This article has been entirely updated to reflect current regulations as of March 2017.
Traveling with a drone even in the US isn’t always easy. While there is no particular law about crossing state lines with a drones, airports are often touchy about things they don’t fully understand… things like LiPO batteries, and drones that fit into the overhead bin. Anytime you are carrying a piece of valuable equipment, whether for your job or your vacation, extra care is required – check out this article on How to Travel With Your Drone for some basic rules to follow.
When you are traveling internationally, some extra care may be required. Keep heart – many international flyers are traveling all over without a problem and meeting other members of the drone community while doing it! However, doing some research up front and remembering these simple points may make your travel experience go more smoothly.
#1. Your Part 107 license isn’t automatically legal in other countries. Got your Part 107 here in the states? If you are planning on flying commercially, you should know that your license is only good in the US. While there are international training standard for manned aircraft pilots, and reciprocal agreements with member countries, those agreements do not cover unmanned aircraft. You’ll have to check with your client or the country you’re working in to make sure that you are flying legally; the FAA has no authority in other countries.
#2. Some countries require that drones be declared. You’ll need to do your research before traveling – hit the government websites, and do a search on drone regulations. Despite increased commercial use of drones in India, for example, the government modified its customs baggage claim regulations last spring to require that drones be specifically declared. (Regulations prohibit most recreational use there anyway, so if you are going on vacation you might want to leave it at home.) In the Bahamas – which would seem to be a prime place for gorgeous drone shots – you have to register your drone with the government before you travel in order to get it through customs.
#3. You’ll have to figure out the local laws. While it is always a good idea to stick to the basic safety regulations outlined here by the FAA, you’ll need to make sure you know what the local laws are. Not all of the apps you usually use to keep you out of trouble during flight are available in every country, so you’ll want to check this before you fly also. This can be especially important when traveling in urban areas – in Japan, for example, recreational drone use is very carefully regulated (and mostly prohibited) in populated areas including almost every city in the country.
#4. …And learn the local monuments. Many countries have regulations similar to those here in the US which prohibit drones around monuments or critical infrastructure. Since you may not always recognize the importance of a site in a foreign country, a little research – or simply asking permission from the authorities – could save major trouble later. For example, a group of international students were jailed in India last year after flying a drone over a religious temple. And in France, a French national was arrested for flying a drone in Paris.
#5. Be sure of your information, and provide documentation. The vast majority of the problems that drone operators traveling internationally encounter happen at the airport. Drone use isn’t common enough yet to ensure that security officers, flight personnel, and customs officials will be familiar with the laws in their own country. Since you may find yourself in the situation of explaining why your drone should be allowed, make sure you know where the regulations are to be found in case you need to refer to them.
Need more information? The drone community is there to help. Seek advice from other travelers or locals by getting in touch with local flight organizations or information groups, such as the Drone Users Group (DUG), local AMA chapters, or one of the many Facebook groups for drone operators, such as the UAV Legal News and Discussion group.
And don’t forget to share your experience – and your pictures – when you get back.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
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i’ll be at narita airport tomorrow evening and will be bringing my phantom 4… any issues as of late?
I worked in the US as an au pair for the last year and about to return to Brazil where I work as a journalist. I bought a drone ($1,000 value), it’s still all packed up and I want to bring it home where I will use it for work in my carry on on the plane. Should I expect any hassle or anything I should know. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Traveling to Hawaii from Canada will i be allowed to fly my Mavic drone there with the new FAA register drone laws
Hi Guys, I’m travelling to Finland, sweden and Oslo Norway and would love to bring my P4 Drone along. Will I face any problem at the airport ? is it illegal to fly around? looking forward for your advise. Thank you.
I’m going on a cruise next February, flying from UK to San Diego, the cruise leaves from San Diego then travelling to Hawaii and Mexico. I’m aware I need to carry the batteries as hand luggage for the flight but does anyone know if there’s any restrictions getting on a cruise with one? I only plan to fly it when docked in and on land. Has anyone had any problems with US airports also?
Some cruise lines have drones listed on their prohibited items list. Check this list!
Has anyone had anyone troubles bringing their drone into Mexico. Im specifically flying into Puerto Vallarta but any input on Mexico would be greatly appreciated
Don’t think there’s any problem, just bring the invoice or a print out with the price you paid for the drone. If you have a drone over 500 bucks They might want to ask you to pay 16% of the value minus devaluation if its not new. I was the unlucky one that got the red light while going through customs. If you are not traveling alone, try to discreetly pass the drone to your companion if you got the red light. Have fun with your trip.
Did you successfully pass the drone to Puerto Vallarta?! Let me know.. I want to do the same next month. Any info is greatly appreciated!
Yes with not problem at all, this time I was lucky and got the green light when I went through customs. But the drone went through the X rays machine on the way to Mexico and on the way back and had no problems at all.
This time I took my Mavic Pro which is pretty small and low profile, I packed it together with my camera, so it was kind of disguised as a photography equipment. But I guess it also depends on the person there. Just bring and invoice or something regarding the purchase of the drone. Just in case!
Have a safe Trip!
Problem bring out Dji Phantom in NewDelhi Airport..
http://www.airlinecomplaints.org/showthread.php?p=32845#post32845
Sounds terrible, I always thought Li-PO batteries were to be kept in a special case with your hand luggage?
Did you have any further issues with customs? Did you have to pay a duty or were they ok with you carrying the drone into the country?
The baggage security did not allow me to bring the 3 batteries. They handed over to the airline ground staff.
Is there any help can be given to any of this “unneccessary” issues (international) from the community??
I’m from Philippines going to bring my Phantom 4 to Las Vegas by Korean airlines stop over in Korea. Please advice if I can bring it to US for recreation only.
Thank you!
did you find out if u can bring it back? im travelling to PH this march and i want to bring my P3, i was checking some comments and they said its ok to bring it in PH, but question is if i can bring it back to US,
I took my drone to Pinas last summer and had no issues bringing it there and returning back to the States. I had mine packed in a hand carry luggage and as long as the batteries were in proper lithium ion bags, there shouldn’t be any issues. The only place I was questioned about it was in Japan and they said ot was cool.
Has anyone had any issues taking a drone into St. Lucia from the us.
?
Hi! No problem in HongKong & Singapur with phantom4, but they try to keep it in Thailand (krabi airport). They tell me is ilegal in Thailand (that i think is not true), so what i recommend you is to have a printed paper with the rules if they stop you because they dont listen and the dont know their own rules and also ir reccomend to have it in side a backpack or something, not carry the original box because when they see it they stop it.
How did you proceed to get out with it? Im going to Krabi and I intend to bring a future Mavic
It’s definitely illegal to UBS drone in Thailand. I’m 100% sure of it.
It’s definitely illegal to Fly a drone in Thailand. I’m 100% sure of it.
Just to correct Mike. I’m not sure how you’re 100% sure, but flying in Thailand is perfectly legal. I’ve been flying my mavic around krabi and other islands nearby. The usual rules and laws apply, no national parks, not near airports, LOS. The specific rules are no flying above 90metres, but that barely gets enforced. Just be sensible with it and you won’t have issues. I’ve been flying it all over the islands.
Expirence with Singapore and Bali??
Can I fly my drone in Vienna, Austria and in Switzerland?
Hi Guys! just coming back from Panama and Bocas del Toro and everything was fine! they open it at the airport and dont say nothing. Here the drone video of Panama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jSHZOcrp9M
Also im traveling to HongKong and Thai soon, hope yo have no problems.
Wow…incredible video! Loved the editing. I’m taking a trip to Costa Rica in Nov, and hoping to bring my drone. Hopefully they have similar restrictions and I won’t encounter any problems.
did you have an issue? going there with Phantom hopefully Feb 1/17
Hey rob I am traveling next week. Did you end up having any problems?
Anyone travelled to South Korea with a drone? And can tell how strict the rules are about travelling to and flying it there?
I’ve read that Seoul has a lot of no fly zones.. but how about the rest of the country?
I’m traveling from England to Denmark in a few days and want to take my DJI Phantom 4, does anyone know if i’ll face any problems through the airport?
Hi Lee I was wondering how your trip to
Denmark went?
I’m wanting to take my Phantom 4 there.
Hi, Im traveling to hyderabad india next month with my dji phantom 4 is there any issues in hyderabad airport plz help me….
Please me know. I am planing to take one for my India trip in December. Thanks in advance.
I got my drone in to India safely but had some issues taking it out of the country. I would recommend printing your proof of purchase and or receipt and carrying it with you. Best of luck!
Hi Richard,
Have you got any more info. Which dji drone did you take? What airport did you fly into?
Did you have issues with customs, or did you not declare the drone? Did you pay a duty on it when entering the country..
Any help is really appreciated, I’m planning a 12 month trip and would like to take the DJI Mavic but India is my first stop.
Many Thanks,
Sami
Hey Hai I’m also travelling to India to Hyderabad airport vit my dji phantom 4 only drone and battery. Actually I ws brought its remote, cables, and props etc… I hve no issues but nw I shld bring my drone nd battery So we shld pay tax to costumes 15000 in Indian rupee if not they will nt alllow So let me knw if u hve any details abt dis issue nd vn u r gng 2 travel??
Best regards,
Sai
Drone is now officially prohibited item printed in the customs form since march 2016. So if they detect that you are carrying drone you will not be able to carry it through customs. I have carried drone successfully to India in feb 2016 but becasue I got to know about this new rule, I did not carry drone in my last trip in Nov, and I am glad that I did not. while coming back from this trip I had a chat with the customs officer and he told me that if it was detected that you are carrying drone they will keep it in the customs office and you can collect it while returning back from India. So plan your travel back from same airport. Another legal option would be to apply for a wireless communication license for the drone in advance, which I am very sceptic about.
How to get dat license??
http://www.wpc.dot.gov.in/
I am flying to Mumbai and I am carrying my phantom 3.Is it a problem to do so?
Dear Siddhved, Can you please tell me whether you were able to take it? I am also going to Mumbai and taking my Phantom 3.
Ajinkya
Siddhved – I’m also flying into Mumbai, have you got any further info when entering the country?
Drone is now officially prohibited item printed in the customs form since march 2016. So if they detect that you are carrying drone you will not be able to carry it through customs. I have carried drone successfully to India in feb 2016 but becasue I got to know about this new rule, I did not carry drone in my last trip in Nov, and I am glad that I did not. while coming back from this trip I had a chat with the customs officer and he told me that if it was detected that you are carrying drone they will keep it in the customs office and you can collect it while returning back from India. So plan your travel back from same airport. Another legal option would be to apply for a wireless communication license for the drone in advance, which I am very sceptic about.
anyone been through Chile or Brazil? Im going there in feb and would like to know if people have had any problems
Hi Josh! Am from Brazil, there is no problem to fly here, I dont know about Chile.
Enjoy it !
Someone from San Francisco??? I have a plan to go there in December. tks so much!
Hey Josh, I just returned from Brazil and was advised not to take my P3 as others have had issues through customs. Having said that, my host said that it should be an issue with a business letter and proof of ownership/ purchase. Next time I’d be more inclined to try!! Not sure what your use is for but it sounds possible for business purposes with the correct documentation.
Hi! im traveling to Panama this week, any notice of problems there?
I’m going to Romania with my drone with a connecting flight in Paris, did anyone have any trouble with customs in either country?
Headed there in a week how did you do
Hey i have the same problem, i need to go in Romania a d connecting flight its Paris, how was the trip ?they let you go ? how you passed ?
Please let me know (I’m from Romania and now I’m in US )
Anyone with experience bringing it to Japan? Any restrictions?
Had a connecting flight in Tokyo and had to switch airports so I had to pass customs, immigration and security. My drone was in my backpack and they saw it at security. No questions asked. Same at both airports – Narita and Haneda. Don’t know about any flight restrictions though.
Good luck
Just passed through Narita a while ago (layover) and had my hand carry and backpack checked. They didn’t mind the drone and only rescanned the lithium batteries and charging cables. Don’t know how different it would be if my final destination was actually Japan.
No problems at all. Japan is a drone friendly country. Brought to Osaka and Hokkaido this Spring.
I have a friend in Serbia that would like a quad-copter mailed to him. Is that even possible?? That’s a pricey FedEx shipment just to have it refused. Does anyone know??
I’m going to Italy in July. Anyone had problems with Miami, New York or Rome??
in Italy no problems in the airports provided that harbors only two batteries, then you can not do the drone flying over the city, the streets, and people …. and away from airports, these are the rules that I think there are in other states. ..
just bought a phantom 4 and want to use it in Rome, Positano, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille and Pisa. Any restrictions I should be aware of, I will be on a Royal Caribbean cruise and plan to use it off shore only I am aware that I cannot use onboard
Royal Caribbean have drons on prohibited list. Let me know if they did allowed to bring it in. We are going in a week time too.
Going to Hawaii in a month anyone had problems with San Diego CA airport and in Hawaii?! Please reply
I never had any problems at any US airports. Take your batteries, discharged in your carry-on bag and You should be fine. I always use a “Lipo Guard” bag to carry my batteries.
Thanks also does the bag matter? I won’t be having a hard case. It more like a back back
I bought a soft shell backpack on ebay for 60$ that fits my DJI Phantom 3 perfectly. I do not know if the Lipo Guard bag matters but it is 3$-5$ on ebay so You might want to consider it to just avoid unnecessary questions.
Yeah definitely buying a Lipo bag. I’m taking my phantom 4… Thanks for the help! 🙂
Can I bring drone to China and back without any permit?
I had my drone in China, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou back in october 2015. I do not know if a permit is required but I did fly above the Great Wall with a lot of policeman around and nobody said anything. No problems at any airports. Beijing seems to be a huge no-fly zone, could not take off because of a restriction.
Right, but into Tibetan region, the police warned me not to fly in Lhasa. Also, there are unannounced military areas (mostly remote regions) might get pilots into unexpected troubles. Be aware.
did you brought it in to tibet? was it successful?
Hi, any update on this?
Hey, Did you managed to fly it outside Tibet?
Was it possible to take permission from the police to fly it?
Thanks
Marcin, I’m just wondering did u drone around in the shangai city during your visit in shangai? as I’m will be traveling to shangai next 3 week, so I’m not sure is it legal to fly drone in this shangai and Beijing (the Great Wall) any idea? Appreciate for your reply. Thank you
I might be too late with my response but YES You can fly Your drone on the Great Wall. We were in Shanghai and our tour guide only told us that we should NOT fly it in the “Financial District”, other than that Beijing seemd to be a huge no-fly zone for some reason. Forget about Tiamanman (?) Square and the Forbidden City
Thank you for your reply.
Are drones allowed in Costa Rica?
Hello! Has anyone figured out if drones are allowed in Costa Rica?
No restrictions at San Jose airport. Restrictions in some National Parks.
Can i bring drone to india?
Reply fast pls
On the arrival in Bombai you will face problems. Other places should be fine
Bring in probably no problem…bring out surely big problem from this “not recognizing IATA” country…too bad…
My question is for Bali. I have read all over the place that I will need a permit for my drone to fly anywhere over the beaches or above 150m … just wondering if anyone knows HOW I can get that permit. I have been searching the internet but can only find the regulations to follow when flying without one. Thanks!
Hey.
Going to Vietnam in May and want to take my drone with me. Have read that I do need to obtain a permit from the local authorities. Anyone knows any details?
They are very strict on drones. One Hong Kong guy had his drone confiscated at the customs. It was on our local news. However, you should clear up with their immigration beforehand. Better be safe than sorry.
I’m gonna answer my own question 🙂
Ni problems at all at Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) airports. Drew a lot of attention with local security but all positive reactions. Tried to talk to local Police aboit a permit I have learned about it in US but they had no idea that a permit like that exists. They only told me to keep away from Government buildings! That includes Libraries, Schools and all buildings with a Vietnam flag 🙂 No problems flying in Halong Bay (amazing!) and Tam Coc, Ninh Binh province(amazing!). Just ask around, people are really friendly and helpful
4 minute long video from Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Drone vid and pics included but not enhanced.
https://youtu.be/vS_ZJuDzjSY
Hi guys im leaving to Maldives Island next week from Kuala Lumpur by Air Asia Airlines. Will i face any problem at the airport?
Hi there, did you have any problems. Im doing the same tomorrow?
as long as you keep the batteries in the lipo bag. everythings fine. make sure you separate the batteries.
I will be travelling in Curacao end of April and if anyone can let me know if they’ve travelled with the drone there. Im having such a hard time finding out any info. Any info will help.
Just came back from curaçao and brought my phantom 4. They are still busy with drone regulation there. But i thought the whole island is one big CTR area. Didn’t have had any problems bringing the drone. But i wasn’t checked by customs. I have read from other peole bringing a drone, that the drone was being held by customs and you needed a document. It wasn’t a problem getting that document so eventually they could pick up their drone.
Once in curaçao you can fly anywhere because of poor law inforcement. I saw an Inspire 1 flying right in the center of Willemstad. Just watch out being robbed! You’ll get the attention once flying with it.
Hi, anyone have experience flying with drones on AirAsia? I just called them and they says no electronics beside phones are allowed on AirAsia which I think a bit strange. Thanks
So did you try to travel your drone with AirAsia? I planned to bring my drone to go travel with me.
I flew with AirAsia from Sydney to Bali, put my f550 in pelican case as baggage and the batteries in carry on. No problem at all, cheers
*PERU*
I just returned from Peru. I arrived there on 3/13 and Customs wouldn’t let my drone through. I fought with them saying I went to their customs website (http://www.sunat.gob.pe/) and there is nothing regarding bringing your drone to Peru. I had a letter from my airline (LAN) saying there was no problem with bringing my drone. I pleaded with them and no budge. They said they will hold on to my drone until I leave the country or if I obtain a permission from SUNAT. Luckily I have family in Peru to help me obtain this paperwork. It involved a long day of taking a taxi to the departamento de transito Peru – SUNAT. Filling out the paperwork and waiting 5 days to have it approved. Luckily I had a 2 week trip if not I wouldn’t have been able to use my drone in Peru. I will never bring my drone to Peru again. If you have family or friends in Peru, they can try to get this paperwork for you prior to you arriving but it’s really a hassle.
Hello Stephanie, I had the same issue last year when I tried to bring mine into the country. I actually live in Peru and Customs held it for me for 30 days. Yes, I had to leave in 30 days of not they would get rid of it for me. That sucked bad. But thanks I will try the SUNAT thing and see what happens. thanks.
So i guess they don’t sell any drones in Peru if it’s such a big hassle to even bring one in the country.
Drone sales are very limited and are expensive. I found a store in Miraflores which sells them but are expensive. Eg: DJI Phantom 4 sells for $1600.00, nothing extra. Why? Because of import fees levied on these items.
There are ways around the system…..I have a person who will bring anything in with no problems. used a service like this before and it was well worth the price. have not tried to bring my drone but I will next time I speak to this guy.
I had a similar problem in Ecuador. Totally impossible to enter in Ecuador with my used Phantom 3. They kept it at Customs Area in the airport until I leaved the country 4 days later.
Headed to Cabo San Lucas next Tuesday and was wondering if customs is going to make me pay duties or anything coming or going with my Typhoon 4k? I know Mexico doeskin require a permit for drones under 5.5 pounds but I just want to make sure I don’t get high jacked to pay 500 or something.. Anyone have any experience with Mexican customs and drones?
How did you fare bringing your drone to Cabo? What was the final verdict? Any hassles?
Had to pay 100 us import tax for phantom 3 at cabo san lucas airport
Hello guys any news about taking your drone to the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Spain? anyone had any problems? or just smooth ? any advices ? i dont wanna to have problems. Cheers
Hi there!
I am going to Spain, Mallorca this summer. Any advice? Can I pass the airport with the drone?
Thanks!
I don’t think Philippines has strict rules re drone’s recreational usage. I’ve seen hundreds of white men and women flying their drones from cities to islands here in Phil.
I just finished shooting there for a week and I had no problems… I even made friends with a custom’s agent who said he had a P3 advanced
Did you declare the drone at the airport in Philippines? What drone did you brimg? I’m thinking of bringing a Yuneec q500 or Typhoon H and I’m wondering if carrying a large backpack with a drone would become a problem with Philippines customs or even Japan (layover). Thanks!
I’m from Philippines went to Hong Kong to buy my Phantom 4 and back, no problem.
With the laws that were placed into effect of Dec 21 reading registration of drones with the FAA in the US, I’m curious if I’m travelling to Hawaii from Canada will I run into any issue with Customs (since Canada does not mandate registration)
Can i take a drone to Mexico or do i have to pay or something?
Bob,
I would google around to check and see. I recently went to Nicaragua and they are banned in that country so it’s possible they are banned in Mexico also. A simple google search led me to a blog in which someone who had recently traveled to Nica said his was held at customs for the length of his trip.
I’m headed to the Philippines, in a few weeks, are there any problems in that country, for using my DJI P3 it’s a vacation
David I have read a couple of comments online that people actually got their Phantom into Phillipines without paying the customs (500$!!) AFTER that “law”.
Please keep Us posted. I am flying to China tomorrow and tried calling Chinese customs to get some info but with no luck. As soon as I get internet access I will try to post some info here.
Best of luck.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/685574/govt-set-to-clip-wings-of-drones
This is the article from a couple of weeks ago. Info is NOT YET verified.
David, I am flying to the Philippines in Jan 2016 will be bringing my 3DR Solo in a backpack case. I’m hoping to just carry it on. I don’t want to take it out of my sight. I know the Philippines is not the most regulated n I wouldn’t feel comfortable not watching it get opened if it needs to get checked. (It may disappear)
How did it go? How did you carry your batteries?
so how did it go?
Hi. Going to China (Beijing and Shanghai) in a couple of days. Any one had any experience with the local authorities? I found out that Shanghai might be off limits soon but other than that I did not find any information about local “FAA”. Any one had any problems at the airports with local customs?
How did it go? I’m going on exchange in Shanghai and was planning on bringing a drone back to the Netherlands. Anything tips?
I am going to Shanghai in a month (jan 15, 2016) for a month and I wanted to bring by phantom 3 with me. I have a 13hr layover in Tokyo and I planing on leaving the airport to see Tokyo both: on my way to Shanghai and returning home to Milwaukee. I would prefer not to check a bag but I am afraid that they will not let me bring the props in the airplane cabin. In addition to Shanghai and Tokyo, I will also be going to Hong Kong and a few other smaller cities in China. Finally, the Chinese media has several stories about regulations that are coming… Shanghai especially. Any thoughts would be appreciated
Hey Mike. I had no problems at all at any of the airports (Chicago, Beijing, Shanghai). My Phantom 3 was in my carry-on backpack with the discharged battery inside a LiPo bag (5$ on eBay). As far as I know the battery should be discharged. The propellers were checked in my bag so I cannot help You there. I only had to open my backpack and no one ever said anything. I was only able to find out from our guide that the local regulations in Shanghai are not to fly above 200Meters. I did stick to US refulations thou, like no flying closer to airports and such. Beijing was a HUGE no-fly zone, but I did manage to fly above the Great Wall :))
kick ass!!! thank you so much for writing back!!! Couple other questions… are lipo bags really necessary or was that something you just did to be safer? I would prefer not to use lipo bags but I could be convinced otherwise… I do feel like the p3 batteries are so much safer than lipos were only a year ago. As for the props… I think Ill risk it, if I have to throw them out then I’ll just have to buy more when I get there. Since they are plastic, I think it will be fine. Finally, I’d love to see some shots? post a link!
Guys, I live in China and did many in and out with my P3, both as backpack or in checked luggage. No issue at all. Just pay attention to the Lipos. You can get into trouble if you put it inside your checked-in luggage. Keep that in mind! Other than that, enjoy responsibly. Do not put other people at risk. The law in China is still quite grey so you can basically fly anywhere. Just avoid military places or sensitive areas. Check my video about my P3 flying over Lugu lake in Yunnan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDeZsMCFqBs
can i carry on
You have to!!
I will be in Australia this monday and planning to bring my drone. What will I do ? Do I need to lie which is wrong orDO I needto tell them that I am a videogpraher and if there is a chance to shoot on a safe and legal place then I will take a chance. Neeed help. Thanks
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has regulations for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). You can read about these regulations at
https://www.casa.gov.au/operations/standard-page/remotely-piloted-aircraft-rpa
I don’t know if there is reciprocity between the USA and Australia (e.g., if you can fly legally in Australia by virtue of your FAA 333 exemption). The page on the link above has a phone number and an e-mail address that you can use to contact CASA staff with your RPAS operational inquiries. Good luck and enjoy your trip !
Thank you sir. God Bless
can i bring my drone from singapore to japan ?
I’ll be in Tokyo Jan 15, 2016 for one day and I wanted to shoot some video with my phantom 3, did you have any trouble or know any of the laws for Tokyo?
I’m travelling to Canada in a few days for my college and I really want to take my drone. I have the cardboard box it came with, which means I’ll be leaving it in a hard case luggage. Will I face any problem at the airport?
You should be just fine!
The US has travel restrictions for batteries. If they are Lithium Ion, you cannot check them in as luggage. You have to carry them with you. You can find out more about it at
http://phmsa.dot.gov/safetravel/batteries
and at
https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/hazmat_safety/more_info/?hazmat=7
You failed to mention US air travel regulations for Lithium Ion batteries (the type used by most, of not all, DJI Innovations UAS), which prohibit checking in the batteries as luggage. Instead, they must be carried by the passenger as carry-on luggage. Batteries larger than 100 watts per hour require authorization from the airline. You can read more about this at http://phmsa.dot.gov/safetravel/batteries
This is a really important point. Thanks for bringing this up!
we would be interested in becoming distributors of their products if they require someone please contact us thanks
Just let the airline know when you check in that the hard case is an expensive piece of equipment and you don’t want to check it…they will let you take it on along with your camera bag in most cases…worst case they will have you check it at the bridge which will be returned right when the plane lands…my bf flys all the time with his and it’s never been an issue to carry it on plus another small bag…hope this helps…you can always call ahead and find out rules for specific airlines…our experience is with American Airlines United , us airways and air canada…
Great advice!
One of the challenges that I am facing is how to travel with my drone – I’ve got a hard case for my Phantom but am reluctant to put it through as checked luggage (minus the batteries of course). On the flip side, if I bring it as carry on, I can’t take my camera bag with me – thoughts, experiences?
Same is happening to me. So far i still didnt take it on a plane, but I will on november an will try to make it on a soft bag so I can put all my equipments together on it. Although this is not the most “proper” way to take them as carry on but at least I will have only one bag with everything on it. Im just afraid of them asking me to check it at the screening.
how did it go?
Thanks