Drone Laws in Barbados

Summary of Drone Laws in Barbados

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in Barbados

Barbados Civil Aviation Department of (BCAD)

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Barbados

The Barbadian agency responsible for drone safety, BCAD, has provided several details on flying for fun or for work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Barbados?

According to BCAD, drone use is allowed in Barbados, subject to BCAD regulations. However, there is a temporary suspension on imports and licensing. Read on for more details.

The Government of Barbados welcomes Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations in Barbados. You can only fly, however, with permission.

All efforts will be made to consider requests made by operators as required.

The temporary ban applies to all new imports of any size (including hobby/toy drones). 

A temporary permit may be requested and obtained. 

The current procedures for obtaining a temporary permit for a visitor are detailed below and should be completed six weeks before your arrival:

1. You must provide proof of valid public liability insurance for at least USD 250,000 for Barbados. 
2. Indicate the airports to which you intend to fly in Barbados. 
3. Submit a flight application request via the PM Office Portal Drone Application section. 
4. Apply in person or through a third party to the Telecommunications Unit (located on Floor 3 of the Boabab Tower, Warrens) for a radio license ($30.00 BDS) by filling out the Telecom license form downloaded from their website.

Important information provided by Vernon Chandler of Barbados Government related to the process:

Your letter of approval from the Prime Minister’s Office will include further instructions on how to contact the relevant sources at the Telecommunications Unit (TU).
Those sources will then offer guidance on how to proceed.

You are required to download the TU’s UAS application form (Form 33 – Drones & RC Models) from the website http://www.telecoms.gov.bb and submit to the source at the TU, along with your evidence of public liability insurance.
The BDS $30.00 registration fee can be paid online with a credit or debit card via the Government’s online portal, EZPay+.
You will first have to register on the website http://www.ezpay.gov.bb
However, the source from the Telecommunications Unit will instruct you how and when to pay the fee.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Barbados

There is an imposition of a temporary suspension on the importation and licensing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in Barbados, for six (6) months commencing April 1, 2020. 

There is also an imposition of a temporary suspension on the importation of parts to assemble Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in Barbados, for six (6) months commencing April 1, 2020. 

It is possible to secure a temporary exemption on a case-by-case basis for the commercial use of UAS, which are imported and exported immediately after use. 

This request should be made via this exemption application form. In addition, it should be noted that:

1. The UAS should be declared to Customs at the point of importation. 
2. A deposit shall be made to cover the duty liability of the imported item. 
3. The UAS should be presented to Customs at the time of exportation to verify that the imported item is being exported. 
4. The deposit will be refunded at the point of exportation provided Customs is satisfied;
5. The importer shall provide Customs with the address where the UAS is kept during the importation period. 

In-transit passengers possessing a UAS should package them in their checked luggage to avoid confiscation. 

It is a requirement in Barbados for persons operating a UAS System to obtain prior authorization and completes the UAS Application. 

No person will be allowed to operate a UAS without carrying on their person at the time of operation evidence of prior written approval by the Government of Barbados exercising lawful jurisdiction over the affected area or activity. 

DRONES/UAS/RPAS GUIDELINES A. SPECIAL AUTHORISATION 

The UAS operator must apply and receive approval before undertaking any operations. 

All information will be used to assess if the applicant is entitled to a UAS Flight Authorization. 

An incomplete, poorly prepared, or inaccurate application may: 

• Result in rejection of the application 
• Raise doubts about the applicant’s ability to conduct and control the operation v Result in delays 
• Result in a refusal to issue the flight authorization. 

INTEGRATION INTO AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (ATM) PROCEDURES 

All UAS shall be treated as crewed aircraft when operating in controlled airspace in Barbados. 

It shall be the responsibility of the UAS pilots to acquire knowledge of the appropriate ATM procedures and follow all instructions issued by the Control Tower.

Notwithstanding the above, permission shall be before operating in Barbados’ controlled airspace. 

UAS OPERATIONS 

All UAS flights are limited to a maximum height of 400 feet above ground level. 

UAS are not to be operated within a 5-kilometer radius from an airport or helipad. 

Flying above populous areas and gatherings is prohibited unless approved and with the explicit approval of the community. 

Prohibited Zones/Prohibited Areas are areas of airspace that have been prohibited from having aircraft enter them for one reason or another. These areas include military bases, ports of entry, embassies, and residences, including the Government House and Ilaro Court. 

The official definition of airspace is “defined dimensions above the land areas or territorial waters of a State within which aircraft flight is prohibited.” 

The official definition of controlled airspace is “An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control services are provided per the airspace classification.” 

Pilots must not fly in these areas without prior permission and coordination with the air traffic service provider controlling that airspace. 

EMERGENCY SITES 

UAS pilots are not allowed to fly within the security perimeter of a police or first responder emergency operation, such as a traffic accident. 

Operators must also avoid sites near disasters (fires or floods). A UAS flying near these areas may interfere with emergency personnel aircraft and the work of emergency personnel. 

ADVERTISED EVENTS 

UAS pilots are not allowed to fly near or over advertised events, such as outdoor concerts and sporting events, unless they have obtained Special Authorization from the PMO that specifically allows them to do so. 

REPORT A DRONE INCIDENT AND UNSAFE UAS USE 

Contact the PMO and/or Law Enforcement if someone irresponsibly flies a UAS without authorization or a permit (for example, flying close to other aircraft, near aerodromes, or at a high altitude). 

Contact the PMO and /or Law Enforcement if someone is flying a UAS without authorization from the PMO.

• No aerial footage is to be taken of any area outside the location specified in your correspondence.
• Aerial activity should be confined to 400 feet above ground level.
• The UAS must not take off, land, or operate within a lateral distance of 50m from a crowd or any structure.
• At the Grantley Adams International Airport, the Air Traffic Control Tower must be notified fifteen (15) minutes before and after the aerial activity. The telephone numbers are 428-0956, 536-1359, and 536-1300 ext. 61510 or 61512.
• You must comply with any instructions given by the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Grantley Adams International Airport. In this regard, a contact number must be provided to the Tower staff before the operation of the drone.
• You are required to comply with the lawful directions of all law enforcement personnel.
• You are required to produce proof of valid public liability insurance for a minimum of $250,000.00 for the period to the National Security Division, Prime Minister’s Office.
• You are required to produce proof of a valid spectrum license for the period to the National Security Division, Prime Minister’s Office. This license may be obtained from the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Smart Technology.
• All persons/spectators are to be kept safe and protected from the activity involving the aerial operation of the drone.
• Unless specific permission is given, you are prohibited from operating the UAS as follows:
  • Higher than 120 meters (400 ft) above the ground.
  • Closer than 150 meters (500 ft), laterally 5km from the airport.
  • From an open-air assembly of people, buildings, or vehicles.
  • Closer than 5km from the airport and related approach/takeoff paths.
  • Within or over prohibited and restricted airspace, including military bases, prisons, and private properties; and
  • In populous areas, including highways, beaches, stadiums, sporting events, and festivities.

Note for Foreign Operator

You may operate a drone in Barbados by applying for an exemption.

Exemption on the Extension of the Ban on the Importation and Licensing of Drones entering Barbados

The Cabinet of Barbados has approved the recommendation by The Civil Aviation Authority (CAD) to allow persons entering Barbados who are the owners and operators of Drones  to operate them while on a visit to Barbados in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Telecommunication Model Licence (TUL133).

Online Drone Application LInk: Application for Flight Operations

Each application will be considered on a case by case basis, and if approved, a licence would be granted.

Please note that each Drone must be declared to Customs at the Port of Entry. Failure to declare the device may lead to confiscation. Also note that the Customs is the sole agency responsible for importation of the Drones into Barbados.

Procedure for Obtaining a Licence

A person desirous of obtaining a licence MUST DECLARE THE DRONE TO THE CUSTOMS OFFICER AT THE PORT OF ENTRY.

If the Customs Officer is satisfied that the device could be allowed entry into Barbados, the Officer would issue a “withheld certificate” and advise the operator to apply to the Telecommunications Unit for a licence. 

The applicant must  present the “withheld certificate” and a completed Application  Form TU033, available under  Application Forms from the Telecommunications Unit website www.telecoms.gov.bb to the Clerical Officer at the Telecommunications Unit Headquarters at Country Road, St. Michael between the normal working hours 8.30 A.M. – 4.00 P.M. Monday to Friday for the application to be processed.

Once the application is approved by the Telecommunications Officer, a licence will be granted on payment of the fee of $30 BDS or 16 USD in cash..

The applicant should produce the licence to the Customs Officer at the Port of Entry and collect the device.

Please note that the drone must accompany the applicant on his or her departure from Barbados.

Further information can be obtained from the Senior Clerical Officer Ms Esther Roach at (246) 535 2577.email esther.roach@telecoms.gov.bb

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Barbados

See the general rules above.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Barbados

See the general rules above.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Barbados

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Barbados…

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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