South America
Nicaragua
Law No. 1230 (December 2024) — near-prohibitionist regime
Nicaragua has the most restrictive regime in the area: since December 2024, Law 1230 makes the Ministry of Interior the authority that authorizes drone use only in special cases.
Tourist flying effectively not allowed
Use is allowed only for individually authorized special cases (research, rescue, authorized events): for a tourist it is effectively forbidden. Bringing a drone without prior permission carries a strong risk of seizure at customs.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Use allowed only for scientific studies, research/rescue, individually authorized tourism/cultural events.
Verify officially before flying
Source: INAC — Instituto Nicaragüense de Aeronáutica Civil (Nicaraguan Civil Aeronautics Institute)
Last checked: 2026-09
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.