Do I need a drone license in the Philippines to shoot videos for my blog and Youtube channel?
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now so popular that you’ve probably seen people post drone photos on their blogs or watched aerial videos on your Facebook feed.
But is that actually allowed? Do you need a license to fly a drone in the Philippines?
This is a question we get a lot – not only from newbies, but also from professional photographers who want to provide aerial services to clients.
To answer that, we need to clarify one thing first.
The Philippines does not have a “drone license”. We give Certifications instead.
As of 2021, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) awards different kinds of certificates for drone operators and UAV pilots.
You can apply for any of these 3 certifications:
- RPA Controller Certificate – Given to individual pilots. This is the closest thing we have to a “license”
- RPA Registration Certificate – This is what you get when you register your actual drone
- RPA Operator Certificate – Given to businesses who want to charge money for commercial services
Note: RPA stands for “remotely piloted aircraft”
Read more here: 2021 Updated Guide on Philippine Drone Laws and Certificates
You don’t need to be certified to fly a drone recreationally or as a hobby
It is perfectly fine to fly, take photos, and shoot videos for your personal blog or Youtube channel because this is considered non-commercial use.
But there are drone laws, rules and limitations you NEED to follow.
Section 11 of the latest Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR) says you don’t need any RPA certificate as long you follow these rules:
- Maximum flight altitude or height of 400 feet or approximately 122 meters
- Must always have visual line of sight (do not go behind buildings, billboards, clouds, or anything that blocks your view to the drone)
- Drone must weigh 7kg or less (common models like the DJI Mavic Mini, Mavic Pro, Spark, etc are all ok)
- Keep your drone at least 30 meters or 98 feet from other people
- Not allowed near emergency situations (ex: fires)
- Not allowed during night time (fly in daylight hours only)
- Not allowed in populated areas (malls, schools, etc.)
- Not allowed in restricted airspace (10km from airports, government/military buildings)
And of course, respect private property and follow the rules set by the owner.
You don’t need a certificate as long as you operate your drone or unmanned aerial vehicle within the rules above.
Source: Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations Article 11.11.3, 11.11.4, 11.11.7.2, and 11.11.7.
But you do need to be certified first to fly drones commercially or as a business
If you want to make money with your skills as a UAV pilot, then you need to apply and get a certificate from the CAAP first.
This includes professional services like:
- Aerial photography and videography
- Drone surveys for construction and real estate
- Crop spraying and health monitoring for agriculture
Source: Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations Article 11.11.4
How do you apply to get an official drone certificate from the CAAP?
All certifications are awarded only by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. We made an application guide with steps you need to get certified in the Philippines:
- To apply for the RPA Controller Certificate (aka the “drone pilot license”), follow our guide here:
How to Apply for a Drone License Certificate in the Philippines -
To apply for the RPA Operator Certificate (aka the “drone business license”), follow our guide here:
How to Start Your Drone Business in the Philippines -
To register your drone and get a RPA Registration Certificate, follow the steps on
question 15 in our frequently asked questions.
Reminder: there are local laws that require extra drone permits
There are many cities and regions in the Philippines that have their own regulations in addition to the CAAP rules.
For example, Davao City and Boracay have local laws where you need to get local government permission before operating a drone.
If you’re planning to shoot videos for your travel blog, then call their tourism office ahead of time to check if they require special permits for operating UAVs.
Have questions about flying drones in the Philippines?
Comments (12)
I am a Filipino who already citizen of Canada. I already have a drone license here in Canada, am I authorized to fly a drone of beautiful places in the Philippines for personal vlog
Hi Oland. The CAAP does not automatically recognize licenses from other countries, but you can still fly your drone here without a license as long as you follow the limitations for unlicensed/uncertified operation. Please read this guide for more info on local drone laws and limitations in the Philippines you need to follow: https://philippinedronenetwork.com.ph/drone-industry-news/philippine-drone-laws-licenses-and-registration-2021-updated/
Hallo! I started drone flying two months ago, by obtaining/ passing the exams for the European UAS -PILOT A1&3, A2. I got myself 2 DJI Phantom 3 standard drones on the second hand market (ebay) in working/ flying condition, one with and one w/out camera.
By early February 2022 I will be flying to Philippines for a post as development advisor and plan to bring the drones with me – for entirely personal and private use. Both drones were purchased for about PHP 16,000.-. However, a ‘carnet’ or merchandize certificate I don’t have as both purchases were on person 2 perso basis.
Any recommendations from your end regarding import of those second hand drones to RP?
Thanks for your support.
Regards,
Karsten Schroeder
Hi Karsten. Small recreational drones like the DJI Phantom are fine to bring into the Philippines for personal use.
Hi. I just want to ask if they are still issuing permits to fly drones in boracay? Thanks!
Hi Dan. Yes you need yo get permission from their tourism office before you fly drones in Boracay.
hi
we want to acquire Industrial DJI M300 for property survey and safety industrial purposes. Is there any special permits to purchase from abroad and bring it to PH? Or would it be wise to have someone from US to hand carry the equipment and bring whatever papers like certificate or permit at the customs?
Thank you
Hi,
Great site.\just wanted an up to date idea about taking a drone into Philippines as a tourist from the Uk = I have a Dji spark 330 grams and Dji air – haven’t actually used either in uk only abroad years ago travel around Indonesia – so don’t have a licence in UK – can I take either to the Philippines to use for personal use or is it better to get lighter drone like Mavic mini…. To get under 250grams…?
Do I need a carnet or any certifications or licences ?
Will take out drone insurance through uk drone club…. For worldwide cover…
Thanks so much for your time..
Kindest regards
Nick
Hi Nick. The DJI Spark is fine to use in the Philippines without a certificate. The requirement for certification is for larger drones or if you plan to provide commercial services/charge money to fly your drone.
Hi, me and my husband have a small monetized youtube chanel. We are visiting the Philippines soon. He have his license here in the US to fly the drone. What are the requirements to get certificate in the Philippines?
Hi June. Your husband can get his license validated here which will be the equivalent of the RPA Controller Certificate. Please call the CAAP office to start the proceess.
Is posting drone footage on youtube considered “commercial service/ charging money”?