Philippines Drone Laws

Drones are allowed in the Philippines, subject to CAAP regulations. Official links and Philippines Drone Laws explained for residents and visitors, hobbyists, recreational, commercial and government drone flyers.

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Drone Laws in the Philippines

Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of the Philippines

Drone Operations in the Philippines are currently regulated.

  • Hobbyist drone flights are allowed in the Philippines
  • Hobbyist Philippines drone pilot license is required in some cases and flying over 7kg drones
  • Hobbyist Drone registration is required in the Philippines for hobbyists
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in the Philippines for hobbyists
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations in the Philippines

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

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of the Philippines

Drone Regulator in The Philippines: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)

Link to Drone Regulation Section of Regulator Website: CAAP RPAS Regulation Section

UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in the Philippines

The Philippines agency responsible for drone safety, CAAP, 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 Philippines?

According to CAAP, drones are allowed in the Philippines, subject to CAAP regulations. Read on for more details.

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

  • To fly a drone commercially or fly a drone weighing more than 7 kilograms (15 pounds), you must obtain a CAAP certificate. For additional information, see the section below. 
  • Fly only during daylight hours and in good weather. 
  • Allow the drone to remain within your visual line of sight. 
  • Avoid flying over densely populated areas, such as schools or markets. 
  • Never fly higher than 400 feet above the ground. 
  • Keep a safe distance of at least 30 meters (98 feet) from people not involved in the drone’s operation. 
  • Avoid flying within a radius of 10 kilometers (6 miles) of airports. 
  • Avoid flying near disasters, such as fires.

Certification Requirements for Flying a Drone in the Philippines

Large drones weighing more than 7 kilograms (15 pounds) and drones for commercial use require a CAAP UAV certificate. The authorization is divided into three sections: 

  • Certificate as a UAV Controller / Pilot 
  • Registration of unmanned aerial vehicles 
  • Certificate of UAV Operator 

To earn the UAV Controller / Pilot Certificate, sometimes referred to as Drone License Philippines, you must complete a training course, pass an exam, and demonstrate proficiency in flight. This certificate is valid for five years. The UAV Operator Certificate is valid for three years and requires a letter of intent and detailed operations specifications. 

Following registration, the required registration marks must be visible on the UAV.

RPA Controller Certificate

APPLICATION FOR RPA CONTROLLER CERTIFICATE

  1. The application for RPA Controller’s Certificate shall be made in writing, signed, and sworn to by the applicant. The application shall also state the following:
    1. The date and place of filing;
    2. The name of the applicant;
    3. The address of the applicant;
    4. The intended RPA to be controlled;
    5. Details of any flight crew license, air traffic control license, or operations officer license that the applicant holds (include details of ratings, endorsements, and qualifications);
    6. Details of applicant’s experience in operating RPAs.
    7. Evidence of the completion of any training course in RPA operation that the applicant has undertaken.
  2. The Authority may refuse to consider, or cease considering, the application until the applicant gives the information or a copy of it.

ELIGIBILITY FOR RPA CONTROLLER CERTIFICATE

  1. No person is eligible for the issuance of an RPA Controller Certificate unless he or she:
    1. Has completed an RPA training course as conducted by the RPA manufacturer in the operation of the type of RPA that he or she proposes to operate; and
    2. Has at least five (5) hours of experience operating RPAs outside controlled airspace.
    3. Has Passed the RPAS Exam.
    4. Has passed the demonstration flight conducted by the authorized personnel of the Authority.

VALIDITY OF RPA CONTROLLER CERTIFICATE

  1. An RPA Controller Certificate issued by the Authority is effective for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance and remains valid until:
    1. The Authority amends, suspends, revokes, or otherwise terminates the certificate;
    2. The RPA Controller surrenders it to the Authority.

VALIDATION OF FOREIGN RPA CONTROLLER CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, OR AUTHORIZATION

  1. A person who holds a current and valid RPA Controller Certificate, License, or Authorization issued by another Contracting State may apply for validation of such license or authorization for use on Remotely Piloted Aircraft registered with the Authority.
  2. The Authority shall verify the authenticity of the license/authorization and ratings with the issuing state.
  3. A validation certificate will be issued, provided:
    1. That the applicant shall present to the Authority the foreign-issued license/authorization.
    2. That the foreign-issued license/authorization is current and valid.
  4. A validation certificate, based upon the relevant foreign-issued license/authorization, will be issued provided the following requirements are met: The applicant for the validation certificate shall present to the Authority the foreign license/authorization and evidence of the experience required by PCAR Part 2; 2.13.3. The validation certificate will be valid for one (1) year, provided that the foreign license/authorization is
    1. still current and valid.
    2. The applicant for the validation certificate shall:
    1. Have completed an RPA training course conducted by the RPA manufacturer in the operation of the type of RPA that he or she proposes to operate;
    2. Have at least five (5) hours of experience in operating RPAs.
    3. Pass the demonstration flight conducted by the authorized personnel of the Authority.

Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in the Philippines

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

You do not need a license or a permit to fly a drone for recreational purposes if it weighs less than 7 kg and you fly keeping within the following rules: 

  • At a maximum altitude of 122 meters above the surface of the earth. 
  • At least 30 meters away from people or large crowds, respect individuals’ privacy. 
  • at least ten kilometers from airports 
  • It is prudent to obtain insurance that covers all risks. 
  • Away from areas where its use could jeopardize the work of law enforcement or first responders. 
  • At all times, fly in daylight and within your line of sight. 
  • If your drone weighs more than 7 kg, or if you violate any other provision of the preceding code of conduct, you must follow the commercial use rules outlined below. 

Drone Regulations For Visitors To the Philippines

Drone Operations in the Philippines are currently regulated.

  • Foreign visitor drone flights are allowed in the Philippines
  • Foreign visitor drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration/authorization is required in the Philippines for visitors/tourists
  • Drone Remote ID is not required in the Philippines for tourists
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for tourist drone operations in the Philippines

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

Note for Foreign Operators

Importing UAVs into the Philippines

You should obtain a “Carnet” or Merchandise Passport for your UAV equipment before entering the Philippines. This may prevent lengthy customs procedures and even eliminate the need to pay import taxes. While the Philippines is a non-carnet country, the Philippine Bureau of Customs may accept it as documentation. 

In some instances, the Bureau of Customs will require an “Import Bond” to ensure that the UAV equipment is not resold into the market. The cost is determined by the imported unmanned aerial vehicle’s declared value.

Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of the Philippines

Drone Operations in the Philippines are currently regulated.

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

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

Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in the Philippines

Commercial drone use is prohibited in the Philippines without a permit. 

An operator shall not conduct aerial work unless they possess a valid authorization certificate issued by the Authority. 

Each applicant must apply for the initial issuance of a certificate of authorization at least 90 days before the intended date of operation. 

The Authority may issue a certificate of authorization if it determines that the applicant is: 

  • a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.
  • that the applicant’s principal place of business and registered office, if any, are located in the Republic of the Philippines.
  • that the applicant complies with all applicable regulations and standards governing the holder of a certificate of authorization; and 
  • that the applicant is appropriately and adequately capitalized. 

The Authority may deny an application for a certificate of authorization if it determines that the applicant is not properly or adequately equipped or capable of conducting safe aerial work operations:

  • the applicant previously held a certificate of authorization that was revoked; or 
  • the applicant previously had a certificate of authorization that was revoked. 
  • A person who contributed to the circumstances that resulted in revoking a certificate of authorization acquires substantial ownership or is employed in a position required by this country’s regulation. 

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

Drone Rules For Government Drone Operators in the Philippines

Drone Operations in the Philippines are currently regulated.

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

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

Useful published information on flying drones in the Philippines

Here is a video provided by CAAP regarding the general regulations of drone flights in the Philippines…

Drone / UAV Rules and Regulation

Authoritative Sources of Information on the Philippines 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.

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Traveling with a Drone?

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

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43 responses to “Philippines Drone Laws”

  1. Lee S

    I am planning to visit Cebu for less than a week for travel purposes and would like to bring a drone for recreational use. The drone weighs less than 1 kilogram and is designed for beginners. When I previously visited a place in Cebu, I noticed that government approval is required to fly a drone. In this case, what should I do?

    The area was neither near an airport nor crowded with people, and there were no roads with passing vehicles. However, I saw a notice stating that drone flying was not allowed in that location and that government approval was required if I wanted to fly a drone.

    Reply
    1. Editorial Team

      In certain instances the authorities require license, registration, or authorization to fly. You must contact the regulator when those are indicated.

      Reply
  2. Fatih Taskin

    hello, i will come to manila and batangas march 2024 and i want to take some drone shots from manila city and batangas city. And also i want to record batangas statue biggest statue… Thats my hobby, not for work or anything…
    I have pilot license in my own country and my drone is Dji Mavic 3 pro, do i need anything more?

    Reply
    1. Editorial Team

      Faith, you will need the proper documents to take your drone into the Philippines. Once there you will also need to register and get permission from CAAP for flights if the area is restricted.

      Reply
  3. Gino Peraro

    Hello I will be traveling in the coming month of February to your country specifically to the locations of Coron, El Nido, Boracay, Siargao. I will bring with me a small and very light drone (249 grams) for hobby and recreational purposes, I would like to know if a permit is needed to use this drone and for these purposes. And in case a permit is required where and how to apply for it.
    Thank you in advance and regards.

    Reply
    1. Editorial Team

      Gino, we are not aware of any exemptions in the CAAP rules for small drones. So our advice is to follow the rules above for your specific case. You should also contact CAAP to see if there have been any changes to their rules.

      Reply
  4. Dominic James Quebrar

    We are planning to use drones (2kg) inside our company warehouse for inventory. Do we need to get a permit for it?

    Reply
    1. Editorial Team

      Indoor drone use is generally not regulated, except for getting permission of the building owner, but this is considered commercial activity which requires the permit/authorization of CAAP. We recommend you contact CAAP for clarification and the best answer.

      Reply
    2. NDG

      Hello, am I allowed to shoot the SM MOA Globe without a permit? Establishing shot only to be used on social media.

      Reply
      1. Editorial Team

        Please check with CAAP. If you are doing it for SM then they should be able to give you permission, assuming you are following all the other regulations (licensing, etc.)

        Reply
  5. Integrale Solutions

    Our mining quarries in remote locations have a history of harassment from insurgents and bandits. We use recreational drones for aerial security patrols. Would this be categorized as commercial activity?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Yes, this sounds like commercial activity. You should check with the regulator if in doubt

      Reply
  6. Steve

    my wife and i will be going to the Philippines for vacation, we would like to be able to take our drone with is so we can take pics and video while on vacation there. i have looked, but seem to be getting conflicting info. what do i need to do so i can take it there ? for PAL, i could put it in my hand carry if need be. do i need any documentation for customs ? any help would be great, thanks

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      We have heard mixed feedback regarding taking a drone to the Philippines. Officially you should declare the drone and register it before flying there. You must also have your drone license approved for use there

      Reply
  7. Tony

    Hello,

    I’ll be flying from Switzerland to Manilla with two sub 250g drones (AVATA and mini pro 3). I am flying for fun only, do I require a permit ? Am I even allowed to bring drones with me in the airplane or will the custom at the Manilla airport restrict my drone ?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please see the note for foreign operators above

      Reply
  8. Herve

    Are foreigners on a permanent residency visa, allowed to operate a drone commercially, or only Philippines citizens are allowed?

    This website mentions that the Authority may issue a certificate of authorization if it determines that the applicant is:
    a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Yes. In fact if you are licensed in aa foreign approved state, your license can meet the experience requirements for CAAP certification. We have added some links and information above.

      Reply
      1. Jason

        Hi there,

        I’m a foreigner and I’m planning on flying commercially. I’m currently on a tourist visa. I’m planning on starting a drone business with a Filipino citizen. However, through this arrangement. Will I be able to get my commercial drone pilot license?

        Reply
        1. Editorial Team

          Yes. Follow the CAAP process for commercial licensing

          Reply
  9. Akim

    I have a 249g drone for recreational use only. I am planning to use it at the Dolomite beach. Do I need to secure a permit before I can use the drone?

    TIA

    Reply
  10. Michael Loyola

    I have a dji mini se and weighs below 250 grams here in the US we do not need to register or need a license to fly. does Philippines have the same rules

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      The Philippines has its own rules, which are different from US rules. You would not need to register or get a license to fly that drone if you are a Philippines citizen. Else, you must follow the section on foreign operators above.

      Reply
  11. Rene

    may list ba ang caap ng accredited licensing center for uav pilots

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Not sure what you are asking

      Reply
  12. Richard Ng

    Hi
    I would like to find out if there are drone flying clubs or flyers in Manila. I m visiting n would like to join.
    Thans

    Reply
  13. Conrado Alcantara

    its highly discriminatory that only Philippine citizens and not also those with permanent visa qualify.

    Reply
  14. rafael

    I take some overhead shots in my real estate company – do I need a government license for that?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      This activity falls under commercial activity and requires a permit

      Reply
  15. Leo Espinosa

    Hello,. I just wanna know if land owners in the Philippines or any person owning some property like a house can RESTICT the airspace above their property and can they actually file a case against us ( drone owners ) if we fly our drone above their property or even just to fly pass it,.. PLEASE, this is important for us drone owners because alot of people hates us whenever we fly our drones,..

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      CAAP and other government regulators can restrict airspace. Property owners cannot do so by themselves.

      Reply
    2. Tiny Vent

      Real estate owners in the Philippines have rights over their land surface, above and below the ground. The owners have the right to use and control the air space over his land subject to the requirements of aerial navigation, laws, or contract.

      Reply
  16. Edgardo Baccay

    Public places should be more spicific if we can fly rec drone in those places (Dolomite Beach). Posters should be posted in visible places. Was accousted by maritime guard while flying my drone and said out to bring down the drone ASAP.

    Reply
    1. Rex

      Because it is near U.S. Embassy

      Reply
      1. Kenny

        But I see a lot of Youtube videos flying a drone at the Dolomite.

        Reply
  17. charm

    what are the common areas of a no fly zone for One. are naval bases one? my drones seems not flying in our area

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Naval bases are typically restricted zones

      Reply
  18. Poof

    someone is droning my property and we currently have a legal case against that man, is that illegal?

    Reply
    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Please check with your local law enforcement

      Reply
      1. Mary Jan T. Ugale.

        Can i fly the holystone HS720E with a 370 grams with a battery drone without a
        permit

        Reply
        1. Merlin at Drone Laws

          Mary, you do not require a CAAP certificate to fly this drone. But you may need permission depending on where you will be flying, or if you are using it for commercial activity. You can follow the link to the regulator website for additional information

          Reply
          1. Arl Manlangit

            Can I fly a drone owned by a government agency? I used drones in my job flying along the highway and rivers and some places for site validation.

          2. Merlin at Drone Laws

            Government agency drone use follows a very specific approval process which is beyond the scope of our site. Please contact the regulators

Leave a Comment

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43 thoughts on “Philippines Drone Laws”

  1. I am planning to visit Cebu for less than a week for travel purposes and would like to bring a drone for recreational use. The drone weighs less than 1 kilogram and is designed for beginners. When I previously visited a place in Cebu, I noticed that government approval is required to fly a drone. In this case, what should I do?

    The area was neither near an airport nor crowded with people, and there were no roads with passing vehicles. However, I saw a notice stating that drone flying was not allowed in that location and that government approval was required if I wanted to fly a drone.

    Reply

    • In certain instances the authorities require license, registration, or authorization to fly. You must contact the regulator when those are indicated.

      Reply

  2. hello, i will come to manila and batangas march 2024 and i want to take some drone shots from manila city and batangas city. And also i want to record batangas statue biggest statue… Thats my hobby, not for work or anything…
    I have pilot license in my own country and my drone is Dji Mavic 3 pro, do i need anything more?

    Reply

    • Faith, you will need the proper documents to take your drone into the Philippines. Once there you will also need to register and get permission from CAAP for flights if the area is restricted.

      Reply

  3. Hello I will be traveling in the coming month of February to your country specifically to the locations of Coron, El Nido, Boracay, Siargao. I will bring with me a small and very light drone (249 grams) for hobby and recreational purposes, I would like to know if a permit is needed to use this drone and for these purposes. And in case a permit is required where and how to apply for it.
    Thank you in advance and regards.

    Reply

    • Gino, we are not aware of any exemptions in the CAAP rules for small drones. So our advice is to follow the rules above for your specific case. You should also contact CAAP to see if there have been any changes to their rules.

      Reply

  4. We are planning to use drones (2kg) inside our company warehouse for inventory. Do we need to get a permit for it?

    Reply

    • Indoor drone use is generally not regulated, except for getting permission of the building owner, but this is considered commercial activity which requires the permit/authorization of CAAP. We recommend you contact CAAP for clarification and the best answer.

      Reply

      • Please check with CAAP. If you are doing it for SM then they should be able to give you permission, assuming you are following all the other regulations (licensing, etc.)

        Reply

  5. Our mining quarries in remote locations have a history of harassment from insurgents and bandits. We use recreational drones for aerial security patrols. Would this be categorized as commercial activity?

    Reply

  6. my wife and i will be going to the Philippines for vacation, we would like to be able to take our drone with is so we can take pics and video while on vacation there. i have looked, but seem to be getting conflicting info. what do i need to do so i can take it there ? for PAL, i could put it in my hand carry if need be. do i need any documentation for customs ? any help would be great, thanks

    Reply

    • We have heard mixed feedback regarding taking a drone to the Philippines. Officially you should declare the drone and register it before flying there. You must also have your drone license approved for use there

      Reply

  7. Hello,

    I’ll be flying from Switzerland to Manilla with two sub 250g drones (AVATA and mini pro 3). I am flying for fun only, do I require a permit ? Am I even allowed to bring drones with me in the airplane or will the custom at the Manilla airport restrict my drone ?

    Reply

  8. Are foreigners on a permanent residency visa, allowed to operate a drone commercially, or only Philippines citizens are allowed?

    This website mentions that the Authority may issue a certificate of authorization if it determines that the applicant is:
    a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.

    Reply

    • Yes. In fact if you are licensed in aa foreign approved state, your license can meet the experience requirements for CAAP certification. We have added some links and information above.

      Reply

      • Hi there,

        I’m a foreigner and I’m planning on flying commercially. I’m currently on a tourist visa. I’m planning on starting a drone business with a Filipino citizen. However, through this arrangement. Will I be able to get my commercial drone pilot license?

        Reply

  9. I have a 249g drone for recreational use only. I am planning to use it at the Dolomite beach. Do I need to secure a permit before I can use the drone?

    TIA

    Reply

  10. I have a dji mini se and weighs below 250 grams here in the US we do not need to register or need a license to fly. does Philippines have the same rules

    Reply

    • The Philippines has its own rules, which are different from US rules. You would not need to register or get a license to fly that drone if you are a Philippines citizen. Else, you must follow the section on foreign operators above.

      Reply

  15. Hello,. I just wanna know if land owners in the Philippines or any person owning some property like a house can RESTICT the airspace above their property and can they actually file a case against us ( drone owners ) if we fly our drone above their property or even just to fly pass it,.. PLEASE, this is important for us drone owners because alot of people hates us whenever we fly our drones,..

    Reply

    • Real estate owners in the Philippines have rights over their land surface, above and below the ground. The owners have the right to use and control the air space over his land subject to the requirements of aerial navigation, laws, or contract.

      Reply

  16. Public places should be more spicific if we can fly rec drone in those places (Dolomite Beach). Posters should be posted in visible places. Was accousted by maritime guard while flying my drone and said out to bring down the drone ASAP.

    Reply

        • Mary, you do not require a CAAP certificate to fly this drone. But you may need permission depending on where you will be flying, or if you are using it for commercial activity. You can follow the link to the regulator website for additional information

          Reply

          • Can I fly a drone owned by a government agency? I used drones in my job flying along the highway and rivers and some places for site validation.

          • Government agency drone use follows a very specific approval process which is beyond the scope of our site. Please contact the regulators

Leave a Comment