Basically this is what was sent to me today from the agency that oversees drone registrations. Sounds like they are tracking multi-country drone registrations and won’t allow a 249g+ drone to have registration elsewhere, which sounds wild:
We appreciate your interest in registering your RPAS (DRONE) in Mexico. Below, we will explain the requirements you must meet to obtain the Registration Folio and operate in Mexico: RPAS (Drone) with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 249 grams must request the Registration Folio indicated below. If it weighs less than or equal to 249 grams, it can operate without registration. If the RPAS you are bringing to Mexico weighs more than 249 grams, it must comply with the following: Foreigners may only obtain the Registration Folio and conduct operations in Mexico if they comply with the following:
The RPAS is intended for RECREATIONAL or non-profit use.
The RPAS weighs no more than 2 kilograms.
The RPAS operator (foreigner) must certify that they have a document issued by the National Institute of Migration (the immigration authority in Mexico) stating that they have permission to enter Mexican territory (the names of these documents are indicated below).
They must prove ownership or possession of the RPAS (invoice, purchase agreement, loan for use, rental agreement, etc.).
Send a duly completed and signed scan of the Appendix K form.
The RPAS must not be registered in another country.
In Mexico, the documents used by foreigners to prove their legal residence are the following:
Foreign tourists:
Entry into Mexican territory by air: Digital Multiple Immigration Form, Immigration Stamp, Ticket (Automatic Immigration Filters (E-GATES)).
Link to download the form:
We regret the inconvenience caused by the prohibition of RPAS registration in other Contracting States of the Chicago Convention. However, as of this date, it is not possible to register your drone if you have one or more registrations. Likewise, you will not be able to access registration if your drone weighs less than 250 grams. We will take your concerns into account and work to improve Mexican regulations.
Everything here seems pretty reasonable (Recreational use, valid visa or equivalent, proof of ownership is unusual but okay, form with drone/operator details) but requiring it to not be registered in any other country is very odd. Are we sure that’s not an error?
Mexican drone pilot here. I fly entirely for recreation (mini 4 pro, avata 2 and nazgul 5") and I don’t have my drones registered and I have never had a problem with any authority in Mexico. I’ve flown both in the city (Guadalajara) and the beach (Los cabos, punta mita, Tulum). If a cop wants to mess with you, they will do it whether your drone is above 250 gr or not. A friend of mine flies a Mavic 3 Pro Cine for both commercial and recreational purposes and even he doesn’t have his drone registered. My advice is to simply use your common sense and don’t fly near hospitals or towers with heliports and you should be fine. If you need some more information feel free to DM me. Fly safe!
@Bryce
My worry is that I sent them all my information to register the drone, I don’t want them to try to seize my drone or make an issue for me at the airport… Do you typically fly within Mexico or do you drive?
@Drew
I fly with it. Never had an issue at security screening nor entering the country (flew from Iceland through Canada). I would recommend having your purchase receipt available (in your cellphone) as well as your part 107 just in case they ask for any proof of proficiency. (Once again they have never even asked.)
Sometimes customs officers try to mess with people to pay taxes related to the drone value. (That happens to me with nationals too, that’s why I always carry my purchase receipt).
Cort said:
This is certainly unexpected. I suppose leaving the Mavic 3 at home and renting one in MX is the move?
I’m not sure, but I’m about to pick a fight with them… I haven’t seen another country put a restriction like this so I’m going to escalate it to the secretary of aviation and see if I get a better response.
So this may be a weird one that may get me downvoted, but would it be acceptable to delete the registration from Drone Zone before you travel then re-register it when you return? Technically un-registering it with the US FAA? Or is the regulation it ‘must never have been registered’ in another country?
Mexico is dangerous… why would you go there? I would be more worried about cartels, kidnappings, and corrupt government officials or police… WGAF about drones lol.
Dale said:
Mexico is dangerous… why would you go there? I would be more worried about cartels, kidnappings, and corrupt government officials or police… WGAF about drones lol.
What a stupid comment to post in a drone subreddit.
Not everyone wants to go to Mexico.
And not everyone who wants to go to Mexico wants to bring a drone.
But anyone in this subreddit that does want to go to Mexico is very likely to be interested in bringing a drone to Mexico.
Dale said:
Mexico is dangerous… why would you go there? I would be more worried about cartels, kidnappings, and corrupt government officials or police… WGAF about drones lol.
To be fair, the most popular places most visitors go like Cabo and Cancun, and most of CDMX are pretty safe; tourism is their lifeblood…
Dale said:
Mexico is dangerous… why would you go there? I would be more worried about cartels, kidnappings, and corrupt government officials or police… WGAF about drones lol.
