Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority
Jamaica
Permit path requiredHobby guidelines; professional flights need permits
Jamaica is workable for hobby-style flying under JCAA limits, but professional, commercial, or non-commercial production flights need a Special Aerial Work Permit.
Bring it
No drone-specific visitor import rule was identified in the official sources reviewed. Professional equipment temporarily imported may fall under Jamaica Customs' temporary-use process.
Register it
JCAA's published hobby guidance does not identify a general recreational registration process. Professional operators use the per-flight permit process.
Fly it
JCAA hobby guidance limits flights to 400 ft AGL, 500 m, unaided VLOS, daylight, and good visibility. It prohibits FPV, autonomous or pre-programmed flights, flights near people or aerodromes, and overflight of property without permission.
Map check
Avoid aerodromes, helipads, assemblies, prohibited/restricted airspace, and low-visibility or night operations unless authorized.
Before you travel
- 01Use JCAA's published hobby guidance for recreational flights.
- 02Apply at least three working days ahead for each professional or commercial flight.
- 03Get resort, landowner, event, or site permission before launch.
Operating notes
- Max altitude
- 122 m / 400 ft AGL, with a 500 m operating range limit.
- Recreational
- JCAA hobby guidance limits flights to 400 ft AGL, 500 m, unaided VLOS, daylight, and good visibility. It prohibits FPV, autonomous or pre-programmed flights, flights near people or aerodromes, and overflight of property without permission.
- Commercial work
- Every professional commercial or non-commercial flight requires a Special Aerial Work Permit. Apply at least three working days ahead, carry at least US$100,000 in liability insurance, and allow up to 14 working days for prohibited or restricted airspace.
- Airspace
- Avoid aerodromes, helipads, assemblies, prohibited/restricted airspace, and low-visibility or night operations unless authorized.