Yes, tourists can fly drones recreationally in Colombia, but the registration threshold is lower than in the US. Under Aerocivil's RAC 100 rules (in force since July 2024), drones of 200 g or more must be registered with Aerocivil, which includes the 249 g DJI Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro. Recreational flights in the open category need no flight permit: stay below 122 m (400 ft), 9 km from airports and 30 m from people.
Registration
Aerocivil, Colombia's civil aviation authority, requires registration for drones of 200 g or more, for tourists and residents alike. Registration can take weeks to process, so apply well before your trip, and carry the registration certificate on every flight.
Registered drones need a permanent label showing the registration number and owner details. Drones under 200 g, like the 135 g DJI Neo, don't need registration, which makes the Neo the easiest drone to take to Colombia.
Start from Aerocivil's drone (UAS) information page.
Open-category rules
For recreational flying:
- Max 122 m (400 ft) above ground
- At least 9 km from airports. Between 6 and 9 km, flights up to 61 m (200 ft) are allowed.
- At least 30 m from people not involved, and never directly over them
- In towns, keep 30 m from buildings
- Keep the drone in direct sight, without binoculars
- Daylight only
- No flying from a moving car or boat
- Keep clear of heliports, military and police bases, prisons and critical infrastructure
Aerocivil publishes a map of no-fly zones (Zonas de No Vuelo Dron). Check it before every flight.
Paid work is a different category and needs a pilot certificate, an operator certificate and a flight authorization. Most visitors find it easier to hire a certified Colombian operator.
Cities and highlights
- Bogotá and Medellín: both have airports and dense neighborhoods, so the 9 km and 30 m rules rule out much of the city.
- Cartagena: the walled city is busy and close to the airport.
- Coffee region and Caribbean coast: better options, after checking the map and asking landowners.
National parks have their own rules; ask the park before flying.
Which drone to bring
- DJI Neo: 135 g, under the 200 g threshold, so no registration.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: 249 g, omnidirectional sensing; must be registered.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: 249 g with a 1-inch sensor; must be registered.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Pack batteries correctly with our traveling with a drone guide, and see more South American rules in drone laws by country.
Related guides
- Drone laws in Argentina: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Aruba: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Australia: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Austria: flying there as a US tourist
- 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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