Bolivia Drone Laws: What Travellers Need to Know

Flying a drone in Bolivia sounds like a cracking way to capture surreal salt flats, Andean peaks & dusty colonial towns from the sky. But before you fire up the DJI & go full Spielberg, you’ll want to know Bolivia drone laws – they’re not quite Wild West but they’re not exactly streamlined either.

Short answer? Yes, you can fly a drone in Bolivia but there are rules. Some are official, some unofficial, some you’ll only find out when a local cop decides to have a word. Let’s make sense of it all.

Bolivia’s Drone Laws in a Nutshell

Here’s the big picture if you don’t fancy reading the whole thing:

• Drones are legal to bring in & use but subject to certain rules
• No formal nationwide drone permit for tourists but local authorities may ask for written authorisation
• Stay under 120 metres altitude
• Don’t fly over crowds, airports, military sites or police stations (seriously, don’t test this one)
• Commercial use technically requires permission from Bolivia’s aviation authority – DGAC
• Rules can vary by department (region) & enforcement is famously… creative

Fun fact: Bolivia’s DGAC (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil) was founded back in 1939 – making it older than many countries’ aviation bodies. Pity their website is stuck in about 2004.

If you’re brand new to planning, I’d read my A Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Bolivia to see how this fits into your trip.

Can You Bring a Drone into Bolivia?

Yep. No ban at customs. You don’t need to declare it specially.

That said, your drone might get some curious looks. Keep batteries in your carry-on, label them if you want to look responsible & expect the odd question about what it’s for.

Worth remembering Bolivia’s Entry Requirements 2025 can shift yearly – check that so you don’t get caught out at the border.

Do You Need a Drone Permit in Bolivia?

Here’s where it gets fuzzy.

For personal/recreational use:

• No official tourist permit required at national level
• Local authorities in some areas might ask for written permission (which can be informally sorted at a municipal office)

For commercial use:

• Technically requires DGAC approval
• Very few travellers bother but you’re supposed to apply

Fun fact: Some Bolivian tour operators now offer drone photography add-ons – usually just someone with a Mavic who knows the terrain & best angles. If you don’t want the hassle of flying, you can outsource the whole thing.

If you’re booking activities, I’d skim my Bolivia Tours Worth Booking – it’ll save you from overpaying or picking a dud.

Rules for Flying a Drone in Bolivia

• Max altitude: 120m (as per standard aviation guidelines)
• Line of sight only
• No flying at night without permission
• Don’t fly over crowds, events or protests (Bolivia has plenty)
• Keep away from airports & helipads
• Avoid military zones, police stations, government buildings – not the place for cheeky aerial shots

Most of these aren’t weird – they’re standard worldwide. But enforcement is often local & discretionary so don’t be a muppet about it.

For the nitty-gritty on what you’ll actually spend in Bolivia, my Is Bolivia Cheap to Travel? breakdown is handy – helps budget for any drone mishaps too.

Salar de Uyuni Drone Rules

Here’s the question everyone asks.

Can you fly a drone in Salar de Uyuni?
Short answer: Yes, but…

• It’s allowed for personal use. No special national permit needed
• Some tour operators ban or discourage it in shared tours – talk to your guide
• During the wet season (mirror effect), wind can be wild – watch your drone or it’ll take a one-way flight to Chile
• Be mindful of wildlife & other visitors – it’s vast but not empty
• Best practice? Tell your driver or guide you’re bringing a drone. Most are fine with it if you’re respectful

Want to see when to visit? Check my Bolivia Salt Flats Best Time to Go guide for practical tips.

Planning to bounce around the Altiplano? I’ve got an Exploring the Bolivian Altiplano guide with regions, fun facts & practical tips.

Drone Travel Tips for Bolivia

• Bring extra batteries – charging in remote towns can be a pain
• Label your gear clearly
• Respect local communities – not everyone loves a buzzing camera overhead
• Be prepared for curious locals (kids love drones)
• Have a line ready in Spanish: “Es solo para uso personal, soy turista” (“It’s only for personal use, I’m a tourist”)

If you’re going full nomad with uploads & editing on the road, read What’s Internet Like in Bolivia – you’ll thank me when you avoid the slow spots.

Can Drones Be Confiscated?

Rare, but possible. Usually if you’re ignoring rules or annoying the wrong official.

If asked, be polite. Show them your footage if needed. Claim it’s for personal use. 99% of the time that’s enough.

Final Thoughts on Bolivia Drone Laws

Bolivia’s drone rules are a bit like its roads – official limits exist but local reality varies. Stay respectful, follow the basic guidelines & you’ll get amazing footage without drama.

Want more Bolivia tips? Check out my Bolivia Backpacking Itinerary & A Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Bolivia to plan the rest of your trip without the guesswork.

Got any drone stories or near-misses in Bolivia? Drop them in the comments – I’m always up for a cautionary tale.

Happy Travels!