Flying a drone in Brazil offers incredible opportunities, from capturing the Christ the Redeemer statue against a sprawling cityscape to filming the majestic waterfalls of Iguaçu. However, operating a drone in this vibrant country requires navigating a well-defined set of federal regulations. With major regulatory updates taking full effect in 2026, understanding the rules for flying in cities versus national parks is essential for a safe, legal, and enjoyable experience .
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current regulations, the latest operational categories, and the specific restrictions you’ll face in urban environments and protected natural areas.
🇧🇷 The Three Pillars of Drone Regulation in Brazil
Drone operations in Brazil are overseen by three main federal agencies, each with a specific responsibility. Before you fly, you must be aware of all three.
- ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency): The primary rule-maker. ANAC establishes the operational rules, pilot requirements, and drone classifications based on risk. All drones weighing over 250 grams must be registered in ANAC’s system, the SISANT (Unmanned Aircraft System) .
- DECEA (Department of Airspace Control): The air traffic controller. DECEA manages the airspace and is responsible for authorizing flights, especially in controlled areas near airports. All flight planning and authorization requests are handled through their online platform, SARPAS .
- ANATEL (National Telecommunications Agency): The spectrum manager. ANATEL certifies that the drone’s communication equipment (Wi-Fi, radio control) complies with Brazilian standards and won’t cause interference. Your drone must have the ANATEL certification seal .
✈️ The New Rules: RBAC No. 100 Takes Effect in 2026
A landmark shift in Brazilian drone regulation came into full effect on January 1, 2026, with the implementation of the new RBAC No. 100. This regulation moves away from classifying drones simply by weight and instead categorizes operations by their level of risk .
This is a crucial change for anyone planning to fly, as it dictates the level of bureaucracy required. Here are the three new operational categories:
| Category | Risk Level | Characteristics | Required Documentation | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberta (Open) | Low | VLOS (Visual Line of Sight), max altitude 120m (400ft), operations over unpopulated/private areas. | Registration in SISANT, identification label on drone. | Recreational flying, simple farm inspections. |
| Específica (Specific) | Moderate | Higher-risk flights, such as in urban areas, BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), or above 120m. | SISANT registration + COE (Operational Concept) + SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) approved by ANAC. | Commercial urban flights, event filming. |
| Certificada (Certified) | High | Operations equivalent to manned aviation, such as carrying cargo or people. | Full certification of aircraft, operator, and pilot. | Air taxi services, large cargo drones. |
For the vast majority of drone pilots—whether hobbyists or professionals—this means your flight will fall into either the Aberta or Específica category. Flying in cities or national parks will almost certainly require you to operate under the more rigorous Específica rules.
🏙️ Regulations for Flying in Brazilian Cities
Operating a drone in a bustling urban environment like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Salvador is considered a high-risk activity. Here’s what you need to know to fly legally and safely in a city:
- Authorization is a Must: You will likely need to apply for authorization from DECEA through the SARPAS platform. The new RBAC No. 100 places most urban flights in the Específica category, meaning you must submit a detailed COE (Conceito de Operação da Missão) describing your flight plan and a SORA risk assessment for ANAC’s approval .
- Safety Distances are Critical: You must maintain a safe distance from people, vehicles, and structures not involved in the operation. Flying directly over crowds or agglomerations of people is strictly prohibited without specific authorization, which is very difficult to obtain .
- Permanent No-Fly Zones: DECEA designates certain areas as permanently restricted. Drone operations are banned over penitentiaries, state buildings, military installations, and critical infrastructure like power plants .
- Dynamic No-Fly Zones: Be aware that temporary no-fly zones can be put in place for large events. For instance, during the 2016 Rio Olympics, DJI implemented temporary no-fly zones across several Brazilian cities at the request of local authorities to ensure security . Always check for NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) before flying.
- Respect Privacy: The law is clear that capturing images or video of private property (homes, apartments, workplaces) can be a violation of privacy unless authorized by the owner or by a judicial/police order .
🌳 Regulations for Flying in National Parks
Brazil’s national parks, managed by ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation), are protected areas with the primary goal of preserving nature. Consequently, drone use is highly restricted.
- General Rule: Prohibited. In the vast majority of Brazil’s national parks and state parks, the use of drones for recreational or commercial purposes is strictly forbidden without an explicit permit.
- Getting an Authorization is Complex: You must obtain a prior authorization directly from ICMBio. This is a bureaucratic process typically reserved for scientific research, environmental monitoring, or professional filming projects that can demonstrate a clear benefit and no negative impact on the environment.
- Specific Restrictions Even When Authorized: If you are granted a permit, your flight will be subject to stringent conditions. Flying over nature reserves is considered a banned operation, and any authorized flight would need to ensure no disturbance to wildlife .
- Ignorance is Not an Excuse: Flying a drone in a national park without a permit can result in severe penalties, including the seizure of your equipment and significant fines. Always check with the specific park’s visitor center or official website before your trip.
📝 Summary Checklist for Flying in Brazil (2026)
- Register Your Drone: If your drone weighs more than 250g, register it in the SISANT system .
- Check for ANATEL Certification: Ensure your drone model is homologated by ANATEL .
- Classify Your Operation: Determine if your flight falls under the new Aberta, Específica, or Certificada category based on RBAC No. 100 .
- Seek Authorization: For any flight in a controlled area (near airports), urban environment (likely Específica), or protected area, use the SARPAS platform to request authorization from DECEA . For Específica flights, prepare your COE and SORA .
- Respect No-Fly Zones: Memorize the permanent no-fly zones (prisons, military areas, etc.) and check for any temporary restrictions .
- Fly Safely: Adhere to VLOS, respect the 120m altitude limit for Aberta flights, and never fly over crowds or in a way that endangers people or property .
- For National Parks: Assume drones are banned. Only fly with explicit, pre-arranged authorization from ICMBio.
🔮 Looking Ahead: The Future of Drone Rules in Brazil
The regulatory landscape is not static. A proposed law (PL 3.519/2025) aims to further modernize the legal framework, granting security forces more power to interdict illegal drones and prioritizing national research and development in the sector from 2026 to 2030 . Additionally, cities like Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro are establishing “regulatory sandboxes”—controlled environments where companies can test innovative drone applications like BVLOS deliveries to help shape future, more flexible regulations .
By staying informed and adhering to the rules set by ANAC, DECEA, ANATEL, and ICMBio, you can enjoy capturing stunning aerial perspectives of Brazil while contributing to a safe and respectful airspace for everyone.