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)
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?
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.
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.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in The Dominican Republic
See the general notes above.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in The Dominican Republic
See the general notes above.
Useful published information on flying drones in The Dominican Republic
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in The Dominican Republic…
NOTE: 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.
NOW ITS YOUR TURN
So after some emails with the IDAC in the Dominican Republic I was told there were no issues with flying the DJI mini 2. I did contact the resort and they said no problem at all to fly but just follow laws and be aware of guests. 400 ft Mac altitude and 1500 ft distance. I printed out all emails and no issues at customs at all.
Thanks for the update. This will be helpful to others
Hi
I’m from USA and I’m planning to go to Dominican Republic and i bring a drone(Dji mini2)weighing less than 4.4 pounds andI stay at the resort(RiuPalace Punta Cana)
I would like to ask, can I fly a drone and do I need a permit?Thank you for answer.
We recommend you check with the regulator and the resort. Please let us know what you find