Drone Laws in the Dominican Republic

Summary of Drone Laws in the Dominican Republic

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Dominican Republic

Drone Regulator in Dominican Republic: Dominican Republic’s Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics, or Instituto Dominicano de Aviación Civil  (IDAC)

Contact Information

If you need additional details we have not covered or specific case help, contact IDAC at:

• Address: Instituto Dominicano De Aviación Civil, Ave. México Esquina. 30 De Marzo, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, República Dominicana.
• Phone:  809-221-7909 |  809-273-2888 |  809-274-4322
• Email:  info@idac.gov.do

Please continue reading for more details on Drone Laws.

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic agency responsible for drone safety, IDAC, 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 the Dominican Republic?

According to IDAC, drones are allowed in the Dominican Republic, subject to IDAC regulations. Read on for more details.

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

In the Dominican Republic, drone operations are classified primarily by weight, not by type of use.

As of April 2018, you will not need a permit if your drone weighs less than 4.4 pounds (two kilograms). 

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

• Drones weighing more than 4.4 pounds must be registered and insured with the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC). 
• Drones weighing less than 4.4 pounds are not required to be registered. 
• You must not operate your drone in a manner that endangers people or property or violates privacy rights. 
• Avoid flying your drone in inclement weather. The operator must maintain visual contact with the drone. 
• Avoid changing operators of the drone while it is in flight. 
• After sunset, do not operate the drone unless you get special authorization. You must illuminate the drone to be seen at a distance of at least one nautical mile. 
• Never operate a drone carelessly. 
• Do not operate drones within five nautical miles of any airport or airfield. 
• Operate only over dangerous or restricted areas with prior authorization from Air Traffic Control. 
• Never operate more than one drone concurrently. 
• Never operate a drone while impaired by drugs or alcohol. 
• Avoid launching objects from drones. 
• Avoid flying drones over areas where firefighters are operating. 
• Drones weighing more than 4.4 pounds may not be operated more than 1,650 feet away from the operator or 400 feet vertically. Drones weighing less than 4.4 pounds cannot fly more than 1500 feet away or 400 feet vertically. 
• Drones weighing more than 4.4 pounds cannot fly faster than 87 knots (100 mph), and drones weighing less than 4.4 pounds cannot fly faster than 30 knots (34 mph). 
• Drones may not be operated from a vehicle except for a watercraft.

IDAC added some clarification on rules as follows¹:

• Drone Regulation is RAD-48. In addition to controlling the air passage, it means more operational safety and that no accident or incident occurs.
• The airports, the National Palace, the Ministry of Defense, the San Isidro Air Base, the Dominican Oil Refinery, the Naval Base of Las Calderas, and the military commandos or camps are restricted areas for boarding drones.
• Operation is regulated to ensure their correct use and prevent them from representing a security risk or violating Dominicans’ privacy. Natural or legal persons who wish to operate a drone over 4.4 pounds must apply for a permit. Otherwise, penalties are established for violating the rules.

Notes For Foreign Operators 

We recommend you obtain permission from IDAC before entering the country, as the airport’s customs department frequently holds this type of item to charge duty taxes. Getting a letter of permission before your arrival will facilitate your entry into the Dominican Republic. 

Allow some time for the application process, which can take up to 25 business days to complete.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in The Dominican Republic

See the general notes above.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in The Dominican Republic

See the general notes above.

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Useful published information on flying drones in The Dominican Republic

Here you can find the IDAC video guide on the use of drones (in Spanish): https://www.idac.gob.do/es/el-idac-orienta-sobre-uso-de-drones/

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

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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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1. https://www.idac.gob.do/es/idac-aclara-sobre-permiso-uso-de-drones/ ↩︎