South America
Venezuela
INAC — RPA regime (Remotely Piloted Aircraft)
Venezuela regulates drones (officially called RPA) through INAC. Even for recreational/hobby flying you need a certificate from an INAC-approved training course, not just ownership of the drone: it must be registered, and anyone arriving from abroad must declare it on entry. That's the 'ordinary' framework, though — since August 2025 an extraordinary nationwide suspension has been in force (see below).
Tourist flying effectively not allowed
A joint resolution by the Ministries of Interior, Defence, Transport and Finance, published in the Extraordinary Official Gazette on 18 August 2025, suspended the use, circulation, purchase/sale, manufacture, import/export and training of civilian drones nationwide, with only state security/defence agencies exempted. Initially for 30 days, the suspension was later extended through 18 August 2026 (source: Venezuelan state media VTV and Correo del Orinoco). That date has already passed: it wasn't possible to confirm whether the suspension has been lifted or extended again, because the official INAC site was unreachable during this check. Until directly confirmed otherwise, the safest assumption is that drones cannot be used in Venezuela — leave the drone at home.
The RPA must be entered in the National Aeronautical Registry with INAC; anyone arriving from abroad is also required to file a drone country-entry declaration ('Declaración de ingreso de RPA al país'). No exemption for tourists was found.
Even for recreational use or as an observer you must be at least 13 years old and hold a certificate of completion from an INAC-approved RPA course (CIA): owning the drone isn't enough. Full pilot licences (age 18+, flight hours, medical certificate) are required for other RPA classes, but recreational Class 1 (Mini) is exempt.
An RPA liability policy certified by INAC is required (Circular CA-045-001), except for agricultural use.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Restricted, prohibited and dangerous zones published in the Venezuela AIP must be respected, including limits during Air Defense Identification Zone (ZIDA) activation; flying over military installations is forbidden without CODAI (Comando de Defensa Aeroespacial Integral) authorization.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
The nationwide suspension (Official Gazette, 18 August 2025, extended through 18 August 2026) is confirmed by Venezuelan state media, but not by direct access to the INAC site (unreachable in this check) nor by confirmation of the status after the extension's expiry. Maximum altitude and weight thresholds for the 'ordinary' framework are not stated on the official INAC site previously consulted: left out here rather than inferred from third-party sources.
Verify officially before flying
Source: INAC — Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (Venezuela's Civil Aviation Institute)
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 Venezuela, the official reference remains INAC — Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (Venezuela's Civil Aviation Institute). The RPA must be entered in the National Aeronautical Registry with INAC; anyone arriving from abroad is also required to file a drone country-entry declaration ('Declaración de ingreso de RPA al país'). No exemption for tourists was found.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by INAC — Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (Venezuela's Civil Aviation Institute). Even for recreational use or as an observer you must be at least 13 years old and hold a certificate of completion from an INAC-approved RPA course (CIA): owning the drone isn't enough. Full pilot licences (age 18+, flight hours, medical certificate) are required for other RPA classes, but recreational Class 1 (Mini) is exempt.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.