🖐 In this research we’ll share all law links & known rules around recreational & commercial drone use in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in the Brazil Drone Discussion Group. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Brazil
Brazil does not differentiate much commercial & recreational drone uses. Both are subject to some restrictions & a code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone & where you want to fly your drone, different rules will apply.
✅ In Brazil, drone laws fall under management of the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) & the Department of Airspace Management. They can be contacted anytime via:
Phone: (+32) 02 277 4307 or 163 from within Brazil 🕔 Open 24/7 in EN, PT & ES.
✅ Brasil will differentiate your drone based on its weight:
drones weighting less than 250 g
drones weighting between 250 g & 25 kg (class 3)
drones weighting between 25 kg & 150 kg (class 2)
drone weighting more than 150 kg (class 1)
Can I travel with my drone to Brazil?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Brazil as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in Brazil?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Brazil "If you have more information about this, please let us know via the Brazil Drone Discussion Group". Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way based on your flight intentions organised in a 3 colour legend.
Brazil Drone Fly Map
🚨 You should not fly above or near military installations, archaeological sites & strategic infrastructure. Fly away from airports & any aerodromes or airports in the country.
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities.
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Brazil.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Brazil
✅ Good things first, you will not need a permit or a license to fly your drone for recreational use in Brazil if your drone weights less than 250 g. However for any heavier drone, you will need to be at least 18 years old & have a third party insurance before taking off.
Saying this, within the Brazil permitted zones, you will need to follow a few rules:
mark your drone with your personal details & the registration number given (if 250 g+)
fly your drone at a maximum of 122 m altitude & in good weather conditions only.
fly a drone that weights less than 25 kg.
fly your drone during daylight & always in sight.
have an third party insurance valid in Brazil (with a Portuguese translation).
fly your drone at least 30 m away from people unless you have their consent or a 'mechanical barrier' protects them (this is the official term, we expect a glass for e.g.).
only fly one drone at a time & perform a flight assessment prior flying your drone.
you cannot have a 'self-flying' drone (need of a pilot behind the remote) 🤖
fly 9 km away from airports (5.4 km if you're flying below 30 m altitude), heliports & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see a plane or helicopter during your flight, land immediately.
do not fly your drone over public, military, vital infrastructures.
do not fly near a natural disaster or somewhere emergencies will need to intervene
✅ For drones of 25 kg+, you will need:
a license to fly
a certificate of airworthiness for your drone
a Aeronautical Medical Certificate for yourself
How to register my drone for recreational & commercial use in Brazil?
✅ If you wish to fly further & higher (over 122 m) a drone weighting more than 250 g & you do not hold a Brazilian Tax Registration Number, you will need to complete this online form (for foreigners) prior your arrival in Brazil. 🕔 Allow 15 days to process.
🌏 If you're a foreigner & your drone weights less than 25 kg, Brazil created an online portal for you here (SISANT).
See below a sum up of when/how you need to register/not:
How to obtain my drone airworthiness certificate (CAER) in Brazil?
✅ Drones models heavier than 25 kg & used for commercial use will need need to be authorized by ANAC before purchase to obtain an airworthiness certificate (CAER) for your drone in Brazil.
If you do not have one from your supplier, see below a sum up of what/how to obtain your certificate of airworthiness in Brazil:
What do I risk for flying a recreational drone illegally in Brazil?
🚨 The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such. However, Brazilian authorities specify that you will fall under the Law No. 7,565 / 86 (CBA)'s scope.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Brazil's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Brazil! Have fun & safe flight! #brazil #brazilian #regulation #rule #rules #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Brazil Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning we will get a commission if you decide to purchase via them. This has no costs for you but helps Dronemade stay free for all. If you need to buy anything on Amazon or DJI stores, think of us.
Sources
Other resources
Register your drone online (foreigners)
App.airmap.io (useful where can I fly map)