Can I bring a drone to Peru?

Yes, you can bring a drone to Peru, but recreational use is only exempt from licensing if your drone weighs less than 2 kilograms and you avoid urban areas and people. For anything heavier or for commercial purposes, you must register the drone and obtain a remote pilot license from the DGAC.

  • Recreational drones under 2 kg: No registration, license, or insurance required. You may only fly in open, rural areas away from people, vehicles, and urban zones.
  • Recreational drones over 2 kg: Registration with the DGAC is mandatory. You must obtain a remote pilot license and carry third-party liability insurance.
  • Commercial or professional use: Regardless of weight, you must register the drone, obtain a remote pilot license, and secure liability insurance. A separate operating license is required for each activity.
  • Registration process: Complete the registration through the MTC Virtual Desk online. The DGAC issues a registration certificate automatically in minutes.
  • Restricted zones: Drones cannot fly in urban areas, near airports, over people, or near cultural sites without special authorization from the DGAC.
  • Penalties: Operating without meeting requirements can result in fines, drone confiscation by the National Police, and suspension of permits.

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Detailed Answer

Recreational Use: The 2 kg Threshold

Peru's drone regulations, updated by Supreme Decree No. 012-2026-MTC, create a clear distinction based on weight and purpose. For recreational or aerosport use, drones with a maximum takeoff weight under 2 kilograms are excluded from the general regulatory requirements. This means you do not need to register the drone, obtain a pilot license, or carry insurance.

However, this exemption comes with strict operational limits. You cannot fly in urban areas, over people, over vehicles, or in zones with high population density. You cannot fly near airports, aerodromes, or cultural heritage sites. The drone must be operated in open, rural spaces where there is no risk of harm to people or property. Flying a sub-2 kg drone over a city plaza or a crowded beach would violate the regulations even though the drone itself is exempt from registration.

Recreational Drones Over 2 kg

If your recreational drone weighs 2 kilograms or more, you fall under the full regulatory framework. You must register the drone with the DGAC and obtain a remote pilot license. The license requires completing a training course at an authorized Civil Aeronautics Instruction Center and passing a theoretical and practical evaluation supervised by the MTC. You must also carry third-party liability insurance covering personal and material damages.

Commercial and Professional Use

Any commercial, professional, or institutional use of a drone requires full compliance regardless of the drone's weight. This includes activities such as filming, surveillance, mining, topography, and events. You must register the drone, obtain a remote pilot license, and secure liability insurance. Additionally, you need an operating license for each specific drone and activity, which varies according to the flight category: Open, Specific, or Certified. The MTC has confirmed that even drones weighing less than 2 kilograms require accreditation when used for professional purposes.

How to Register a Drone

The MTC has simplified the registration process through its Virtual Desk. Follow these steps:

  • Access the MTC Virtual Desk at https://mpv.mtc.gob.pe/
  • Click "New Request" and select "Registration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS)"
  • Click "Open Form" and complete the requested information, including technical drone data and owner personal details
  • The information provided has the validity of a sworn declaration
  • The DGAC automatically issues the RPAS registration certificate within minutes

Previously, this process took up to 30 business days. The new system eliminates the need for the old "Appendix A" form and makes registration accessible and fast.

Remote Pilot License

For operations that require a license, you must complete training at a Civil Aeronautics Instruction Center authorized by the DGAC. The process includes theoretical and practical evaluations supervised by the MTC's Technical Coordination of Aeronautical Licenses. The license accredits the pilot as trained and authorized to operate drones. Its validity is indefinite as long as the requirements are maintained. As of 2025, more than 13,000 pilots have been accredited in Peru.

Restricted Zones

The regulations prohibit drone operations in several areas without special authorization:

  • Urban areas and densely populated zones
  • Over private homes and patios
  • Near airports and aerodromes
  • Cultural heritage sites and sensitive areas

Exceptions are granted only under the Specific Category with strict technical and administrative conditions. The National Police and Armed Forces are excluded from these restrictions for their security, investigation, and control functions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating a drone without meeting the required registration, licensing, or insurance obligations is a legal infraction. The National Police has the authority to intervene, confiscate drones, and sanction operators. Fines range from 3 to 150 UIT, applicable to both individuals and legal entities. The MTC has confirmed that sanctions have already been imposed for improper use.

Real Traveler Experiences

"I brought a sub-250g drone to Peru and had no issues. I avoided the URSEC certification because of the size. I flew in the designated recreational zones and stayed away from people and airports." US traveler, forum post

"I tried to do commercial filming in Peru with my drone. I was told permits are reserved for Peruvian companies. I had to hire a local operator instead. It was cheaper and easier than dealing with the bureaucracy." UK traveler, travel review

"The registration through the MTC Virtual Desk took about a day to process. I started it a week before my trip. Everything went smoothly once I arrived." Canada traveler, forum post

Pro Tips

  • Bring a sub-250g or sub-2kg drone to avoid registration and licensing requirements for recreational use
  • Never fly in urban areas, over people, or near airports without special authorization
  • For commercial work, complete all registration, licensing, and insurance requirements regardless of drone weight
  • Register your drone through the MTC Virtual Desk before arrival if your drone exceeds 2 kg
  • Carry your registration certificate, pilot license, and insurance documentation when flying
  • Respect privacy laws. Do not record private property or individuals without consent
  • Check the DGAC website for the latest regulatory updates before travel

Related Questions

Sources

AskTravel.org gives you the answer first, then the detail. Every answer is built from official sources and updated when rules change. See how we answer: How We Answer.

AskTravel.org is an information website only. Always check local regulations and operator policies before traveling, as rules change frequently.

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