South America
Brazil
ANAC (RBAC-E 94) + DECEA (SARPAS system)
Brazil has a dual-track system: ANAC manages registration and certification through the SISANT portal, while DECEA authorizes airspace access through SARPAS.
ANAC limit; DECEA would however limit to 60 m without prior SARPAS authorization according to specialized sources — check which constraint applies to your area.
Mandatory and free on SISANT (ANAC portal) for drones >250 g.
Not required for the basic recreational category; required for professional operations.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: SARPAS authorization needed to fly near airports or controlled areas.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
There is a reported divergence between the ANAC ceiling (120m) and the DECEA one (60m without prior authorization): always check SARPAS before flying near controlled airspace.
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 Brazil, the official reference remains ANAC + DECEA, also via SARPAS (DECEA). Mandatory and free on SISANT (ANAC portal) for drones >250 g.
How this usually works
Here the requirement depends on factors like the drone's weight, distance from people, or use case (recreational vs. commercial). The note above describes the most common case: if your situation is different, check the official source to see exactly which scenario applies to you before flying. The exam and certificate are handled by ANAC + DECEA, also via SARPAS (DECEA). Not required for the basic recreational category; required for professional operations.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.