Traveling to Jamaica

[CloudsNeverDie]

I'm going on vacation to Jamaica in a couple of weeks, flying from the US. I'd like to take my Phantom 2 Vision Plus and get some awesome footage!

But of course I'm worried I'll be stopped by Jamaican immigration or police.

Anyone done this successfully?

 

[Andrew303]

Don't think you should have issues. I'm in the Dominican Republic for work and no issues with customs.

 

[CloudsNeverDie]

In case this information is useful to anyone else traveling to Jamaica - I had absolutely no problems on my trip. I carried the Phantom in a Cheerwing backpack with three batteries in Ziploc bags in the backpack. I got through TSA in the US without being stopped or asked any questions. On my way into Jamaica, I didn't get asked any questions or have my bags inspected by customs. On my way back, I put the backpack through the Xray machine at Montego Bay airport and they didn't bat an eyelid - the security staff did ask if I had a quadcopter and they were fascinated, so I showed the security staff a few videos, they were excited and very nice and professional about everything.

I did fly around the resort I was staying at in Montego Bay. The staff were very friendly and cool about it, joking that I had to pay them money or leave my Phantom behind with them when I left The other resort guests loved it too, and I got a round of applause whenever I landed.

So I had no problems taking this kit to Jamaica, and I'd definitely do it again.

Thanks Andrew for confirming there would be no issues!

 

[hoosierdoc]

Bump to see if this is still an easy thing to do. We're going in a few months and my Phantom 3 is shipping this week

We will be staying in Negril at Beaches and I would love to get some footage of the area. I am fairly certain Hedo is less than 1.2 miles away (I kid... I kid...)

 

[evanston45]

Have things changed in the last 2 years? I'm going next week and wanted to know if I can take the Mavic. I read another post that I will have to pay duty on it (though the thread was from 2014, so I'm hoping things have changed).
Thanks!

 

[Bill Lott]

I was there earlier this year and had no problems.

Went straight through customs without an issue

 

[evanston45]

Thanks for the reply. Any issues on the return flight? I read a post from last year saying they don't allow drones in the terminal because someone decided to fly it...the guy who posted had to be escorted to gate check the drone. Wondering if I should just put in my checked bag on return home or try to carry on

 

[tberton]

I am going to Mexico this coming Wednesday. Third trip with drone, no problems. Enjoy your flying.

 

[unashamed]

Taking a trip in August. I look forward to an easy pass trough customs and hopefully no taxes. Hopefully nothing has changed.

 

[WillZX14R]

Wondering if I should just put in my checked bag on return home or try to carry on

Reduce power on batteries, place them in Lipo battery safety bags and carry on to be on the safe side.

 

[evanston45]

Just came back 2 weeks ago from Montego Bay Jamaica...no issues at all either direction. I did however pay for "club mobay" which meant essentially no bag screen at customs...walked right through. On way back, they didn't open anything in the X-ray machine. I had asked security before I went in whether drones are ok, and she said yes. Reason I asked was I could have a name in case I was flagged ("Tasha said it was ok")...but didn't need do say anything in the end.

 

[Dronemade]

Just saw this cool thread which inspired me to look further into it..

The country is pretty sweet when it comes to recreational use however as soon as you intend to do any kind of business with your drone there you will need to apply for a special permit. In terms of where to fly, I didn't find in my research any official map but an app that helped overseeing airport fields (which you need to stay 5 kms away from) - see below, hope this helps!