Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Consumer Drone → Philippines
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-04-25
CAAP registration required; strict rules near airports
Details
Philippines Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) regulates drones under Memorandum Circular 21-19. Personal-use drones over 250g require operator registration on the CAAP online portal and a Certificate of Registration; flights above 122m or near aerodromes require a separate Certificate of Authorisation. Tourist-carriage of personal drones is permitted; lithium-battery limits per IATA Doc 9284 apply. Unauthorised flight: PHP 100,000-1,000,000 fine.
Quantity limit
Personal use with CAAP registration
Documentation required
- CAAP drone registration
- Special permit for foreign operators
Legal reference
CAAP MC 17-2020
IATA dangerous goods
Consumer Drone is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage limits apply on top of customs rules.
Practical advice
Register before flying. Manila and major airports have strict 10km no-fly zones.
Customs authority
Bureau of Customs (BOC) · https://customs.gov.ph