Drone Laws in Cuba
Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 22.12.2025 | 16 Kommentare
This article explains the laws in Cuba regarding the use of drones.
Several inquiries to the Cuban embassy and the Cuban tourism office have revealed that importing drones into Cuba is unfortunately not permitted. The German Federal Foreign Office also confirms that “the import of walkie-talkies, satellite phones, GPS devices, and drones is prohibited or requires prior approval from the relevant Cuban authorities.”
Upon entry, your drone will be confiscated at the airport. It’s even possible that all of your camera equipment could be seized. You will get your drone back upon leaving the country, but a fee will apply.
The background to the import ban is likely the fear that espionage technology could be smuggled into the country via drones. However, drone use is allowed in Cuba if you have a license. Apparently, this requires applications to five different authorities. In Havana, there are reportedly companies that rent out drones. If you want to use such a service, you should ask them about the licensing process.
We find it very unfortunate that the Cuban government is so restrictive toward civilian camera drones. There are so many beautiful subjects in this unique country! Let’s hope the situation changes soon.
If you’re planning a trip to Cuba, we recommend keeping an eye on the official website of the Cuban Civil Aviation Authority (IACC) for any short-term updates.
The drone regulations for Cuba listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. To be on the safe side, contact the Cuban Civil Aviation Authority. Alternatively, you can also ask for more information at the Cuban embassy in your home country. Please leave us a comment if you learn any updates and/or have personal experience flying a drone in Cuba!
Is there any new news as to what is or is not allowed in Cuba as to drones? i have the DJI spark….
thankyou in advance
i recently went to Cuba and had my drone taken off me at customs. was told i could collect it when i was leaving. i arrived to the airport 2 hours before i was meant to be there to try get it back and just got stuff around the hole time by customs them telling me its coming soon then 10min before i had to board telling me i was at the wrong termal to collect it. end up having to leave it behind. They are the rudest people i’ve ever had to deal with. simalar thing happened to my friend a few days later. he went in 5 hours before he was flying out and only just manage to get his drone back 20min before his flight left. My advice would be to leave your drone at home
Up, need the same info please 🙂 going to Cuba with a spark
Unfortunately no. Two users send me reports that they could bring their drones to Cuba. But at the moment, this is not sufficient enough for me. Will will see what the future brings. When do you want to fly to Cuba?
Any recent development on this? Is 2019 any better? I’m travelling to Cuba end of January.
I have a spark and a mavic, GPS drones.
But I also have a toy drone (tiny whoop fpv camera drone) can I bring that?
Thank you.
@Rafal did you bring your drone? I’m going tomorrow and want to know if you got a drone into Cuba.
No I did not…. Not allowed
Ben, what was your experience? Did you bring your drone?
he’s still in jail
sorry for the late reply .. but no … not allowed drones in Cuba.
Same: drone confiscated at customs, jan. 2019
Same: drone confiscated at customs, april 2019.
When i received my hold baggage it was marked on the tag “drone”and a guy guided me to customs.
Cost of confiscation: the first 5 days is gratis, then every day costs 3,3 cuc. Plus a 1% of the value of the drone that you declare. So declare as minimum as possible.
I cant understand how the find that you have a drone… Maybe a thought is to remove the propellers and place them in another bag.
Another solution maybe to remove the drone when you get your hold baggage and put in another’s person baggage.
Of course in Cuba there is everywhere police even at the beaches, so maybe pointless to try fly it.
every airport xrays your luggage
Looks like the spanish-speaking central and south american countries are not really drone-friendly. Cuba, Bahamas, and Peru.
Any recent updates please? I’m going on April 2020 to Cuba.
Thanks
So these are the drone law for CUBA. I didn’t know about them. Thanks for information.