🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known regulation around recreational & commercial drone use in Nicaragua (Managua). Give a 👍 at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have. Disclaimer: Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Nicaragua:
Nicaragua does not differentiate commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both uses are strictly forbidden under the RESOLUCION No. 34-2014.
🚨 For the moment, the use of drones is under the responsibility of the Nicaraguan Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) & they can be contacted via:
Online: via this form
Phone: (+505) 2276 85 80/86
Mail: Instituto Nicaraguese de Aeronautica Civil, Km 11 1/2 Carretera Norte - Apartado Postal 4936, Nicaragua.
Can I travel to Nicaragua with my drone?
🚨 The Nicaraguan airports are infamous for their bag checks and it seems hard to go through without being asked to open them. There might be a different outcome based on how you enter Nicaragua:
By Air: you might be able to retrieve your drone at Managua Airport 👌
By Land: even if you're able to snuggle it in, be aware that upon return there is a very little chance that your drone passes again the on boarding x-rays. In both scenarios your drone gets found you will loose it. Here's a video of what can happen if you try to bring a drone into Nicaragua via land:
🚨 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.
How to retrieve my drone at Nicaraguan airport customs?
First things first, you should declare it upon arrival to avoid your arrest, your drone ceased and/or a fine if found upon your departure time.
You will need to return from the same airport as they've essentially stored your drone upon your return.
Once your holiday over & you return to the same airport. Make sure to come several hours ahead, and show your confiscation receipt ticket.
Pay the US$3 storage fee (per day in cash) 🚨 Important, customs office is open only MON-FRI 8 am to 4 pm !
You will get escorted to the storage room & you will get your drone back & sometimes a receipt (keep it!) until you take off.
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What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Nicaragua?
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. As for a minimum, your drone will be confiscated.
✅ The excellent news is that if you got an exception ("please let us know how"), you can start flying above Nicaragua's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Nicaragua!
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 drone rules.
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