Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Cuba
Instituto de Aeronáutica Civil de Cuba (IACC)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Cuba
The Cuban agency responsible for drone safety, IACC, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Cuba?
According to IACC, drone use is allowed in Cuba, by Cubans, and is subject to IACC regulations. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Cuba:
To legally fly an unmanned aerial system in Cuba, you must first complete a lengthy approval process that requires at least five separate authorizations.
This documentation is required from the following institutions:
- Cuban Civil Aviation Authority (IACC),
- the Armed Forces,
- the Ministry of the Interior,
- the local government in each location where you film, and
- in some cases, the Ministry of Science or the City Historian’s Office.
Positive or negative responses can take up to 30 days to arrive.
Once your desired flight location coordinates are determined, a specialist submits an official request to film.
You must specify the type of drone and camera you’re using, as well as the pilot’s name.
The drone can only be flown by individuals who the IACC has accredited (only a small number of these pilots are available in Cuba).
To operate a drone in Cuba, the pilot must pass a rigorous health and agility examination.
Note for Foreign Operator
Given that the drone must be flown by an IACC accredited operator, you will not be able to operate your own drone. For now, you are required to hire an official drone flyer in Cuba.
Please check with the IACC for updates.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Cuba
Lenin Park is the only outdoor space in which drones, model aircraft, and small helicopters may be flown for sporting purposes.
See general rules.
Notes for Commercial Drone Services operations in Cuba
See general rules.
Useful published information on flying drones in Cuba
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Cuba…
NOTE: 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 aircraft, Remote controlled aircraft, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
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