there are some restricted areas that do require approval regardless of drone size). If in doubt, we recommend checking with DGAC

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29 thoughts on “Drone Laws in Mexico”

  1. After clicking the “appendix K” link and translating, in section 4. General Provisions, there is a few lines :4.10.15. RPAS for scientific research must obtain authorization from the Aeronautical Authority, as indicated in this Official Mexican Standard, authorization from INEGI in compliance with articles 60 and 61 of the Law of the National System of Statistical and Geographic Information and permission from the Ministry of National Defense in compliance with article 29, section XVIII of the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration.
    4.10.16. An RPAS with foreign registration or registration or operated by foreign RPAS operators, other than those mentioned in numeral 4.10.15 of this Official Mexican Standard, may not operate in Mexico, unless there is a bilateral agreement between the Aeronautical Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of the state of registration/registration.
    So, as I read it, an RPAS (drone) may not be operated in Mexico by a foreigner, except if conducting scientific research and approved by various Authorities

    Reply
    • That was just confirmed to me this morning.

      I received this today from Raul Nateras Gomez (raul.nateras@afac.gob.mx) the AFAC, Mexican equivalent of FAA:

      In response to your email received at buzon_ucg@sict.gob.mx on April 20 of this year and based on section 4.10.16. of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-107-SCT3-2019, which establishes the requirements to operate a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in Mexican airspace, I inform you that RPAS operations by foreigners are not allowed in Mexico, regardless of the weight of the aircraft or the intended use of it.

      I add the aforementioned numeral for quick reference

      4.10.16. They will not be able to operate in Mexico an RPAS with foreign registration or registration or operated by
      foreign RPAS operators, other than those mentioned in section 4.10.15 of this Standard
      Mexican Official, unless there is a bilateral agreement between the Aeronautical Authority and the Aviation Authority.
      Civil Aviation of the state of registration/registration.

      NOM-107-SCT3-2019 can be consulted in its entirety through the following link: http://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/597816/nom-107-sct3-2019-201119.pdf

      Without further ado for the moment, I take this opportunity to send you a cordial greeting.

      So Mexico is a no-fly zone for foreigners….

      Reply
  2. Hello,
    I am not a mexican citizen and having applied for the registration of my drone to thé aboie authorities, I was request to provide the following in addition to thé mentioned documents:
    “Documento expedido por la autoridad migratoria mediante el cual acredite su estancia regular en el país, lo anterior de conformidad con lo establecido en el artículo 14 Quinquies fracción III del Reglamento del Registro Aeronáutico Mexicano.”
    Anyone knows how I can get this document?
    Thanks

    Reply
  3. I want to travel to Mexico and use my drone in Mexiko. I read at your homepage that it is allowed to use a drone with an start weight under 250g in Mexiko without registration. I am not a Mexican citizen. I have a DJI Mini Pro 3. Is the law still current?
    I be allowed to fly a drone?

    Reply
  4. Hello, I am foreign and I plan to go to Riviera Maya for holidays on december and fly my dji mini 2 there. Is it possible to do it? If so, what do I need to do to follow the rules? Do i need to fill any registration form, and is it possible to find a map with the restricted areas in the surroundings? Thanks

    Reply
    • Tourist operations of drones are allowed, however you must contact the regulators to get the specific details for getting registered and authorized.
      We are not aware of an official No Fly Zone Map but you should be able to start with DJI Geo Zone system

      Reply
  5. Arrived at Merida Intl Airport and was slapped with a 19% tax on my personally owned DJI drone. They will ask how much you bought it for and tax you based on what you tell them.

    Reply
    • Hey Chris, curious did you have proof of your prior purchase available to show them? Guessing they assumed you’d made the purchase in-country. We are flying down in a few weeks and what I’m seeing online says to be prepared with proof of purchase. If you did so may just have to be prepared to pay the tax.

      Reply
      • I was charged 19% tax today in Cabo from a purchase in 2019. Initially I couldn’t find a receipt so they said “this is a comparable version” and it was a $500 drone. I paid $270 for it in 2019. They printed me a bill for 19% tax of the comparable version. I found and produced the receipt from 2019 and they still charged me 19% tax. I saved a little after finding the receipt but obviously the entire thing is just corrupt. What a joke.

        Reply
        • This may be a silly question, but do you get your “tax” back when leaving? I’m going to Tulum in November and trying to be best prepared as possible. That’s insane to pay for a 2019 purchase, seriously.

          Reply
  6. You cant even fidn the DGAC website… Google and searched all day for answers. I’d like to try and get a clearance from them even as a non citizen. Cant believe they dont allow foreigners to fly. Half the country is an empty desert.

    Reply
    • Stefan, we have included a new link that brings up the regulations and the appendices. Hopefully, the original links will be back up soon.

      Reply
  7. Hi, are foreigners allowed to bring and fly a drone in Mexico for recreational use and under 2kg? Previously at least, you had to be a local.

    Reply
    • Carl, unfortunately, best as we can tell, the regulations don’t say one way or the other. You should contact DGAC directly, and please come back and tell us about your experience.

      Reply
      • I am an American that has been living in Mexico for over 18 years. I established numerous contacts with AFAC,Policia Federale, State and other law enforcement agencies. I never get the same answer to the same question when I ask about non Mexican citizens flying drones (under 250 grams) here. Many people have them confiscated, fined or at least verbally assaulted. So fly at your own risk. Most of the times if you’re flying respectfully you will be ok. Make it a point to seek out the law enforcement officers and be nice. But when flying into Mexico be prepared to pay the duty tax upon entry, so bring a receipt with you.

        Reply
      • Vanessa, the DGAC has not published specific rules related to foreign operators. Under 2kg is allowed (see above), and we have been told that foreigners have flown small drones without requiring DGAC approval (please note there are some restricted areas that do require approval regardless of drone size). If in doubt, we recommend checking with DGAC

        Reply

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