Can you bring a drone (small remote-controlled object that you fly and can often take pictures) to Varadero?
The answer is: “It is not recommended at all and it can cause you a lot of problems!” The main reason is that the Government does not want aerial images of military buildings and installations to be taken without permission.
It is not completely impossible, but currently you need a special permit (2021) to use a drone in Cuba and it is not easy to obtain. Here is what is written on the Cuban customs agency website:
As the legislation on the importation by individuals or legal entities of unmanned aerial vehicles (including “drones”) is subject to review and a final decision, the General Customs Office of the Republic suggests and thanks passengers traveling to the country, avoid importing this type of vehicle in your accompanied, unaccompanied baggage or as shipments, in order to avoid inconvenience and unnecessary delays. Cuban Customs website.”
“Certain items, in order to be imported, require a permit or authorization from a competent body or authority, namely:
Wireless fax equipment; switchboards; data network devices; cordless telephones except those operating in the 40-49 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 1900 MHz (1.9 GHz) bands; wireless microphones and accessories; radio transmitters; radio transceivers, including walkie-talkies; professional radio receivers; satellite ground stations and terminals, including parabolic antennas and satellite telephones (from the Ministry of Computer Science and Communication). Satellite positioning systems (SPS, GPS) used to determine the geographical coordinates of a site, for hydrographic and geodetic purposes (by the National Office of Hydrography and Geodesy).”
Source: http://www.aduana.gob.cu/
Testimonials from some of our members
Mélanie Talbot: “My father got scammed for my wedding and I am married to a Cuban. Yes because he was coming from Mexico he has the right but when he returned to Cuba which was forbidden he was lucky to get it back and lost 6 hours at customs… With or without a permit it is not allowed for anyone. He gave it back to him when he left the country and paid a $200 fine.”
Renaud Canuel: “To answer the question, I am a drone owner…and a guy from the drone group brought it…flew it…he got arrested and spent 14 days in prison…it is strictly forbidden…even small toy drones…they will question you at customs…huge waste of time…don’t take any chances”.
Gabriela-m (in response to the question if it is allowed for Cubans): “No. Forbidden to all”
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