Plan
Drone rules: Bahamas
Last checked: October 5, 2026
Allowed with conditions
Flying is allowed, but with conditions you need to know before you travel.
Allowed after registering each drone online with the CAA-B in advance, including for tourists.
Register every drone online before travelling: USD 30 (about five working days) or USD 50 (two working days).
The former exemption for drones under 15 kg comes from the outdated Schedule 27; the current regulation CAR OPS 4 requires operators to hold proof of liability insurance. Whether this applies to recreational flights is not officially clear – check with the CAA-B when you register.
Depending on drone weight
- From 250 gFrom 250 g, attach proof from your home country (e.g. operator ID or EU competency certificate).
For tourists
To register you need a colour passport scan, your travel dates and the island where you want to fly; from 250 g also your registration or competency certificate from home. Geofencing must be enabled.
Further rules
- In the Bahamas, you must register every drone with the Civil Aviation Authority CAA-B – even as a tourist. The fee is 30 US dollars (processing takes around five working days) or 50 US dollars for the express service (two working days); the permit is only valid for the duration of your trip.
- An insurance exemption for drones under 15 kilograms was only contained in the outdated Schedule 27. The current regulation CAR OPS 4 requires operators to hold proof of liability insurance; whether this also applies to recreational flights is not officially clear.
- Geofencing must be enabled, and you need separate clearance for controlled airspace. Minimum distances according to the CAA-B: 152 metres (500 feet) from crowds, 50 metres (165 feet) from people and 5 kilometres from airfields and heliports. The regulation CAR OPS 4 only specifies 1,000 metres from airfields for model aircraft – keep the larger distance.
- The CAA-B states a maximum of 400 feet (around 122 metres), while the regulation CAR OPS 4 specifies less than 120 metres for model aircraft – so stay below 120 metres above ground level.
- You may fly no further than 500 metres and only within visual line of sight, not at night or in poor visibility, and over private or public property or dwellings only with prior permission.
Sources
This overview is not legal advice and not an official statement — laws change, and we cannot guarantee that every entry is fully up to date. Before your flight, please also check the official source or the local civil aviation authority.