Yes, you can fly a drone in Antigua and Barbuda, with limits that are tighter than in the US. Government guidance says to stay below 300 ft, keep the drone in sight, stay clear of airports and their approach paths, and get permission before flying over populated areas such as beaches, highways, stadiums, sporting events and festivities, or at night. Permission comes from the Air Traffic Control Department. Since beaches are where most visitors want to fly, plan around that.
Who regulates drones
Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA). Day-to-day drone guidance comes from the government's civil aviation ministry and its Air Traffic Control Department. A 2019 government notice said the Air Transport Licensing Board handles the licensing and registration of remotely piloted aircraft. If you plan to fly anything beyond casual vacation clips, contact the Air Traffic Control Department before you travel.
The main rules
From the government's 2019 guidance to drone operators:
- Max 300 ft above the ground.
- Visual line of sight at all times.
- Don't operate from any seaport or airport, or within an airport approach and departure path. The notice describes those paths as roughly 2.5 to 3 miles north and south of the runway centerline and 5 miles east and west of the runway ends.
- No flying over populated areas such as highways, beaches, stadiums, sporting events and festivities without permission.
- No flying at night or in low visibility without permission.
- Don't drop objects from the drone.
- Follow the conditions set by air traffic control.
Restricted places
The government's notice named restricted areas including:
- V.C. Bird International Airport and its approaches
- H.M. Prison and military facilities
- Fort James
- North Sound, including Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
- The Antigua Recreation Grounds
- St. John's Harbour
- Codrington, Barbuda
Government buildings and official residences are also off-limits.
Penalties
When regulations took effect in 2019, local reporting described fines of up to $20,000 or up to two years in prison for breaking operating rules, and much higher penalties for intentionally dangerous use. The licensing board can also suspend or revoke approvals.
Practical tips for visitors
- Choose a small drone. A sub-250 g DJI Mini 4 Pro or Mini 5 Pro is less intrusive, and the DJI Neo is good for quick clips from a boat or quiet shoreline.
- Set Max Altitude to 90 m in DJI Fly so the drone stops under 300 ft.
- Ask about beaches. Even quiet beaches count as populated areas in the guidance, so ask for permission rather than assume.
- Resorts often ban drones over pools and beaches. Ask first.
- Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour are busy heritage and marina areas; ask locally before flying.
- Watch the trade winds on the return leg over water.
- Bring your receipt in case customs asks, and pack batteries in carry-on. See traveling with a drone.
Paid and commercial work
Real estate, resort marketing and wedding shoots need authorization. Contact the Air Traffic Control Department and the licensing authority well ahead of the job, and ask exactly what they need from you.
Rules current as of November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Island hopping? Compare Barbados, Jamaica and our full drone laws by country list.
Related guides
- Drone laws in the Cayman Islands: flying there as a visitor
- Drone laws in Argentina: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Aruba: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Australia: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Austria: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Bali (Indonesia): flying there as a US tourist
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