Curacao Drone Law: Where Can You Fly With No-Fly Zone Map

Quick answer: Curaçao drone laws in 2025

Flying a drone in Curaçao is legal in 2025, but tourists must follow a two-step process before taking off. Here’s the short version:

• Before arrival:
  ✔ Apply for a Declaration of Admission from the Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC) to bring your drone through customs.
• On the island:
  ✔ Register your drone with the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA).
• While flying:
  ✔ Maximum altitude: 120 m (400 ft)
  ✔ Keep your drone in sight (VLOS) at all times
  ✔ Stay 50 m away from people, buildings, and vehicles
  ✔ No flights near airports, national parks, military zones, oil facilities, or power plants
  ✔ No flying directly over crowds, busy beaches, or city streets
• Commercial flights: Always require prior approval from the CCAA.

Follow these steps, and you’ll avoid fines or drone confiscation while still capturing Curaçao’s incredible aerial views.

How Curaçao regulates drones (two-step process for visitors)

Unlike some Caribbean islands where you can just show up and fly, Curaçao has a two-step approval system. One agency handles the import, the other handles the flying. Even if you’re just a tourist with a small drone, you’ll need to deal with both.

Step 1 — RAC import declaration (even for tourists)

The Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC) regulates telecom gear—including drones. To bring your drone in, you must secure a Declaration of Admission from RAC to satisfy customs.

How to apply:

• Download the fillable PDF form and complete it digitally
• Include a copy of your passport and a photo of your drone (serial number visible)
• Email the form to rac-import-equipment@rac.cw
• You can also call RAC at +599 9 461 1700 or email info@rac.cw
• Save the signed declaration and bring it on your trip — printed or on your phone — for customs

Without it, customs may delay, hold, or deny your drone’s entry.

Step 2 — CCAA registration and flight rules

Once you’re on the island, the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) manages drone flight regulations. You must register your drone and follow their rules for altitude, distance, and restricted zones.

• For recreational tourists: simply register your drone and follow the rules (contact CCAA and they will provide you with the form).
• For commercial use or paid shoots: you need prior approval from CCAA
  • Provide details such as location, date, and flight purpose
  • Wait for written permission before flying

Contact:

• Email: civilair@gobiernu.cw
• Phone: +599 9 839 3319 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–12:00 and 13:30–16:30)

Step 3 — Always carry your paperwork

While flying in Curaçao, keep these documents on you—digital or printed:

• RAC Declaration of Admission
• CCAA registration or flight approval
• Insurance documentation (not required, but highly recommended)

Showing these ensures you can prove your drone is legal if questioned by customs agents, police, or park officials.

My personal tip: Don’t leave the registration until the last minute. Communicating with the authorities can take one to two weeks. In fact, I received my drone permission after I had already left Curaçao.

Curaçao vs. BES islands (don’t mix them up)

A quick note: Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but it is not under EU drone rules. Don’t assume that sub-250 g exemptions apply here — they don’t.

Also, don’t confuse Curaçao with the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba). Those islands fall under Dutch aviation law and have different rules. Curaçao has its own system, and you need to follow RAC + CCAA procedures here specifically.

Drone rules in Curaçao explained simply

Once you’ve cleared customs and registered with the CCAA, the rules for actually flying your drone in Curaçao are straightforward. They’re designed to keep the skies safe for aircraft and protect people on the ground.

Height, distance, and safety basics

• Maximum altitude: 120 m (400 ft)
• Always keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS)
• FPV is only allowed if you have a spotter watching the drone directly
• Maintain at least 50 m (165 ft) from people, buildings, and vehicles
• Don’t fly at night or in poor weather
• No flying directly over people — on beaches, at festivals, or in busy downtown streets

Commercial vs. hobby flights

Most tourists fly just for fun, and that’s allowed as long as you follow the rules. But if you’re filming for a client, creating promotional content, or making money from your footage, the CCAA considers that commercial use. In that case:

• You must apply for prior approval before flying
• Provide details of your planned location, time, and purpose
• Expect stricter scrutiny if your shoot is near populated areas or restricted zones

No-fly zones and restricted areas you must avoid

Curaçao may be small, but it has several strict no-fly zones that tourists should know before taking off. Flying in these areas can lead to fines or drone confiscation.

Hato International Airport and air traffic zone

The island’s only international airport sits close to popular resorts and beaches. Flying anywhere near Hato International Airport (CUR) or inside its control zone is strictly forbidden without special approval from the CCAA.

Oil refinery, power plants, and other critical sites

Large industrial facilities like the oil refinery, storage terminals, power plants, and even the island’s prison are marked as no-fly areas. These zones are easy to spot on the official CCAA map and should always be avoided.

National parks and military zones

Christoffel National Park, Shete Boka National Park, and the Wacao military training area are all off-limits for drones. These rules protect both nature and security operations.

How to use the official no-fly map

The CCAA provides a map that highlights airports, restricted zones, and prohibited areas. Download or keep a copy on your phone before flying—it’s the easiest way to check if your planned spot is safe and legal.

Best legal places to fly a drone in Curaçao

Curaçao has plenty of spots where tourists can capture amazing aerial footage without breaking the rules. The key is to avoid crowds and stay clear of no-fly zones.

Beaches with open space

Some beaches are wide enough for safe flying if they’re not crowded. Klein Curaçao, the uninhabited island off the coast, is a great choice—open sand, turquoise water, and no buildings nearby. Early mornings at Cas Abao or Playa Porto Mari can also work if you keep your distance from people.

Rugged coastline and cliffs

The island’s north shore has dramatic waves and cliffs that look incredible from above. As long as you’re outside the national parks (Christoffel and Shete Boka), you can fly legally in many coastal areas.

Salt flats and flamingo areas

The Willemstad salt flats and places like Jan Kok are home to flamingos. You can capture them from a distance, but never fly close—stay well beyond 50 m to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Colorful neighborhoods of Willemstad

The pastel Dutch-Caribbean buildings in Punda and Otrobanda are a dream for aerial photos. But crowds make it tricky. If you want these shots, aim for early morning when the streets are empty, and always keep that 50 m buffer.

Important: Curaçao is windy

Curaçao’s trade winds can be stronger than they look, especially along the open beaches and cliffs. Light drones like the DJI Mini series are easily pushed offshore, and more than a few visitors have lost theirs to the sea. Always check wind speed and direction before takeoff, and be extra cautious when flying close to the coastline.

If your drone starts drifting out to sea

• Stay calm and drop altitude — winds are usually weaker closer to the water’s surface.
• Adjust your path — instead of fighting a direct headwind, try steering at a 90° angle to work your way back.
• Know when to let go — if recovery looks impossible, don’t risk draining the battery completely. A forced landing over land is better than losing the drone to the ocean.

Supporting sources

• DJI FlySafe – DJI global drone no-fly zone map (for tourists familiar with DJI drones)
• MavicPilots - Curaçao drone forum discussion