Is it illegal to fly a drone in the Philippines? Are drones illegal in the Philippines? Yes, if you don’t have written permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). These are the drone laws in the Philippines.
I contacted the CAAP before I went to the Philippines to request permission to fly my drone also known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It will take about 1-2 weeks to get permission from the CAAP so you may need to plan ahead before you leave for your trip.
The CAAP also noted that Airport customs may confiscate your drone if you don’t have written permission from the CAAP to fly the drone in the Philippines. Furthermore, the Airport Customs may charge you an import tax of 100,000 PHP (about 2000 USD). This is video shows you what you need to know bring your drone to the Philippines. I hope this video helps. If you liked the video, please hit that like button and if you want to see other videos, consider subscribing. Hope to see you again.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
– http://www.caap.gov.ph/
CAAP UAV Memorandum (latest one I could find on their website – but I did receive a later version from 2015)
– http://www.caap.gov.ph/index.php/downloads/send/115-2014/443-mc-35-14-amendment-to-pcar-part-4-11unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav
For drone inquiries and requests, please contact:
– flightoperations@caap.gov.ph
– weguevarrajr@caap.gov.ph
For a copy of my request template:
https://www.tokyozebra.com/blog/drones-illegal-in-philippines
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Hi Paolo! I am unable to reach the CAAP website and whenever I send an e-mail, I always get a message saying their message list is full. My flight to the Philippines is this coming June 23rd and it is already the 9th. All attempts to contact CAAP have failed. Should I just leave my DJI Mavic Pro at home then?
hello po, little update …. I am in the Philippines now, had no problems bring my drone ???????? thank you for all the help.
I brought my phantom 3 last year in my luggage, no issues just separate the batteries
wsup bro. just got back from the philippines. brought my mavic pro and i had no problem at all. didn’t need any letter to show to tsa. My drone went throu the airport with no questions from costumes. I flew it everywhere as long as you ask permission to fly your drone. have fun flying ur drone out there bro. and enjoy ur time there.
i just subscribed 😀 thanks for the info. Is it possible to get a copy of the mail you sent to CAAP? I would like to know the things i have to mention in the email. I fly to Manila end of this month.
Thanks again buddy!
I was just looking for info on this because I’m going to pangasinan in january thanks man.
hi paulo ,where did you put your drone? hand lugage or check in luggage? thank you 🙂
I’m in the UK. I’m going to the phils in Nov. I have Filipino friends in QC. I always take my drone as hand luggage on flights, mainly to Europe. I guess I’ll have to get permission to fly in the phils. the website link is very helpful. thanks.
Hey paolo how long can you use that printed permission to fly your drone? For instance you will stay in the philippines for years will that be good as your permanent pass to fly?
I travel with my phantom 3 pro never have BS problem in the philippines…
Hi! Are you flying with the drone’s battery in the hand luggage as well?
I sent an email to flightoperations – and weguevarrajr@caap.gov.ph is it correct to send it there?
Thank you!
If you browse thru YouTube, you’ll see hundreds of travel vloggers who have already visited the Philippines and 90% of them use drones. from what they say, in general the Philippines is quite lenient when it comes to drone flying as long as you follow the basic rules like not flying anywhere near an airport, military facility, densely populated areas, etc you should be fine. though recently a popular travel destination has released a local ordinance requiring you to secure a drone permit for a fee or face penalties or even confiscation of your drone (eg. BORACAY) but aside from that, you can fly freely. the CAAP authorization letter isn’t strictly required BUT it would still be best to have it JUST IN CASE. so best to secure it early via email.
Are you the older brother of Gloco?
hey bro after I watch this vid I’m starting strees about my in the Phillipines, I bought mavic, and what you said here I need a permit, but I can’t find the fucking thing online;( can you please guide me or tag me the link where to apply for one, I look up your description, but none of them actually take me to the right page, can help me out. thanks heaps
happy for you to finally freely fly your drone, awesome