Can You Bring a Drone to St. Lucia?  

The Caribbean island of St. Lucia is a popular tourist destination known for its sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning volcanic landscapes.

In recent years, the use of drones has become increasingly popular among travelers and photographers looking to capture unique perspectives of these natural wonders.

Drones are allowed in St. Lucia, but you must follow the rules and regulations that are set by the government. Among other things, you must register your drone with the CAA before you arrive, and you need to carry liability insurance to fly your drone.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding drones are constantly changing, so it is essential to check for updates before you travel.

This article will provide an overview of what you need to know before bringing a drone to St. Lucia, including information on the legalities of flying a drone in the country and tips on choosing the best places to fly your drone.

What’s involved in bringing your drone on an aircraft to St. Lucia? #

When putting a drone in your carry-on or checked luggage, take the following precautions:

• Verify that the drone is off and that no switches have been unintentionally turned on.
• Consider buying a dedicated carrying bag to shield your drone from harm.
• You might be permitted to take your drone in carry-on luggage or hand luggage if it is a smaller or foldable model and you are traveling with one.
• Your alternatives for a larger drone might be restricted to checked baggage or a special freight shipment.

To find out whether you should pack your drone as carry-on or checked baggage, check with your airline.

Some airlines demand that drones only be packed in carry-on luggage due to the USA Department of Transportation’s (DOT) ban on moving lithium-ion batteries in passenger jet cargo compartments.

They must only be stored in an overhead compartment or other nearby storage.

» MORE: Airline Drone Policy (Read This Before You Travel)

What steps must you take to transport your drone through St. Lucia customs? #

We advise US citizens to declare the use of their drone to Customs as a “Personal Effect Taken Abroad” before departing.

By registering, you can avoid any misunderstandings over whether you are bringing back the same drone you left with or bringing in a brand-new drone you bought elsewhere.

You will also need to show your registration permit from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The CAA regulates all airspace in St. Lucia and sets the rules for what drones can and cannot do. You can apply for a permit online or at the CAA office in person.

More information about applying for your permit can be found below.

You will also need to show proof of insurance for your drone. This is to protect both the operator and any third parties who could be affected by the drone.

You can get insurance through your provider or the CAA. This can be done online or at the CAA office in person.

Drone registration in St. Lucia 2022 #

All drones must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) before being flown in St. Lucia. This can be done online or at the CAA office in person. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes.

You’ll need to provide your name, address, email address, and phone number, as well as the make and model of your drone.

Once your registration is complete, you’ll be issued an identification number that must be displayed on your drone at all times when flying. There is no fee for registering your drone.

When submitting a registration application, the following details must be included:

• The applicant’s name and contact information.
• If the applicant is not the pilot, their name and contact information.
• The drone’s maker, model, and serial number.
• The intention behind the drone’s use.
• Information about the place where the drone will be utilized, the date(s), the time(s), and the length of the operation(s).

Applications can be submitted in writing to:

Permanent Secretary5th LevelBaywalkRodney BayGros IsletSaint Lucia

Alternatively, applications can be emailed to this address:

external@govt.lc and cc: guillaume.simon@govt.lc; eustace.cherry@govt.lc; petula.clercin@govt.lc; denis.regis@govt.lc.

Drone insurance in St. Lucia 2022 #

All drones flown in St. Lucia must be insured against third-party liability, up to a minimum of USD 100,000 per occurrence.

You can purchase drone insurance from many different providers, but make sure that you’re getting coverage that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set by the government of St. Lucia.

Where can you NOT fly your drone in St. Lucia? #

It is important to note that there are many restrictions on where you can fly your drone in St. Lucia. You are not allowed to fly:

• Within 5 miles of an airport.
• Near people or buildings.
• In national parks or reserves.
• In restricted airspace such as military bases.
• Within a three-mile radius of the George F. L. Charles Airport in Castries and the Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort, drone operators are prohibited from flying. This area is known as a No Drone Zone. Any commercial business operator wishing to fly inside a No Drone Zone must first obtain authorization. Applications are evaluated on an individual basis.
• Flights must make contact with the tower for air traffic control at the closest airport and report their location and duration of flight if they are flying outside of no-drone zones or areas beyond three miles but closer than five miles.
• Pilots may make contact with a tower for air traffic control even if they are more than five miles from an airport, if desired.

Failure to comply with these restrictions can result in heavy fines or even jail time.

What kind of drone should you bring to St. Lucia? #

There are a few factors you should consider when choosing a drone for flying in St. Lucia:

• Type of drone. There are two main types of drones: fixed-wing and rotary-wing. Fixed-wing drones are more stable in flight and can stay airborne for longer periods, while rotary-wing drones are more agile and can take off and land vertically.If you’re not sure which type of drone to get, consider what you’ll be using it for – if you want to take aerial photos or videos of a large area, a fixed-wing drone would be better suited, but if you’re looking to use it for recreational purposes like racing or flying FPV (first person view), then a rotary-wing drone would be a better choice.

• Size of the drone. Drones come in all shapes and sizes, from small toy drones that can fit in the palm of your hand to large professional drones that weigh several kilograms.The size of the drone will affect how easy it is to transport and how long it can stay in the air – larger drones will have more powerful motors and batteries, allowing them to fly for longer periods, but they will also be more difficult to transport due to their size.

• Price of the drone. Drones range in price from less than $100 to tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re just starting, it’s probably best to buy a cheap toy drone first so you can get a feel for flying before investing in a more expensive model.However, if you’re serious about taking up drone flying as a hobby or profession, then you’ll need to buy a higher-quality drone that has features like GPS stabilization and follow-me modes.

What is the highest altitude at which a drone can be flown in St. Lucia? #

The maximum altitude for flying drones in St. Lucia is 400 feet (122 meters). This means that you should avoid operating your drone near airports or any other areas where aircraft are operating.

What is the best place to fly your drone in St. Lucia? #

There are many beautiful places to fly a drone in St. Lucia. Some of the most popular spots include:

The Pitons: #

These iconic mountains are a must-see when visiting St. Lucia. They offer stunning views from above and make for great photos or videos.

Airmap

Co-ordinates: 13.8033° N, 61.0670° W

Marigot Bay: #

This picturesque bay is perfect for those who want to capture the beauty of St. Lucia’s coastline. There are many different angles to explore, so take your time and find the perfect spot.

Airmap

Co-ordinates: 13.9663° N, 61.0275° W

Anse Chastanet Beach: #

This secluded beach is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of St. Lucia. It’s also a great spot for some aerial photography or videography.

Airmap

Co-ordinates: 13.8649° N, 61.0778° W