Flying your drone in Curacao
Registration, customs, law & no-fly-zones
Can I fly my drone in Curacao? This is a question that is asked again and again, and I will answer it in this article, along with everything else you need to know about flying a drone to Curacao. Enjoy!
Not all drones are the same
Or are they? In the EU, drones are assigned to certain categories and classes. Depending on their weight, speed and a few other factors, certain requirements (keyword “drone license”) and strict restrictions apply to their flight. If you are interested in this somewhat dry topic, you can find out more on the website of the German Federal Office of Civil Aeronautics or on Google/YouTube.
The current situation in Curacao (July 2024): drones are drones and all rules apply equally to all drone pilots!
Picture of Willemstad and its Handelskade taken by a drone 😎
What rules apply in Curacao?
I will discuss the topic of how you can legally take your drone to Curacao below. For now, let’s look at the rules for flying a drone in Curacao:
- FPV (=“First Person View”) applies – as in the EU: you must have your drone in view at all times!
- You are responsible for not harming anyone (persons) or damaging anything (objects).
- The maximum flight altitude is 120 meters.
- The distance to people, vehicles, buildings, etc. must be at least 50 meters.
- Flying in designated no-fly zones (in particular Hato Airport, including the approach path and the Motet Werf) is strictly prohibited!
- Do not fly over people, vehicles, buildings or cities, regardless of altitude.
- Respect the privacy of others when using image and video material!
The official brochure “Be safe – be legal” lists the applicable rules in detail.
Prohibited areas (“no-fly zones”)
There are some areas on Curacao that you are not allowed to fly over under any circumstances:
- Christoffel National Park in the north-west of the island
- The military training area on land and in the water in the north-west of the island
- The salinas “Jan Kok” and “St. Michiel” with their flamingos
- The bay in the east called Makuaku Island (ostrich farm)
- The approach and departure path and Hato Airport itself
- The oil terminals in Bullenbai
- The Motetwerf in the bay north of the Queen Juliana Bridge
- The prison near Spanish Water / Jan Thiel
- The critical infrastructure for water and energy supply (Aqualectra)
The no-fly-zones in Curacao
It is forbidden to fly around airports all over the world. You would quickly get into real trouble there. But please also respect the no-fly zones over the Salinjas with the beautiful flamingos and over the Christoffel National Park. If you want a great picture or video of the flamingos, buy the appropriate camera equipment, fight your way through the terrain, etc. But please just leave the animals alone with your drone! Thank you! #respect
You can find all no-fly zones in this pdf file.
Watch out for the wind
On Curacao, trade winds constantly blow from the northeast. You and your drone will feel this. Take this into account when flying. Otherwise, you could end up like me: I was flying far and high over the water in the far west of the island (Watamula). I was able to watch as the battery level dropped rapidly and the drone simply would not fly back. I was lucky and there were gusts with short breaks in between. So the drone managed to get back to me in the very last second. With less than 2 minutes of battery life left, it just barely avoided crashing into the sea. Phew!
Taking your drone to Curacao legally
In theory, your drone could be confiscated by customs if you try to “smuggle” it onto the island without registering it. You’d better not risk it. Especially since you can easily get a license for the drone before your trip.
Curacao travel tip: When you arrive in Curacao, your luggage is randomly checked again after you pick it up from the baggage carousel. We were chosen several times (even with two drones “armed”). So far, without any complaints and without anyone wanting to see my drone registrations. But it could certainly go the other way…
You can take your drone to Curacao legally by registering it before entering the country. To do this, send an e-mail to the Curacao Civil Aviation Authority and the Bureau Telecommunicatie en Post. You will receive your permit from both of them in a short time. They will provide you with forms, e-mail addresses, etc. You will need to submit a photo of the drone and your passport.
You need these two documents to register your drone
Step-by-step instructions
Download the two documents
Fill out both, take a picture of your drone (including the controller), your passport, put everything together as a pdf file and send it by email with some explanation to:
- civilair@gobiernu.cw (Department of Civil Aviation)
- BTP-Import-Equipment@Burtel.cw
After a short time, you will receive the stamped authorization to fly your drone and to take it to Curacao.
It’s not what you say, but how you say it!
I have repeatedly read reports on the internet that nobody has responded to a registration attempt or an e-mail. My experiences over many years and several drone registrations are quite different! The staff are extremely nice, communicative and fast. With me it was always “quick as a flash” and I had my documents stamped and approved back in my e-mail inbox in a few hours every time.
You have to register your drone what needed only some hours for me
My tip: Write one or two more nice sentences and explain what you plan to do with your drone on the island and why you want to fly there. Of course, I don’t know what those who didn’t get a reply wrote. Personally, however, I would rather reply to emails in which I am addressed nicely, receive a few additional pieces of information and am aware that the basic rules are known and will be followed. And you? It’s just a guess why things sometimes don’t go quite smoothly…
Conclusion
On Curacao, you can fly your drone without a lot of fuss. Completely legally! All you have to do is register it and yourself in advance. And of course, obey the rules on Curacao! So nothing stands in the way of your perfect vacation video with drone flights. Enjoy!!!
Do you know the answer? We collected 100+ entertaining questions about Curacao. Have fun!
Quiz Question
Which currency do you use to pay in Curacao?Answer
The official currency on Curacao is the Antillean Guilder (ANG).
In Papiamentu, this is florin or heldu, but the locals say something similar to güldis or gilders when they tell you the price in their currency. The currency is stable, at least since we visited Curacao for the first time in 2017.
On price labels you can read either the abbreviation ANG, Naf. or Nafl. This always refers to the Antillean Guilder.
Do you like more? Here is another post you might be interested in:
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Are you interested in more than just snorkeling and diving on Curacao’s dream beaches? Then take a look at our lifestyle and secrets sections. We’ll take care of your physical well-being in restaurants & bars and let you know where you can shop well and cheaply for food and souvenirs in our shopping category.
Flying your drone in Curacao
Registration, customs, law & no-fly-zones
Can I fly my drone in Curacao? This is a question that is asked again and again, and I will answer it in this article, along with everything else you need to know about flying a drone to Curacao. Enjoy!
Not all drones are the same
Or are they? In the EU, drones are assigned to certain categories and classes. Depending on their weight, speed and a few other factors, certain requirements (keyword “drone license”) and strict restrictions apply to their flight. If you are interested in this somewhat dry topic, you can find out more on the website of the German Federal Office of Civil Aeronautics or on Google/YouTube.
The current situation in Curacao (July 2024): drones are drones and all rules apply equally to all drone pilots!
Picture of Willemstad and its Handelskade taken by a drone 😎
What rules apply in Curacao?
I will discuss the topic of how you can legally take your drone to Curacao below. For now, let’s look at the rules for flying a drone in Curacao:
- FPV (=“First Person View”) applies – as in the EU: you must have your drone in view at all times!
- You are responsible for not harming anyone (persons) or damaging anything (objects).
- The maximum flight altitude is 120 meters.
- The distance to people, vehicles, buildings, etc. must be at least 50 meters.
- Flying in designated no-fly zones (in particular Hato Airport, including the approach path and the Motet Werf) is strictly prohibited!
- Do not fly over people, vehicles, buildings or cities, regardless of altitude.
- Respect the privacy of others when using image and video material!
The official brochure “Be safe – be legal” lists the applicable rules in detail.
Prohibited areas (“no-fly zones”)
There are some areas on Curacao that you are not allowed to fly over under any circumstances:
- Christoffel National Park in the north-west of the island
- The military training area on land and in the water in the north-west of the island
- The salinas “Jan Kok” and “St. Michiel” with their flamingos
- The bay in the east called Makuaku Island (ostrich farm)
- The approach and departure path and Hato Airport itself
- The oil terminals in Bullenbai
- The Motetwerf in the bay north of the Queen Juliana Bridge
- The prison near Spanish Water / Jan Thiel
- The critical infrastructure for water and energy supply (Aqualectra)
The no-fly-zones in Curacao
It is forbidden to fly around airports all over the world. You would quickly get into real trouble there. But please also respect the no-fly zones over the Salinjas with the beautiful flamingos and over the Christoffel National Park. If you want a great picture or video of the flamingos, buy the appropriate camera equipment, fight your way through the terrain, etc. But please just leave the animals alone with your drone! Thank you! #respect
You can find all no-fly zones in this pdf file.
Watch out for the wind
On Curacao, trade winds constantly blow from the northeast. You and your drone will feel this. Take this into account when flying. Otherwise, you could end up like me: I was flying far and high over the water in the far west of the island (Watamula). I was able to watch as the battery level dropped rapidly and the drone simply would not fly back. I was lucky and there were gusts with short breaks in between. So the drone managed to get back to me in the very last second. With less than 2 minutes of battery life left, it just barely avoided crashing into the sea. Phew!
Taking your drone to Curacao legally
In theory, your drone could be confiscated by customs if you try to “smuggle” it onto the island without registering it. You’d better not risk it. Especially since you can easily get a license for the drone before your trip.
Curacao travel tip: When you arrive in Curacao, your luggage is randomly checked again after you pick it up from the baggage carousel. We were chosen several times (even with two drones “armed”). So far, without any complaints and without anyone wanting to see my drone registrations. But it could certainly go the other way…
You can take your drone to Curacao legally by registering it before entering the country. To do this, send an e-mail to the Curacao Civil Aviation Authority and the Bureau Telecommunicatie en Post. You will receive your permit from both of them in a short time. They will provide you with forms, e-mail addresses, etc. You will need to submit a photo of the drone and your passport.
You need these two documents to register your drone
Step-by-step instructions
Download the two documents
Fill out both, take a picture of your drone (including the controller), your passport, put everything together as a pdf file and send it by email with some explanation to:
- civilair@gobiernu.cw (Department of Civil Aviation)
- BTP-Import-Equipment@Burtel.cw
After a short time, you will receive the stamped authorization to fly your drone and to take it to Curacao.
It’s not what you say, but how you say it!
I have repeatedly read reports on the internet that nobody has responded to a registration attempt or an e-mail. My experiences over many years and several drone registrations are quite different! The staff are extremely nice, communicative and fast. With me it was always “quick as a flash” and I had my documents stamped and approved back in my e-mail inbox in a few hours every time.
You have to register your drone what needed only some hours for me
My tip: Write one or two more nice sentences and explain what you plan to do with your drone on the island and why you want to fly there. Of course, I don’t know what those who didn’t get a reply wrote. Personally, however, I would rather reply to emails in which I am addressed nicely, receive a few additional pieces of information and am aware that the basic rules are known and will be followed. And you? It’s just a guess why things sometimes don’t go quite smoothly…
Conclusion
On Curacao, you can fly your drone without a lot of fuss. Completely legally! All you have to do is register it and yourself in advance. And of course, obey the rules on Curacao! So nothing stands in the way of your perfect vacation video with drone flights. Enjoy!!!
Other articles from the “Relaxed Travelling” category that might interest you:
If you enjoyed this article, we would be very happy if you share it with your friends on social media. Thank you very much!
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Recommended readings from other categories:
Quiz Question
Which currency do you use to pay in Curacao?Answer
The official currency on Curacao is the Antillean Guilder (ANG).
In Papiamentu, this is florin or heldu, but the locals say something similar to güldis or gilders when they tell you the price in their currency. The currency is stable, at least since we visited Curacao for the first time in 2017.
On price labels you can read either the abbreviation ANG, Naf. or Nafl. This always refers to the Antillean Guilder.
#withus - our articles at your fingertips on a common map - try it!
Flying your drone in Curacao
Registration, customs, law & no-fly-zones
Can I fly my drone in Curacao? This is a question that is asked again and again, and I will answer it in this article, along with everything else you need to know about flying a drone to Curacao. Enjoy!
Not all drones are the same
Or are they? In the EU, drones are assigned to certain categories and classes. Depending on their weight, speed and a few other factors, certain requirements (keyword “drone license”) and strict restrictions apply to their flight. If you are interested in this somewhat dry topic, you can find out more on the website of the German Federal Office of Civil Aeronautics or on Google/YouTube.
The current situation in Curacao (July 2024): drones are drones and all rules apply equally to all drone pilots!
Picture of Willemstad and its Handelskade taken by a drone 😎
What rules apply in Curacao?
I will discuss the topic of how you can legally take your drone to Curacao below. For now, let’s look at the rules for flying a drone in Curacao:
- FPV (=“First Person View”) applies – as in the EU: you must have your drone in view at all times!
- You are responsible for not harming anyone (persons) or damaging anything (objects).
- The maximum flight altitude is 120 meters.
- The distance to people, vehicles, buildings, etc. must be at least 50 meters.
- Flying in designated no-fly zones (in particular Hato Airport, including the approach path and the Motet Werf) is strictly prohibited!
- Do not fly over people, vehicles, buildings or cities, regardless of altitude.
- Respect the privacy of others when using image and video material!
The official brochure “Be safe – be legal” lists the applicable rules in detail.
Prohibited areas (“no-fly zones”)
There are some areas on Curacao that you are not allowed to fly over under any circumstances:
- Christoffel National Park in the north-west of the island
- The military training area on land and in the water in the north-west of the island
- The salinas “Jan Kok” and “St. Michiel” with their flamingos
- The bay in the east called Makuaku Island (ostrich farm)
- The approach and departure path and Hato Airport itself
- The oil terminals in Bullenbai
- The Motetwerf in the bay north of the Queen Juliana Bridge
- The prison near Spanish Water / Jan Thiel
- The critical infrastructure for water and energy supply (Aqualectra)
The no-fly-zones in Curacao
It is forbidden to fly around airports all over the world. You would quickly get into real trouble there. But please also respect the no-fly zones over the Salinjas with the beautiful flamingos and over the Christoffel National Park. If you want a great picture or video of the flamingos, buy the appropriate camera equipment, fight your way through the terrain, etc. But please just leave the animals alone with your drone! Thank you! #respect
You can find all no-fly zones in this pdf file.
Watch out for the wind
On Curacao, trade winds constantly blow from the northeast. You and your drone will feel this. Take this into account when flying. Otherwise, you could end up like me: I was flying far and high over the water in the far west of the island (Watamula). I was able to watch as the battery level dropped rapidly and the drone simply would not fly back. I was lucky and there were gusts with short breaks in between. So the drone managed to get back to me in the very last second. With less than 2 minutes of battery life left, it just barely avoided crashing into the sea. Phew!
Taking your drone to Curacao legally
In theory, your drone could be confiscated by customs if you try to “smuggle” it onto the island without registering it. You’d better not risk it. Especially since you can easily get a license for the drone before your trip.
Curacao travel tip: When you arrive in Curacao, your luggage is randomly checked again after you pick it up from the baggage carousel. We were chosen several times (even with two drones “armed”). So far, without any complaints and without anyone wanting to see my drone registrations. But it could certainly go the other way…
You can take your drone to Curacao legally by registering it before entering the country. To do this, send an e-mail to the Curacao Civil Aviation Authority and the Bureau Telecommunicatie en Post. You will receive your permit from both of them in a short time. They will provide you with forms, e-mail addresses, etc. You will need to submit a photo of the drone and your passport.
You need these two documents to register your drone
Step-by-step instructions
Download the two documents
Fill out both, take a picture of your drone (including the controller), your passport, put everything together as a pdf file and send it by email with some explanation to:
- civilair@gobiernu.cw (Department of Civil Aviation)
- BTP-Import-Equipment@Burtel.cw
After a short time, you will receive the stamped authorization to fly your drone and to take it to Curacao.
It’s not what you say, but how you say it!
I have repeatedly read reports on the internet that nobody has responded to a registration attempt or an e-mail. My experiences over many years and several drone registrations are quite different! The staff are extremely nice, communicative and fast. With me it was always “quick as a flash” and I had my documents stamped and approved back in my e-mail inbox in a few hours every time.
You have to register your drone what needed only some hours for me
My tip: Write one or two more nice sentences and explain what you plan to do with your drone on the island and why you want to fly there. Of course, I don’t know what those who didn’t get a reply wrote. Personally, however, I would rather reply to emails in which I am addressed nicely, receive a few additional pieces of information and am aware that the basic rules are known and will be followed. And you? It’s just a guess why things sometimes don’t go quite smoothly…
Conclusion
On Curacao, you can fly your drone without a lot of fuss. Completely legally! All you have to do is register it and yourself in advance. And of course, obey the rules on Curacao! So nothing stands in the way of your perfect vacation video with drone flights. Enjoy!!!
Other posts you might be interested in:
Curacao is alive and things are always changing. What has changed since our last visit? How is your experience? Would you please share your personal experiences with us? Feel free to write your comment under this article and follow us on our social media channels. There you can spontaneously share your personal impressions with us and our community - "sharing is caring". We look forward to your contribution and every new follower!
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Quiz Question
Which currency do you use to pay in Curacao?Answer
The official currency on Curacao is the Antillean Guilder (ANG).
In Papiamentu, this is florin or heldu, but the locals say something similar to güldis or gilders when they tell you the price in their currency. The currency is stable, at least since we visited Curacao for the first time in 2017.
On price labels you can read either the abbreviation ANG, Naf. or Nafl. This always refers to the Antillean Guilder.
#withus - our articles at your fingertips on a common map - try it!
