Drone Laws in Jamaica

Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 23.10.2025 | 1 Kommentare

With its dreamy white beaches and turquoise-blue sea, the Caribbean island of Jamaica offers stunning drone footage opportunities. In this article, you will learn about the current rules for using drones in the island nation of Jamaica.

In recent years, Jamaican drone laws have become significantly stricter, making Jamaica currently the country with the strictest drone regulations in the Caribbean. Airport checks are conducted, and drones without proper authorization are confiscated. Violations can result in high fines.

Overview: Drone rules in Jamaica

Registering Your Drone in Jamaica

All drones over 250 g must be registered, and the JCAA also explicitly recommends registration for lighter drones. In addition, you need a permit for all drone flights in Jamaica, even for recreational use. As a tourist, you must apply for a temporary permit.

To apply, you must email your passport, proof of ownership, and technical specifications of the drone such as brand, model, and serial number, as well as the intended locations of use, to [email protected]. The application process can take 2 to 4 weeks. A registration fee is charged, usually based on the weight and intended use of the drone.

After registration, you will receive a unique registration number that you will likely need to affix to your drone.

Additional Regulations for Drone Pilots in Jamaica

Your drone must always be flown within line of sight in Jamaica. The use of a First-Person-View (FPV) system is not allowed. The distance between the pilot and the drone must not exceed 500 meters.

Safety Distances and No-Fly Zones

Drones must maintain a distance of 5 kilometers (16,500 feet) from airports while flying.

Drones are not allowed to fly over organized open-air gatherings. A distance of 152 meters (500 feet) must be kept from such crowds. A minimum distance of 50 meters (165 feet) must always be maintained from uninvolved persons. This distance can only be undercut during take-off and landing, with a minimum distance of 30 meters required in these situations.

Drones may only be used in Jamaican airspace during daylight hours.

No-Fly Zones in Jamaica

Some of Jamaica’s most famous landmarks are subject to strict restrictions. At Dunn’s River Falls, for example, drones are not allowed without the express permission of both the site operators and the JCAA. The centers of Kingston and Montego Bay are also subject to strict restrictions due to their proximity to major airports.

Flying a drone over the National Stadium Complex is only permitted for commercial operators with special authorization.

All no-fly zones are listed in the Jamaica Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

Special Rules for Drone Pilots in Jamaica

In Jamaica, drones must always be equipped with a failsafe mechanism that initiates an automatic landing if the connection is lost.

Pre-programmed flights are not permitted in Jamaica.

Regulations for Commercial Pilots

Before each individual flight, commercial drone pilots must submit a written application for a Special Aerial Work Permit to the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA). This permit may include additional requirements. You can find all important information here.

Additionally, as a commercial drone pilot, you must take out liability insurance for your drone with coverage of at least 100,000 USD. More information can be found here.

The drone rules for Jamaica listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. To be completely sure, contact the Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority. Alternatively, you can also inquire at the Jamaican embassy in your home country for further information about the regulations. Please leave a comment if you learn of any updates or have your own experiences flying a drone in Jamaica!