Galapagos Drone Laws

Galapagos Drone Laws

Img 1: Aerial Photography In Galapagos

  1. General Galapagos Drone Laws
  2. Drone Permits In Galapagos
  3. Brining Your Drone On Airplanes Guide
  4. Buying Drones In Galapagos
  5. Drone Travel Guide Articles
  6. Contact Information For Questions

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General Galapagos Drone Laws

Drone use is banned in Galapagos unless you have a permit that allows you to use drones for commercial purposes or research. Operators with a permit must ensure that they follow the following drone laws when flying in Galapagos,

  • Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds
  • Respect others privacy when flying your drone
  • Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas where aircraft are operating
  • You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions

Permit Needed For Recreational Drone Use?

Drones are not allowed in the Galapagos, and at this time obtaining a drone permit for recreational use is not possible.(What Is Recreational Drone Use?)

Permit Needed For Commercial Drone Use?

A permit is required for commercial drone use in Galapagos. Click here to purchase a permit, or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Commercial Drone Use?)

Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes Guide

For a detailed guide to bringing your drone on airplanes click here. All drones should be brought on carry on luggage if possible. This is because according to the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses up to ~$1,000 USD. When traveling internationally, theft and lost luggage can be common issues, particularly if your flight has many connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and you cannot bring it onto the plane you should consider shipping it with DHL, Fedex, or UPS instead and fully insure the shipment.

You should NOT place drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be placed in a Medium Size Lipo Battery Bag like the one shown here in the link and brought onto the plane in your carry on bag. Lithium-ion batteries are considered ""dangerous goods"" by airlines and rules surrounding these batteries on planes are EXTREMELY strict due to multiple incidents of these batteries catching fire. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries in a bag such as the one shown in the link above can result in the airline seizing them, you getting fined, or being denied boarding.

Here is some video footage shot by Paolo Cattaneo when flying a drone in Galapagos.

 

Drone Travel Guide

Galapagos drone laws are up to date as of March 20, 2018. Please email [email protected] , or click “leave a message” at the bottom right of the screen if you have any questions or comments.