🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Uruguay (Montevideo). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. 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 Uruguay
Uruguay does not differentiate much between commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both are subject to registration & a code of conduct.
✅ In Uruguay, drone regulations falls under the National Directorate of Civil Aviation & Aeronautical Infrastructure (DINACIA) & they can also be contacted anytime via:
Email: info@dinacia.gub.uy
Phone: (+598) 2 604 0408
✅ Uruguay will differentiates based on its weight
small = less than 25 kg
medium = between 25 & 260 kg
large = more than 260 kg
Can I travel to Uruguay with my drone?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Guyana 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.
Where can I fly my drone in Uruguay?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Uruguay "If you have more information about this, please let us know anytime". However, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way based on your flight intentions.
Uruguay drone fly map
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities 🐢🦎
🚨 Fly away from urban areas & the country's borders; it is formerly forbidden to undertake international flights (even if you're just hovering over Argentina or Brasil).
Recreational Drone use in Uruguay
✅ Good things first, if you intend to fly a small drone (less than 25 kg) you will not need to register your drone, neither need a license to fly in Uruguay.
With this in mind, you will need to follow a few rules:
fly your drone at a maximum of 120 m max & within sight at all times
fly a drone that weighs less than 25 kg & away from urban areas
fly away from private property, vehicles in movement, crowds, people (30 m during take off/landing) & respect individuals' privacy.
give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see a plane or helicopter during your flight, land your drone immediately.
do not carry anything from your drone when flying
🚨 For commercial flights, you will need an public liability insurance to cover your drone activity along with a permit to fly your drone. It seems that the permit is only available for citizens of Uruguay & we're trying to got more about this for you. "If you know anything here, please let us know"
How to register my drone in Uruguay?
🚨 This is a compulsory step for any one wishing to fly a drone for commercial purposes &/or any drone weighting more than 25 kg.
✅ Uruguay put in place an easy 1 step online process via this online portal. You will need to send information including:
your personal details
your drone's technical information
the full details of your flight(s) path/zone
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in the Uruguay?
🚨 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.
Once you've got everything in order, you can start flying above Uruguay's awesome landscapes and 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 the Uruguay! Have fun and safe flight!
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.
Other resource
Sources
Register your drone portal (for any drones over 25 kg)