South America
Belize
Ad hoc permit regime — recreational import forbidden
Belize does not yet have a comprehensive drone regulation: it operates through case-by-case permits issued by the Department of Civil Aviation.
Tourist flying effectively not allowed
Currently, temporary import of drones for recreational/personal use is forbidden: only operators commissioned by authorized local companies can import them temporarily. If you're a tourist, leave the drone at home.
Via the 'Drone Application Form' at the AIS office at Philip Goldson International Airport, fee of 30 BZD — but not applicable to a tourist without local commissioning.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: No authorization within 3 miles of an aerodrome (including Ladyville, Placencia, Caye Caulker, north of San Pedro).
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Reconfirmed directly on civilaviation.gov.bz (checked 16 September 2026): the ban on recreational/personal use remains in force. The department states it is 'currently developing' new rules after a public consultation held on 6 May 2026, not yet concluded with a published text.
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Belize, the official reference remains Belize Department of Civil Aviation. Via the 'Drone Application Form' at the AIS office at Philip Goldson International Airport, fee of 30 BZD — but not applicable to a tourist without local commissioning.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.