Yes, you can fly a drone in Brazil as a tourist, but plan on paperwork before every flight. Brazil's air force airspace department, DECEA, put a new edition of its drone rules (ICA 100-40) into force on July 1, 2026, and it folds recreational flying into the same airspace access system as other drone operations. In practice that means registering the drone with ANAC and requesting access to the airspace in DECEA's SARPAS system before you take off.
Who regulates what
Two agencies handle drone flying in Brazil:
- ANAC (civil aviation agency) registers drones and operators in its SISANT system.
- DECEA (airspace control, part of the Brazilian Air Force) approves access to the airspace through SARPAS.
What changed in July 2026
DECEA's publications site lists the new ICA 100-40, "Aeronaves Não Tripuladas e o Acesso ao Espaço Aéreo Brasileiro," as in force from July 1, 2026. The same notice says it revoked the old recreational model aircraft manual (MCA 56-2), so hobby flights now follow the general drone airspace rules. Brazilian news coverage of the change reports that SARPAS requests now apply to drones under 250 g as well, and that SARPAS asks for a SISANT registration before you can file a request.
Treat it this way: if you plan to fly a DJI Mini or Neo in Brazil, expect to register it and request each flight, just like a larger drone. Read the current text at DECEA's ICA 100-40 page and use SARPAS for requests.
Basic safety limits
Whatever your approval says, the usual common-sense limits apply:
- Keep the drone in visual line of sight and fly in daylight.
- Stay away from airports, heliports and military areas. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have busy helicopter traffic over beaches and city centers.
- Don't fly over crowds, events or people who aren't part of your flight.
- Respect privacy. Filming people on private property without consent can lead to civil claims.
National parks and events
Brazil's federal protected areas are managed by ICMBio, and parks can set their own rules for drones. Ask the park administration before flying at places like Iguaçu or Lençóis Maranhenses. Don't fly over festivals, concerts or Carnival crowds.
Customs and the drone itself
Brazil's customs rules on high-value electronics change often. Keep your purchase receipt, and check the State Department's Brazil page, which tells travelers to ask the Brazilian embassy or a consulate about import rules.
Which drone to bring
A small drone keeps the process simple and is easier to carry around cities:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: 249 g with obstacle sensing in all directions.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: 249 g with a 1-inch sensor for beach sunsets and city skylines.
- DJI Neo: 135 g for quick selfie clips; it still needs the same airspace approval.
Pack batteries in your carry-on following our traveling with a drone guide.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements with ANAC and DECEA before you travel.
Comparing destinations? See drone laws by country and how Remote ID works abroad in Remote ID explained.
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- Drone laws in Bali (Indonesia): flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Barbados: flying there as a US tourist
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