Drones Illegal in Philippines | How to avoid Airport Confiscation

Is it illegal to fly a drone in the Philippines? Are drones illegal in the Philippines? Yes, if you don't have written permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). These are the drone laws in the Philippines.
I contacted the CAAP before I went to the Philippines to request permission to fly my drone also known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It will take about 1-2 weeks to get permission from the CAAP so you may need to plan ahead before you leave for your trip.
The CAAP also noted that Airport customs may confiscate your drone if you don't have written permission from the CAAP to fly the drone in the Philippines. Furthermore, the Airport Customs may charge you an import tax of 100,000 PHP (about 2000 USD). This is video shows you what you need to know bring your drone to the Philippines. I hope this video helps. If you liked the video, please hit that like button and if you want to see other videos, consider subscribing. Hope to see you again.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
- www.caap.gov.ph/
_________________________
Update: Aug 14 2017 - I received an email from the CAAP today. They've changed their policy since the making of this video a few months ago and I wanted to share the good news with you guys.
Dear Sir/Madam:
Greetings from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines!
Please be informed that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and this Authority had a discussion regarding the importation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or commonly known as drones, to the Philippines.
During the discussion, both government agencies agreed that AUTHORIZATION for the importation of drones to the Philippines is no longer required. However, all RPAS owners and/or operators, whether engaged in commercial or non-commercial operations shall strictly adhere to the provisions stipulated in Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations Part 11; 11.11. (Electronic copy of PCAR Part 11 is attached)
Moreover, this Authority has also requested the BOC to advise all customs personnel in NAIA Terminals and other concerned offices not to require drone importers to secure an import clearance/permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Should you require further inquiries, you may call the Flight Operations Department of the Flight Standards Inspectorate Service at Tel.: (+63) [phone].
Wilhelmino E. Guevara, Jr.
Assistant Aviation Safety Inspector
FOD-FSIS, CAAP
___________________________-
CAAP UAV Memorandum (latest one I could find on their website - but I did receive a later version from 2015)
- www.caap.gov.ph/index.php/down...
For drone inquiries and requests, please contact:
- [e-mail]
- [e-mail]
If you don't get a response from the above emails you can also try:
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
For a copy of my request template:
www.tokyozebra.com/blog/drone...
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Update: Aug 14 2017 - I received an email from the CAAP today. They've changed their policy since the making of this video a few months ago and I wanted to share the good news with you guys.

[@migueldeguzman3836]

It's not illegal, the title is misleading

[@tsvetaan2733]

Great video and cool drone shots!! Thank you very much for sharing your drone travels and talking us through local regulations! This is really helpful!

[@bryanortiz8450]

Thank you for this video! I was also questioning myself regarding in bringing my drone to the Philippines.

[@JulitoBernales]

Hey dude you can bring your drone and fly here in the Phil. but be reminded of the restricted area or what they call GEO ZONE ...these are airports , ports, military installations

[@diegorenevelasquez]

Thanks for the heads up. I like the fact that you were prepared and sought official permission. I'll be doing the same for my trip to Palawan later this year.

[@scott5106]

Thanks for another informative video on the Mavic and customs rules, good to know.

[@Sharkhunter317]

Great video Paolo. I will do the same since I'm taking my mavic to the Philippines in 2 months. all the best

[@katseeloeydo6188]

Great vid bro! and the info within and the update below is wonderful news! I was about to call my friend back home in the Philippines who's father is an ex-president of FSIS-CAAP, so I can get a clearance to fly my drone when I go visit our beloved Philippines very soon!

[@bessiedouglas4530]

This is the right video for anyone who needs to search out out about this topic. You notice so much its almost onerous to argue with you (not that I really would needHaHa). You positively put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply great!

[@darkheaven09]

hey thanks for the details! you gained me as a subscriber!

[@cyrildieudonne6185]

thanks man, was really helpful video!

[@nel-cam]

Great video. Useful info!

[@hanz2lk]

Thanks for the info. Will be bringing my drone!!

[@rickylauw9097]

Thanks man for your very useful information

[@Daniella3d]

Very cool! At least you did your research and followed the regulation, asked permissions etc...you did the right things the right ways. If more people do that and fly their drones responsively, then it's going to affect the regulations in the future and flying drones will be easier for everyone.

[@BuddyMoran]

Nice video, Paolo! Thanks for sharing your experience. Which of the emails you shared replied? I plan to go there in January; to Bohol and El Nido.

[@YAHMORTIZ]

Thanks for this information 😊it really help

[@PNOYPWR]

I just came back from Philippines on vacation from January and February 2019 with my DJI Mavic Pro. Yes, they did not check my baggage coming in. Going out of the country, the X-ray operator ask me if that's a drone inside. I told him "Yes" and just told me, Ok and let me take my baggage straight to the check in.

[@JoeDoeOutdoors]

Hii sweet page ☺ Keep it up!