Drones and your Bahamas Shark Diving Trip
Yes, you can bring your drone to the Bahamas for vacation, but there are specific legal requirements and procedures you must follow to comply with Bahamian regulations.
✅ Drone Registration & Permit Requirements
All drone operators—whether recreational or commercial—must register their drones with the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas (CAA-B) before arrival.
- Registration is mandatory for all drones. Drones over 249 grams require a UAS certificate or certification from the country of origin.
- Processing fees: $30 USD (standard, 5 business days) or $50 USD (expedited, 2 business days).
- Required documents:
- Completed registration form
- Scanned color copy of your passport photo page
- Drone details: make, model, weight, serial number
- Arrival and departure dates
- Intended purpose (recreational or commercial)
- Location of drone operations (island)
- If applicable, a copy of your drone registration certificate/license from your home country
You can register your drone online through the CAA-B’s Drone Registration Portal.
🛃 Customs Requirements
Upon arrival in the Bahamas, customs officials will assess the value of your drone. You may be required to pay a cash deposit equal to 50% of the drone’s assessed value. This deposit is refundable upon departure, provided you present the original receipt and the drone to customs officials.
Ensure you have the purchase receipt or a printed price from a reputable seller (e.g., Amazon) to assist in the valuation process.
🚫 Flight Restrictions & Safety Rules
When flying your drone in the Bahamas, adhere to the following regulations:
- Altitude limit: Do not fly higher than 400 feet above ground level.
- Visual line of sight: Maintain an unobstructed visual line of sight with your drone at all times.
- Prohibited areas:
- Within 5 nautical miles of any airport
- Over or within 150 meters of congested or populated areas
- Over private property without the owner’s consent
- Over military installations, nature reserves, or designated “no drone zones”
- Distance from people and structures: Do not fly within 50 feet of any person, building, or vehicle not associated with the drone’s operation.
- Time of operation: Do not operate your drone at night or in conditions with low visibility.
✈️ Travel Tips
- Air travel: Carry your drone in your carry-on luggage. Place lithium-ion batteries in a medium-sized LiPo battery bag and keep them in your carry-on, as airlines have strict regulations regarding these batteries.
- Hotel policies: Check with your accommodation regarding their drone policies, as some hotels may have restrictions due to privacy and safety concerns.
📞 Contact Information
For further assistance or inquiries:
- Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAA-B):
- Website: https://caabahamas.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +1 242 397 4700
By following these guidelines and obtaining the necessary permissions, you can enjoy flying your drone during your shark diving vacation in the Bahamas.
