CAN YOU BRING YOUR DRONE INTO MEXICO? (My Story)

CAN YOU BRING YOUR DRONE INTO MEXICO? That is the question. I’ve taken my drone into Mexico on two separate occasions and each of the experiences were different from the other. In this video, I share with you my personal experiences on taking a drone through Mexican customs to hopefully help you make a decision on whether or not you should take yours.
Disclaimer: this is not legal advice. Simply my personal experience.
#dronesmexico #canyoubringadronetomexico #flyingadroneinmexico #droneinmexico

[@jaguardeoaxaca]

I travel to Oaxaca frequently (2-3 times a year) and I carry my camera equipment along with my drone. I cross through CBX where we go through customs and I was never charged VAT on bringing my drone, up until 2019. I told them that I had crossed dozens of times through CBX and had never had to pay an "import tax" and I also showed them the FAA license. Customs said that didn't mean anything in Mexico. I was charged 16% of my drones worth and was told and reassured I wouldn't have to pay ever again as long as I showed the receipt. I traveled again in 2021 with my drone along with the receipt and was held up again. Customs argued that the receipt was only good for one year and that I had to pay a "import tax" again. After going back and forth and finally them threatening to take my drone away, I decided to pay again. Fortunately another customs officer overheard while I was going to pay and told the first guy to let me go through without paying for the last time. Now I don't travel with my drone. Currently looking for a way around this.

[@passport_ced]

Thank you for sharing.

[@khaimk4r4su]

Yep, for people like us who live in the north border of the country that when we travel south the border we have to import our stuff we bring southward even it's made in Mexico. It's hilarious and infuriating

[@brianparks1899]

I've lived in Oaxaca for 10 years. See my comment above, but quickly, here's what the AFAC (Mexican FAA) said to me just today: "based on section 4.10.16. of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-107-SCT3-2019, which establishes the requirements to operate a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in Mexican airspace, I inform you that RPAS operations by foreigners are not allowed in Mexico, regardless of the weight of the aircraft or the intended use of it."

[@Peter-ox8lj]

@@brianparks1899 so no tourist can fly drones in mexico?

[@nightwaves3203]

One of the recent comments on policies is the light

[@nightwaves3203]

Oh yah. Like you mentioned it probably depends on whho what or where and you enter :)

[@passport_ced]

@@nightwaves3203 most def. I’ve gotten mine in with no issues. Haven’t heard of anyones drone getting confiscated yet 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@donaldkinsey5245]

That’s my understanding. There are two different requirements that people are conflating. 1. Registration: which is any drone over 250 grams. And 2. Permit, which exempts drones under 2 Kg.

[@andrewgilford9517]

Cancun airport charged me a 19% tax on my drone. They scanned my bag and made me take out all of my belongings. It was horrible. Hopefully Cabo is the opposite experience for me this weekend

[@passport_ced]

That’s crazy.

[@passport_ced]

@@hudson.kemnitz please watch the video

[@ovaismalik2940]

So what happened in cabos?

[@benjimenez9492]

Any chance you could update us with what happened in Cabo?

[@seancarpediem]

I had the same thing happened to me last week in Cancun. They made me pay 19% tax… I was so mad…

[@CGuzmanSafety]

Thanks for the info. I'll take my chances.

[@passport_ced]

All you can do. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.

[@harryv6752]

Good stuff. And that collection on the shelf tho... 🔥🔥🔥

[@passport_ced]

My pride and joy

[@melissaportillo3193]

Can you make an updated video , if maybe there is new information. Thank you for this video it is informative 😃

[@passport_ced]

Lots of updates in the comments.

[@ALITRAN05]

We are leaving for Cancun july 25th 2022. I'm bringing my DJI mini 3 pro. And its under 250 g i also have 2 bigger batteries. Wish me luck. I'll update y'all when i get back in the US

[@passport_ced]

I’m sure you’ll be fine!

[@ALITRAN05]

@@passport_ced just got back from Cancun today i didn't have any trouble with the police but i almost lost my drone. We went on a tour on one of the island first i fly up really high outs and ins after a few minutes my drone stop moving it's only come down and I'm about 30 yards out the ocean i have to swim out to catch my drone if I'm 100 yards out i don't think i can swim out to catch it. Its was restricted zone or something but i don't get it why it let me fly first and in the middle of my flying it stop moving but down

[@Richardgregs0n]

did you have any issues ?

[@ALITRAN05]

@@Richardgregs0n no! They're don't care at all

[@Richardgregs0n]

@@ALITRAN05 amazing 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 that’s good to hear want to take mine

[@mihirgajera1875]

So what is the final law now? Are drones with

[@passport_ced]

Seems like different people are experiencing different things with there drones at the border. You can do like most of us and try your luck.

[@mihirgajera1875]

@@passport_ced Thanks

[@atfpv]

Can you do a chargeback through your credit card company?

[@fredandjaytv]

great feed back, il take my chances this july ..

[@passport_ced]

Thank you. And I think you’ll be fine.

[@Ahasmak]

How was it?

[@donaldkinsey5245]

I researched the Mexican SCT website, and it states that RPAS [drones] that weigh less than 250 grams are Exempt from registration. In addition, drones that weigh less than 2 Kg [4.4 lbs] do not need a permit. So, if you bring in a mini [e.g., DJI Mini 3], you should be fine. The website did state you may have to pay a tax. I’m brining a copy of the official Mexican drone regulations with me.

[@passport_ced]

You are correct, but based on my personal experience and others in this comment section, Mexican customs unfortunately doesn’t always play by the book. That seems to be the real issue. The regulations can say one thing and the customs agent can tell you another. Hopefully, you get it in with no issues as I once did. Otherwise, you may just have to pay a “tax” to get it in.

[@dvader3000]

Damn,Neymar knows quite a lot about drones

[@passport_ced]

😂😂

[@bradysaravanlife9371]

i also read if its under the 250grams ur allowed to fly? is this correct? im going in march 2023 for a fundraiser

[@canindia]

Hey, Did you fly drone under 249 grams? was there any issues? please help me with information. Thanks

[@alejandromorales5822]

Thanks for the info. Going to playa del carmen in few months.

[@passport_ced]

Hope all goes well. Let us know

[@andrikvlogs]

Bro I’m sorry they scammed you I brought my drone like 20 times to Mexico they don’t tell you anything

[@passport_ced]

Perhaps. Regardless, Got the drone in and and got the shots…lol. We live and we learn.

[@Kadaofficial]

Do you have it in your personal item bag or check luggage ?

[@GandiSmith]

Thank you for this!!

[@thenewtankadventures9923]

Hey dope video jus wanted to ask if you had your drone in your carry on or luggage? Got a flight to tulum tommarow!

[@passport_ced]

Carry on :)

[@brittanyjade___]

How did it go for you? I leave in two days and am wondering the same thing?

[@passport_ced]

@@brittanyjade___ I never check in bags. It was in my carry on. Where are you flying form and landing in?

[@brittanyjade___]

@@passport_ced LAX to CUN. Just wondering if worst case scenario is a 10% fine of the drones cost? Cuz I could swing that, just worried about confiscation

[@passport_ced]

@@brittanyjade___ I personally think you’ll be fine. A guy who recently asked the very same question and is in Cancun as we speak (lax to Cancun) got his through with no problem. I don’t work for Mexican customs so I can’t guarantee you anything, but I think it’ll get through just fine.

[@MarioSchwarzl]

I fly to Mexico in 2 weeks, i own the dji Mini 2, after reading multiple threads, it looks like i dont even have to register it, is that true ? Dont i have to register at the AFAC atleast ? Or can I just fly to Mexico without any Registration with my Mini 2? Thanks in advance!

[@passport_ced]

I think you just take it with you and take the chance. For some, it’s not an issue. For others, they charge a fee. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@benjimenez9492]

Let us know how it went!

[@MarioSchwarzl]

@@benjimenez9492 I am back to Austria now and already loaded up a new video from many impressions in Mexico, but Mexico tulum is a place where a drone isnt necessarily needed 😂 i flew one or two times but the area isnt made for drones , i captured sick moments with my camera as you see in my newest Video but there are no special surroundings or interesting locations where you can fly

[@MarioSchwarzl]

However, I didnt have problems on the airport or anything, No one wanted to see it or even asked for it, and of course i didnt pay a fee or anything Like that , I had fast entries than normal at every airport

[@ZIRTUBE]

Nice Video and comments from everyone below: Heading to Cancun 10.8.22.. hopefully I won't have any issues with my DJI Mini Pro 3 which is under 250gm. will keep posted of my experience.

[@passport_ced]

Let’s us know.

[@rawjules]

I'm going to Cancun this week as well... Going to risk it with my Mini 3! Good luck.

[@ZIRTUBE]

@@rawjules You too.

[@ZIRTUBE]

unfortunately we had to cancel our CanCun Holiday this October 8 2022. Hurricane Julia is coming. Rain & Thunderstorms all week.

[@passport_ced]

@@ZIRTUBE smart

[@omarsolorio6034]

Do you have any issues bringing it back to the US

[@passport_ced]

No. None at all.

[@joseluisorozco9879]

Thanks for the video, I'm off to Cancun this Sunday. I'm going to take my chances. Should I have an issue, I have dual citizenship with Mexico.

[@passport_ced]

il pretty positive you won’t have an issue. Especially entering through Cancun.

[@rstott88]

Did you have any issue? I'm going to Cancun, and even if I did get through, I'm wondering if flying in general was frowned upon in most places there

[@martinwoodfilms]

How did it go?

[@chrisskinner6483]

Man, I have been ALL over the place looking at this same info. Seeing anywhere from : "NO drone to travel into Mexico " to 16% tax to bring in. I'm going to Cancun "Palace Resorts and would like to finally take my Mavic Pro 2 this trip.

[@passport_ced]

You can do what I did and take your chances. I think you’ll be fine, especially landing in Cancun.

[@chrisskinner6483]

@@passport_ced ya? Sound like worst case they grift me for $100 or so...hopefully.

[@passport_ced]

@@chrisskinner6483 Cancun is a high tourist destination. Travelers are constantly flying in, so I think drones coming through there are probably pretty common. Like I said in the video, they didn’t ask me anything about my bags and let me walk right into the country with my drone. I also met other travelers with drones while in the area. None of them mentioned having any issues. It’s up to you 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@CedricVilella]

@@passport_ced im also planning landing from France end of the month in Cancun with a mavic pro 2. Sounds good that it looks easier in this part of Mexico. Exited to enter without troubles. Thanks for the video

[@passport_ced]

@@CedricVilella salut mom ami! You should be fine with the drone :)

[@brianparks1899]

Yesterday I received this in response to my inquiry to the AFAC (Mexican FAA) about foreigners operating in Mexico. This reply was cc'd to Executive Director of Aviation in Mexico and the Director of Engineering Standards and Certification. "In response to your email received on April 20 of this year and based on section 4.10.16. of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-107-SCT3-2019, which establishes the requirements to operate a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in Mexican airspace, I inform you that RPAS operations by foreigners are not allowed in Mexico, regardless of the weight of the aircraft or the intended use of it. I add the aforementioned numeral for quick reference 4.10.16. They will not be able to operate in Mexico an RPAS with foreign registration or registration or operated by foreign RPAS operators, other than those mentioned in section 4.10.15 of this Standard Mexican Official, unless there is a bilateral agreement between the Aeronautical Authority and the Aviation Authority. Civil Aviation of the state of registration/registration." So Mexico is a no fly zone for foreigners...

[@passport_ced]

That’s new! Thanks for sharing.

[@cppoppin12]

Hey great video! Do they ever confiscate? Read online I should be fine regardless with the mini 2

[@passport_ced]

Thank you. I haven’t heard of drones getting confiscated in Mexico. It seems like it really depends on who you land on at the border. I got mine through twice. Most of my research indicated that drones get through and worst case scenario is paying a “tax” on the drone.

[@OdalysPov]

@@passport_ced what airport did you go too

[@passport_ced]

@@OdalysPov landed in Cancun and in Oaxaca

[@Chupapi_dabs]

I’m traveling to Leon Guanajuato in December. Hesitant about taking my mavic 2. I wonder if I’ll have issues if I’m a Mexican citizen but don’t reside in Mexico. I should be ready for that tax fee.

[@passport_ced]

Be ready for it and if they don’t require it, than consider that good luck

[@thadlogan51]

Thanks for video! I'm just worried that someone at airport security will take it and not give it back...

[@passport_ced]

I mean, anything is possible. It’s a gamble

[@ImGeoX]

So how does this apply to the DJI Mavic Mini 2 where the weight is only 249 grams. From what I've read 250 grams and above need to be registered, and can only be registered by Mexican citizens, what about 249? Lol

[@passport_ced]

That’s a great question my friend lol

[@demoscratos4577]

Should have lied and said the drone was 300 bucks to only pay 30 bucks

[@Daddy50001]

Imma tell them my drone was $100 lol

[@passport_ced]

100 pesos lol

[@13hubi13]

the thing is you are not allowed to fly a drone in Mexico if the drone is not registered, and you cant register a drone if you are not born in Mexico . so yes you are allowed to bring a drone with you but not to take it up into the air and make photos or videos. Its like with smoking weed in Mexico, you can do it but it is not allowed.

[@passport_ced]

Sounds like most things in Mexico lol

[@13hubi13]

@@passport_ced if no one is going to enforce it I guess we are fine. I will travel to Mexico next week and I will bring my drone with me too after I read a little bit about it. I guess most of the police doesn't even care or know the drone laws anyway 😅

[@Sebas-ir2zb]

@@13hubi13 did it work?

[@ImGeoX]

@@13hubi13 any update? lol

[@xmiguelx]

@@13hubi13 any updates on what happened with you and the drone?

[@the1andonly]

H I and thanks for sharing your experience. I was wondering the same thing. You can fly a sub 250 gram drone into Mexico pretty much unrestricted. Drones up to 2 kilos can be registered by visitors, as long as it is for recreational use only (this is relatively new). You should not have to pay any tax as your drone is your property and will not remain in Mexico. I think that's a corruption problem. Here is the video I made about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYjGcmesqrOqpqMsi=P8_LrpSIfqR8aUk_

[@brianparks1899]

Here's what the AFAC (Mexican FAA) said to me just today: "based on section 4.10.16. of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-107-SCT3-2019, which establishes the requirements to operate a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in Mexican airspace, I inform you that RPAS operations by foreigners are not allowed in Mexico, regardless of the weight of the aircraft or the intended use of it."

[@Daddy50001]

I was watching the clip of you landing and I knew I've been there sure enought it was oaxaca

[@passport_ced]

Sure was! Great observation. How’d you like Oaxaca??

[@gus9981]

I’m lost know 😂

[@passport_ced]

😂😂 yeah. Sorry.

[@TomaszHaba]

You got scammed

[@passport_ced]

Really??

[@alexjamesmusic6190]

@@passport_ced Nah, that tax on the drone is a legitimate thing

[@passport_ced]

@@alexjamesmusic6190 I’m not positive. I didn’t read that anywhere when I was doing my research on the subject. But they didn’t ask for cash. It was credit card transaction at the register counter, so seemed legit on that aspect 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@alexjamesmusic6190]

@@passport_ced I did read on some documentation somewhere awhile back that they can enforce a drone tax for non residents. I also read that they may ask to see proof of purchase/ownership to enforce the tax rate. Sounds like they just took your word for it though. I'll be bringing my drone the Cancun next month! We'll see what happens

[@passport_ced]

@@alexjamesmusic6190 I think you’ll be fine. A few people who commented on this video have since traveled to Cancun with their drones with no issues.

[@heatherpoole6797]

$1,000 bucks 😏🤣