Can I bring a drone to Chile?

Yes, you can bring a consumer drone to Chile, but flying it legally is extremely difficult. The DGAC requires a Special Operation Certificate for all public-area flights, a process that takes 2 to 6 months. Drones are strictly prohibited in all national parks and protected areas, which covers most tourist destinations.

  • United States: US citizens can bring a consumer drone through customs. Flying in public areas requires a Special Operation Certificate from the DGAC. The process takes 2 to 6 months. Drones are banned in all national parks.
  • Canada: Canadian visitors must obtain a Special Operation Certificate to fly in public areas. The application takes 2 to 6 months. Drones are prohibited in all protected areas including Torres del Paine.
  • Europe and United Kingdom: UK and EU visitors must obtain a Special Operation Certificate from the DGAC for any public-area flight. The process is lengthy and rarely granted for tourist use. National parks ban drones entirely.
  • Gulf Region: Visitors from UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman must obtain a Special Operation Certificate. Flying without one is an infraction. National parks prohibit all recreational drone use.
  • Turkey: Turkish visitors must obtain a Special Operation Certificate. The DGAC requires an AOC or CEO for all public-area operations. National parks ban drones.
  • Asia-Pacific: Visitors from Japan, Singapore, Australia, and South Korea must obtain a Special Operation Certificate. The DGAC confirms no public-area flights are allowed without it. National parks prohibit drones.

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Detailed Answer

Customs: Bringing the Drone into Chile

Consumer drones are generally allowed for personal-use carriage into Chile. The Servicio Nacional de Aduanas treats single-unit personal effects as routine. No declaration is required unless the quantity suggests commercial intent, typically five or more identical units. The personal-import duty-free threshold is 30 USD. Carriage above the threshold attracts duty plus 19% IVA.

Flying the Drone: The Real Problem

The DGAC regulates all drone operations in Chile. The rules depend on where you fly and for what purpose. There is no simple tourist exemption for flying in public areas.

Public areas: To fly in any public space, including streets, plazas, and tourist areas, you need either an Air Operator Certificate for commercial use or a Special Operation Certificate for non-commercial use. The DGAC confirmed that current regulations do not allow flying in public areas without one. Obtaining an AOC or CEO takes 2 to 6 months.

Private areas: Without permission, you can only use drones in private places, such as your own garden. Flying on the street in front of your hotel or in a public plaza is not allowed without official permission.

National parks: The use of drones is strictly forbidden in all Chilean National Parks. You will not receive permission for their use, no matter whom you contact. This applies to most tourist destinations.

Protected Areas: Absolute Prohibition

CONAF, the agency that manages Chile's protected areas, prohibits drone use in all National Parks, Reserves, and Natural Monuments. The restriction is based on DGAC regulations and conservation reasons. The noise and presence of drones can alter animal behavior, cause stress, and lead to nest abandonment.

Even the smallest or lightest drones require prior authorization from CONAF to operate in these spaces. Recreational or tourist use is not permitted. CONAF may authorize flights only for specific cases such as scientific research, monitoring, or other duly justified management purposes. The authorization process can take up to 15 business days and requires mandatory documentation including a valid RPAS operator credential, drone registration with parachute, third-party liability insurance, JAC resolution, and AOC certificate.

Requirements for Legal Operations

If you attempt to comply with the regulations, the requirements are extensive. For public areas, you need an Air Operator Certificate or Special Operation Certificate, a valid RPAS pilot credential, drone registration with the DGAC, third-party liability insurance valid in Chile, an approved operations manual, and authorization to perform aerial work from the DGAC.

For the exception for very light drones, the requirements are extremely narrow. The drone must weigh under 750 grams, be made of expanded polyethylene, operate only within private property, stay below 50 meters, and have no commercial purpose. Most modern commercial drones like DJI and Autel do not meet the material requirement because they are built with high-strength polymers, composites, and light alloys.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of drone regulations can result in fines of up to USD 36,000. The DGAC has inspection powers over drone operations and can impose administrative sanctions and operational restrictions. Intentional or commercial violations may face higher penalties.

Real Traveler Experiences

"We contacted the DGAC and they told us that current regulations do not allow flying in public areas without an AOC or a Chilean CEO. The use of drones is strictly forbidden in all Chilean National Parks. You will not get authorizations from the DGAC." Traveler, Chile Forum

"Without permission, you can use drones only in private places. In any public space, you are not allowed to use drones unless you have an official permission for private use. In any national park, the use of drones is strictly forbidden and you will not receive permission, no matter whom you contact." Traveler, Chile Forum

Pro Tips

  • Do not bring a drone to Chile for tourist use. Flying legally in public areas is nearly impossible
  • All national parks and protected areas prohibit drones entirely. This covers most tourist destinations
  • Flying without a Special Operation Certificate or AOC is an infraction
  • The DGAC requires 2 to 6 months to process an AOC or CEO. Plan far in advance if you have a professional need
  • Even sub-750g drones are not exempt unless they meet all conditions including expanded polyethylene construction and private property use
  • Hire a local licensed drone operator if you need aerial footage for a professional project
  • Check the DGAC website for the latest regulations before travel
  • Penalties for violations can reach USD 36,000

Related Questions

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