Drones Illegal in Philippines | How to avoid Airport Confiscation

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
_________________________
Update: Aug 14 2017 - I received an email from the CAAP today. They've changed their policy since the making of this video a few months ago and I wanted to share the good news with you guys.

Dear Sir/Madam:

Greetings from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines!

Please be informed that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and this Authority had a discussion regarding the importation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or commonly known as drones, to the Philippines.

During the discussion, both government agencies agreed that AUTHORIZATION for the importation of drones to the Philippines is no longer required. However, all RPAS owners and/or operators, whether engaged in commercial or non-commercial operations shall strictly adhere to the provisions stipulated in Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations Part 11; 11.11. (Electronic copy of PCAR Part 11 is attached)

Moreover, this Authority has also requested the BOC to advise all customs personnel in NAIA Terminals and other concerned offices not to require drone importers to secure an import clearance/permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Should you require further inquiries, you may call the Flight Operations Department of the Flight Standards Inspectorate Service at Tel.: (+63) [phone].

Wilhelmino E. Guevara, Jr.
Assistant Aviation Safety Inspector
FOD-FSIS, CAAP
___________________________-
CAAP UAV Memorandum (latest one I could find on their website - but I did receive a later version from 2015)

For drone inquiries and requests, please contact:

If you don't get a response from the above emails you can also try:

For a copy of my request template:

//My Drone Gear//

- DJI Mavic Pro

- SanDisk Extreme Pro 64 GB MicroSD Card

- Lens Hood - Option 1

(Please note: The sides will come into view when you quickly yaw/pitch or in sports mode)

- Lens Hood - Option 2

- Extra Batteries

- Advanced Charging Hub

- Camera Bag (Similar to my bag)

Get my Tokyo & Japan Merch and show your support!

___ Tokyo Zebra: My 2nd YouTube Channel ___
See My Life in Japan behind the scenes

Questions about Japan or Japan Travel? Get answers and chat with my Discord Community

___ Channel Support ___
Want to help SUPPORT my channel, buy me a BEER or Maiko and I DINNER? Thank you in advance!

Join YouTube Channel Memberships

___ Help with Subtitles / Closed Captioning ___

___ Business ___

Want me to feature your business in my video?

Want to send me stuff?
For ADDRESS


___ My Film Gear ___
(Affiliate Links Used - I may receive commission from products purchased)

- For a complete list of my gear:

Access to Music in video:

[PaolofromTOKYO]

Update: Aug 14 2017 - I received an email from the CAAP today. They've changed their policy since the making of this video a few months ago and I wanted to share the good news with you guys.

Dear Sir/Madam:

Greetings from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines!

Please be informed that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and this Authority had a discussion regarding the importation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or commonly known as drones, to the Philippines.

During the discussion, both government agencies agreed that AUTHORIZATION for the importation of drones to the Philippines is no longer required. However, all RPAS owners and/or operators, whether engaged in commercial or non-commercial operations shall strictly adhere to the provisions stipulated in Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations Part 11; 11.11. (Electronic copy of PCAR Part 11 is attached)

Moreover, this Authority has also requested the BOC to advise all customs personnel in NAIA Terminals and other concerned offices not to require drone importers to secure an import clearance/permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Should you require further inquiries, you may call the Flight Operations Department of the Flight Standards Inspectorate Service at Tel.: (+63) [phone].​


Wilhelmino E. Guevara, Jr.
Assistant Aviation Safety Inspector
FOD-FSIS, CAAP

[tsvetaan]

Great video and cool drone shots!! Thank you very much for sharing your drone travels and talking us through local regulations! This is really helpful!

[scott]

Thanks for another informative video on the Mavic and customs rules, good to know.

[JulitoBernales]

Hey dude you can bring your drone and fly here in the Phil. but be reminded of the restricted area or what they call GEO ZONE ...these are airports, ports, military installations

[SirSteveFury]

Thank you for posting this.
I understand the rules have changed since this video was posted, but I wrote this letter to the CAAP as a preventive caution:
Hello.
My wife (Philippina citizen) and I are retiring to the Philippines from the USA next month.
We have a home near Nasugbu, Batangas.

I will be bringing my ~245g DJI Mini 3 PRO along with me in my carry-on luggage.
The usage of the RPAS will strictly be for recreation purposes.

I take the operation of UAV's extremely seriously and strictly follow all laws.
For example, I follow all UAV laws, passed the FAA TRUST test and registered my drone with the FAA even though it was not required for a vehicle under 250g.

I've reviewed the Philippine laws regarding Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) very carefully.
I understand my ~245g RPAS does not require registration, but its use is still governed by the Philippine laws.

I am hoping that you can provide a response to this email so that I can show customs that it is OK for me to carry my ~245g RPAS into the Philippines, to avoid any miscommunications or issues.
(Name, USA address included)

-->> Hopefully they will reply.

[bryanortiz]

Thank you for this video! I was also questioning myself regarding in bringing my drone to the Philippines.

[PNOYPWR]

I just came back from Philippines on vacation from January and February 2019 with my DJI Mavic Pro. Yes, they did not check my baggage coming in. Going out of the country, the X-ray operator ask me if that's a drone inside. I told him "Yes" and just told me, Ok and let me take my baggage straight to the check in.

[diegorenevelasquez]

Thanks for the heads up. I like the fact that you were prepared and sought official permission. I'll be doing the same for my trip to Palawan later this year.

[daflyingsamoan]

I had my drone in a carry on bag and no one said anything about it when it went through the x-ray machine. So it's absolutely LEGAL!

[bessiedouglas]

This is the right video for anyone who needs to search out out about this topic. You notice so much its almost onerous to argue with you (not that I really would needHaHa). You positively put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply great!

[Sharkhunter]

Great video Paolo. I will do the same since I'm taking my mavic to the Philippines in 2 months. all the best

[MaykTime]

Thank you sir Paolo for this video and advice. Sa wakas no worries to buy a drone at pwede kong i-uwi ng Pinas.

[iamjustbill]

I am currently in the Philippines now (from the states) with my DJI drone. I have travelled all over the Philippines with my drone with no problems. I always place my drone and all batteries in my carry on luggage. Do not place your lithium batteries in checked luggage. Also, I have flown my DJI drone everywhere in the Philippines with no problems.

[yunelsonsr]

under normal circumstances you don't need to register for Non-commercial use. As per CAAP, you only need to register if you are going to do, yes, commercial footage and your drone is 7kg above and you need to go over the general restrictions.

Restrictions are; you should not fly within 10km radius of any airport and in areas where it is designated no-fly zone for security and safety purposes, like Malacañang Palace, Police/ Military Camps, and where it is temporarily forbidden like say outdoor concerts. You must also observe Line or Sight Flying, 400ft max height, keep safe distance when flying around people, no flying where you can distract or disrupt road traffic and no night flying. Going over these general restrictions, you need to secure permit with CAAP.

You don't need to be taxed because it is personal effects. Like DSLR camera or Laptop. You could be taxed if you Bought it Abroad and you are a Resident Filipino Citizen, which most likely will come with the Packaging. Simple, don't travel with the box. But if you are a Foreign National as Tourist, carrying a drone is like carrying your camera. Bringing and Flying are two different thing. You can buy a kitchen knife at any supermarket, but it doesn't mean it is right to stab someone, right?

If at all Customs will impose tax, P100K is kind'a baseless. In which case you must show your receipt as basis for taxation. Philippines is easy on drone flying, just observe the rules, don't upset the locals and you will be fine. Don't try to break the general rules, CAAP can impose P100K fine depending on gravity of offense if someone complains.

[katseeloeydo]

Great vid bro! and the info within and the update below is wonderful news! I was about to call my friend back home in the Philippines who's father is an ex-president of FSIS-CAAP, so I can get a clearance to fly my drone when I go visit our beloved Philippines very soon!

[darkheaven]

hey thanks for the details! you gained me as a subscriber!

[pogiblue]

Hi Paolo, you're right, it is really easy, I asked CAAP for Authorization and took exactly 5 business days, got through the TSA, PAL and CAAP without any question, very happy going thru the airport with a smiley drone (P3S), again, thanks a lot for your excellent video.

[BuddyMoran]

Nice video, Paolo! Thanks for sharing your experience. Which of the emails you shared replied? I plan to go there in January; to Bohol and El Nido.

[WanderlassS]

I got my drone in Hong Kong, hand carried it to Philippines with box and all. No worries

[TheSentinel]

Hey great content, you deserve a bigger audience and you will get it because you got great quality. Make sure you use great titles and tags to promote your videos.