Plan
Drone rules: Jamaica
Last checked: October 5, 2026
You need no permit for recreational flights, and the current JCAA pages do not name a general registration requirement. For heavy drones from 7 kg, ask the JCAA in advance.
The JCAA states no insurance requirement for recreational flights; professional flights – commercial or non-commercial – need a permit and liability cover of at least 100,000 US dollars.
Depending on drone weight
- From 7 kg· Registration: Not clearly documentedFrom 7 kg: the current JCAA pages do not name a registration requirement; ask the JCAA in advance.
For tourists
Clarify open questions with the JCAA by email in advance (uavrequests@jcaa.gov.jm). Keep 5 kilometres from airports and 50 metres from people, and only fly over private or public property with prior permission.
Further rules
- For purely private recreational flying the Jamaican aviation authority JCAA requires no permit. You fly only within unaided line of sight and no more than 500 metres away, not via FPV goggles or a screen, not at night, not autonomously or by programme, at least 50 metres from people and 152 metres from organised gatherings. You may only fly over private or public property with prior permission.
- Anyone not flying for recreation – commercially or as a non-commercial professional – needs a JCAA Special Aerial Work Permit before each flight (apply at least 3 working days ahead, up to 14 working days in restricted or prohibited airspace) and third-party liability insurance with at least 100,000 US dollars of cover.
- The maximum flight altitude is 400 feet (around 122 metres) above ground.
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.