Philippines Drone Laws 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Updated Regulations

With our trip fast approaching in January 2025, I figured now is the perfect time to start planning for bringing our drone along. This blog post will outline the regulations as they stand in January 2025, and I’ll make sure to update it if we encounter any issues along the way.

This blog post will focus on my anticipated experience, emphasizing how factors such as the type of drone, its purpose, weight, and other considerations can influence how the rules apply.

I am planning to bring a DJI Mavic Air 2 to the Philippines for recreational use, which thankfully is generally allowed—as long as you comply with the country’s drone regulations. Here’s a detailed rundown of what you and I need to know:

General Guidelines for Recreational Drone Use

• Weight Limit: Your drone must weigh less than 7 kilograms (approximately 15.4 pounds).
• Operational Hours: Fly only during daylight hours and under favorable weather conditions.
• Visual Line of Sight: Always maintain a clear, direct visual line of sight with your drone while flying.
• Altitude Restriction: Do not exceed a maximum altitude of 122 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
• Distance from People: Stay at least 30 meters (98 feet) away from individuals not involved in operating the drone, and avoid flying over large crowds or densely populated areas.
• Airport Proximity: Keep your drone at least 10 kilometers (6 miles) away from any airport to avoid interfering with manned aircraft.
• Restricted Areas: Refrain from flying near government buildings, military installations, or other sensitive sites.
• Privacy Considerations: Always respect privacy by avoiding the capture of images or videos without proper consent, especially over private property.

Registration and Certification

• Recreational Use: If your drone weighs under 7 kg and you follow the guidelines above, no license or special permits are required for recreational flying.
• Commercial Use or Heavier Drones: Drones weighing 7 kg or more, or those used for commercial purposes, must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Additionally, you’ll need a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Controller Certificate.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to drone regulations can result in penalties ranging from PHP 20,000 to PHP 100,000 per violation—even for recreational users. Luckily with the DJI line of drones, they have a lot of built in warning systems which are great to let you know if you're near or in a restricted zone.

Additional Considerations

While the general CAAP guidelines provide a solid framework for safe and compliant drone operations, local regulations can vary by location. Below are the rules I discovered for the specific destinations on our itinerary. Keep in mind that these may differ if you’re traveling to other areas:

Cebu City

The Cebu City Council requires drone operators to secure a special permit from the Office of the City Mayor. Fees are based on the intended use:

• Recreational or Personal Use: ₱100 for the first hour and ₱30 for each additional hour.
• Business, Commercial, or Academic Use: ₱300 for the first hour and ₱50 for each additional hour.

Violations can result in fines of up to ₱5,000 or even imprisonment.

In my experience, obtaining permits from local governments can be a frustrating process. For instance, I’ve sent multiple requests to the Egyptian government for drone permissions in the past and never received a response. Because of these past challenges, I typically avoid flying my drone in places like Cebu City where similar requirements exist. It’s simply not worth the hassle for me and it may not be for you either.

Boalboal

No specific local regulations are noted for Boalboal.

Siquijor

Similarly, there are no specific local drone laws for Siquijor.

Bohol (Tagbilaran City)

Tagbilaran City enforces rules consistent with CAAP guidelines:

• No flights over populated areas.
• Maximum altitude of 400 feet.
• Maintain a 30-meter distance from uninvolved individuals.
• Stay at least 10 kilometers from airports.

El Nido

No specific local regulations are noted for El Nido.

Coron

Similarly, there are no specific local regulations noted for Coron.

Manila

As the capital city, Manila can present unique challenges due to its dense population and proximity to multiple airports.

• Avoid flying over populated areas.
• Maintain a 10-kilometer distance from airports.

Additional permits may be required depending on the specific location, but online research often reveals conflicting information. Based on my personal experience, sticking to DJI’s built-in warnings and flying responsibly has helped me avoid any issues and hopefully will in Manila as well.

Final Note

The cities listed above are the major destinations on our upcoming trip. Depending on where you’re visiting, your purpose of travel, and the type of drone you’re using, requirements may vary. Be sure to research local regulations specific to your destination and plan accordingly.