Mexico Drone Laws

[smalt0141]

I will be heading for Puerto Vallarta soon. Has anybody had any experiences bringing a drone to Mexico and than what are the rules as far as flying the drone. I have read that only Mexican citizens can fly a drone. Is there any way around this?

Thanks and have a Merry Xmas/Happy New Year

 

[The Editor]

I will be heading for Puerto Vallarta soon. Has anybody had any experiences bringing a drone to Mexico and than what are the rules as far as flying the drone. I have read that only Mexican citizens can fly a drone. Is there any way around this?

Thanks and have a Merry Xmas/Happy New Year

I guess there’s always the search function......

Search results for query: Flying in Mexico

mavicpilots.com

or........

Search results for query: Mexico drone laws

mavicpilots.com

 

[Thomas B]

@smalt0141 .... While it appears that many visitors to Mexico fly their drones, Mexican drone law is clear: you must be a Mexican citizen to legally register and fly your drone. Here’s a reference with other info too... be sure to read the entire page... first part is a bit misleading.

Drone Laws in Mexico | UAV Coach (2023)

Want to learn more about drone laws in Mexico? Check out our list of links and regulations for people flying drones in Mexico.

uavcoach.com

 

[petes]

As corrupt as Mexican law enforcement officials are I would not risk a violation of any laws in Mexico.

 

[hiflyer201]

Mexico has a no camera rules on Military bases and most airports are military bases and saying that, I have used my camera (phone) without thinking and have had no dire results. I haven't flown a drone in Puerto Vallarta but I have in other Mexican towns and city's. I'm sure you could always cross the wrong person, but Mexicans are hospitable and friendly people and Puerto Vallarta would be a beautiful place to fly a drone. Go for it.

 

[conchman]

As long as its any Mavic in a soft bag, you won't have any problems. Once you start packing a hard case with a Phantom, you will attract attention at customs.

This is a good post here:

Update on Mexico Drone Laws. Yes take your drone!

Short answer: Yes you can fly your drone in mexico. Pack it and go. Details: I saw a post or two with misinformation causing people to leave their drones at home when going to mexico. So I setup and account here to share some info. What you are about to read is actual info from a gringo living...

mavicpilots.com

While the post attracted its share of negative comments, the OP has a point.

 

[CactusJackSlade]

As long as its any Mavic in a soft bag, you won't have any problems. Once you start packing a hard case with a Phantom, you will attract attention at customs.

This is a good post here:

Update on Mexico Drone Laws. Yes take your drone!

Short answer: Yes you can fly your drone in mexico. Pack it and go. Details: I saw a post or two with misinformation causing people to leave their drones at home when going to mexico. So I setup and account here to share some info. What you are about to read is actual info from a gringo living...

mavicpilots.com

While the post attracted its share of negative comments, the OP has a point.

This guys info is very inaccurate, you MUST be a Mexican citizen and registered to fly legally in Mexico. If you cross the wrong official you will lose your drone or possibly end up having to bribe a police officer.

All that being said sure many non-Mexican citizens fly over there all the time, you just must realize that you are at risk and at the mercy of whatever that particular official decides they want to do.

Note: My colleague has spent the last two years doing drone work for conservation efforts in Mexico... he has some good stories about getting his equipment across the boarder, even though they had permission from the Mexican government. Down there it's all about who you are personally dealing with...

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

@smalt0141 .... While it appears that many visitors to Mexico fly their drones, Mexican drone law is clear: you must be a Mexican citizen to legally register and fly your drone. Here’s a reference with other info too... be sure to read the entire page... first part is a bit misleading.

Drone Laws in Mexico | UAV Coach (2023)

Want to learn more about drone laws in Mexico? Check out our list of links and regulations for people flying drones in Mexico.

uavcoach.com

I did read that somewhere about Mexican citizens only, and another site that said it had been repealed in recent time.

But . . . it seems it should be further checked, this page with info updated 31/10/19 seems to say what you posted Thomas . . .

Drone rules and laws in Mexico - current information and experiences

Learn all about the current rules for the use of drones in Mexico. We'll tell you what conditions you need to meet in the country and if registration is required. Also, you will find many experiences of other copter pilots who have already flown in Mexico with their drone.

drone-traveller.com

Maybe do email that link on UAV-Coach link, and ask first hand [email protected] . . . or phone them +52 5 687 7660

 

[Gnarls]

I guess there’s always the search function......

Search results for query: Flying in Mexico

mavicpilots.com

or........

Search results for query: Mexico drone laws

mavicpilots.com

You are one of those dicks that post let me google that for you links instead of just shutting up.

 

[Marty Markoe]

I will be heading for Puerto Vallarta soon. Has anybody had any experiences bringing a drone to Mexico and than what are the rules as far as flying the drone. I have read that only Mexican citizens can fly a drone. Is there any way around this?

The laws and their enforcement in Mexico are nebulous. In Mexico, always have a $20.00 bill handy and ask the LEO if you can pay the fine to him (or her)

 

[Howard70]

The laws and their enforcement in Mexico are nebulous. In Mexico, always have a $20.00 bill handy and ask the LEO if you can pay the fine to him (or her)

An alternative possibility is to investigate the laws yourself. I find them easily as clear as those of the USA and am convinced I’ll not fly my current drone (Mavic Air 2) in Mexico. As for the $20 bill suggestion - why assume it is OK to offer a bribe but a sign of criminal tendencies to accept one? I’d say any bribe involves two evasions of the law and both are equally onerous.

Howard

 

[Marty Markoe]

As for the $20 bill suggestion - why assume it is OK to offer a bribe but a sign of criminal tendencies to accept one? I’d say any bribe involves two evasions of the law and both are equally onerous.

The above is based on actual encounters and the reality of law enforcement in Mexico. "Badges, we don't need no stinkin badges."

 

[eaglesurfing]

You are one of those dicks that post let me google that for you links instead of just shutting up.

Wow.