🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in Trinidad and Tobago Drone Discussion Group. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago differentiates commercial & recreational drone uses. Both uses are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone, different rules may apply.
✅ In Trinindad and Tobago, drone regulation falls under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) & they can be contacted anytime via;
Email: drones@caa.gov.tt
Phone: (+1) 868 625 9842
✅ The country differentiates four drone weight classes:
less than 750 g
between 750 g & 20 kg
above 20 kg & 100 kg
any other drone weight
Can I bring my drone to Trinidad and Tobago?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain) as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in Trinidad and Tobago?
✅ Trinidad and Tobago did a great job here by creating an interactive map showing you where you can fly or not within the island country. Some no fly zones include the capital city Port of Spain but also:
Chaguaramas
Caroni
Point-a-Pierre
Point Lisas
Point Fortin
Galeota areas
Trinidad and Tobago Drone Fly Map
🚨 Do not fly near the country's borders or undertake an international flight with your drone; aka take off/land from a different territory than Trinidad and Tobago during one flight.
🌲 National / Marine parks & reserves might be on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities. 🐳 This is for example the case of Caroni Bird Sanctuary 🐦
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Trinidad and Tobago.
Recreational Drone use in Trinidad and Tobago
🚨 Before anything you will need to register your drone (no matter what size or use intentions) prior being able to take of in Trinidad and Tobago's skies.
In every category case, you will need to:
mark your drone with your regitration number obtained ahead.
fly at a maximum of 120 m altitude, during daytime & always within sight.
fly away from individuals & respect privacy rights.
it is advised to subscribe to an insurance covering all risks.
avoid dropping anything from your UAV while in flight.
fly only one unammed aerial vehicle at a time.
avoid flying above public buildings and urban areas.
obtain consent before flying above private lands (not applicable for law enforcers 🚓)
fly at least 2 km away from airports (5 km for drones weighting 750 g+) or 1 km from heliports (2 km for drones 750 g+). You must also give priority to all other categories of aircraft & if you see an aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
🚨 If any accident involving anyone/thing else than yourself, you should notify the closest Civil Aviation Authority representation building within 10 days.
How to register my drone in Trinidad and Tobago?
✅ The process is fairly easy according to official source as you simply need to email drones@caa.gov.tt to start your UAV's registration. 🌏 Note to foreigners, it seems that the regitration is exclusive to residents, if you have more information here, please let us know via The Forum so we can update this post in turn.
💡 Smart! Heading to the coast? Water glare is a killer when flying above Caribbean coastal waters, make sure you have a lens filter before heading there.
Commercial Drone use in Trinidad and Tobago
✅ Additionally to the recreational use & conditions, any pilot wishing to fly a drone for commercial use in Trinidad and Tobago should have a license to operate it. 🌏 Here again, to be eligible you will need to a resident of the country.
✅ When operating for commercial purposes, you will need to maintain a record of your training and operations activities and make them available upon request of the CAA.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in the Trinidad and Tobago?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Trinidad and Tobago's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Trinidad and Tobago! Have fun and safe flight! #trinidad #tobago #trinidadnadtobago #regulation #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Trinidad and Tobago Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning we will get a commission if you decide to purchase via them. This has no costs for you but helps Dronemade stay free for all. If you need to buy anything on Amazon or DJI stores, think of us.
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