Plan
Drone rules: Cuba
Last checked: October 1, 2026
Flight ban
You may not fly here at present: operating drones is generally prohibited in this country. The details below are for context only — they do not permit a flight.
Importing drones without prior permission from the Cuban authorities is prohibited; a permit route for tourists practically does not exist.
There is no registration procedure for visitors; only members of the Cuban Aviation Club and the state company GEOCUBA may use drones.
For tourists
Leave the drone at home: according to the German Foreign Office, importing drones is prohibited or only possible with prior permission from Cuban authorities. Without permission customs will hold the drone, returning it at best on departure.
Further rules
- Important note: Cuba currently offers no practical way for tourists to use their own drone. Under Decree 34/2021, customs authorities may withhold drones on entry or exit without a prior import permit – the Cuban customs office explicitly advises travellers not to bring a drone at all.
- Civilian drone flying is essentially reserved for licensed pilots and state-commissioned bodies, such as GEOCUBA for commercial work or the Cuba Aviation Club for model flying.
- So for your holiday in Cuba: it is better to plan without your own drone – the risk of temporary confiscation is real and is repeatedly reported by travellers.
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.