The Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA) is currently consulting on a new regulatory framework for drone operations in Belize. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has reviewed the proposed Operational Directive and prepared this summary to help members and the wider business community understand the key changes, assess how they may be affected, and consider participating in the consultation process before it closes.

The BDCA’s new Operational Directive for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for drone operations across the country. The Directive modernizes Belize’s approach to drone governance and introduces new requirements covering registration, pilot certification, operational approvals, and airspace restrictions.

Expanded Registration Requirements

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of broad drone registration requirements. Under the Directive, no person may operate a drone in Belize unless it has been registered with the BDCA. Drones are classified into four categories based on weight:

• Micro UA: 250 grams or less
• Small UA: 250g to 2kg
• Light UA: 2kg to 25kg
• Heavy UA: over 25kg

Notably, even drones weighing under 250 grams must be registered if they carry an integrated onboard camera, meaning many popular consumer drones used for photography or videography will fall under the registration system regardless of size.

Owners must apply using BDCA forms, submit supporting documentation, pay applicable fees, and obtain an official registration number carrying specific designations.

New Remote Pilot Certification Rules

The Directive also establishes a formal remote pilot certification system. Operators flying drones above 250 grams in the “Open Category” will require a Remote Pilot Certificate of Competence issued by the BDCA. Applicants must complete approved training, pass a knowledge examination, and provide a medical assessment confirming adequate vision and hearing.

The minimum age for Open Category certification is 16, while more advanced or specialized operations require operators to be at least 18. The knowledge examination covers airspace restrictions, aviation weather, emergency procedures, airport operations, privacy and data protection, drug and alcohol awareness, and night operations. Certificates must be renewed every 24 months through recurrent testing.

Key Operating Restrictions

The Directive imposes several operational limitations aimed at improving aviation safety. Under standard conditions, drones must remain within visual line of sight, stay below 120 metres (400 feet), keep at least 50 metres from uninvolved persons, avoid flying over populated areas, and remain at least 5 kilometres from aerodromes unless specially authorized.

Night operations are generally prohibited without a Special UAS Operations Authorization from the BDCA. Flights beyond visual line of sight, in controlled airspace, or near airports also require additional authorization.

Privacy and Enforcement

The BDCA is empowered to suspend or revoke certificates for unsafe or unauthorized operations and may impose civil penalties under the Civil Aviation Act. Operators conducting photography or videography are also reminded that drone use must comply with Belize’s constitutional protections relating to privacy and protection from arbitrary intrusion.

Broader Economic and Digital Implications

Drones have become an increasingly important part of Belize’s commercial and digital landscape. Beyond recreational use, the technology is now integral to tourism, construction, real estate, agriculture, surveying, environmental monitoring, media production, and marketing.

As drone technology becomes more embedded in day-to-day business operations, the new framework carries implications well beyond dedicated drone operators. Businesses relying on aerial photography, mapping, inspections, agricultural spraying, videography, and digital content creation may face indirect compliance impacts — including new licensing, registration, training, and authorization obligations.

While the regulations are primarily aimed at improving aviation safety and airspace accountability, stakeholders may wish to consider how the framework balances those objectives against accessibility, innovation, tourism promotion, and the ease of doing business for small operators and emerging digital industries.

Transition Period

The Operational Directive replaces Belize’s previous UAS framework and provides a six-month transition period for operators holding existing approvals or authorizations. For the many businesses and individuals now routinely relying on drone technology, this window is worth acting on early.

The BDCA consultation is currently open. Businesses, recreational operators, content creators, industry associations, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft regulations and submit feedback. Members wishing to coordinate a response or discuss how the proposed rules may affect their operations are welcome to reach out to the BCCI.