Just thought i would share my recent experience of flying from London Gatwick to Cancun with TUI…
I was initially worried about travelling with my drone (Mavic) after seeing some spooky posts on other forums from people who were clearly on the wind up or just got very unlucky in their own experience!
I carried the Mavic in my carry on bag, inside the Fly More Combo bag along with the spare batteries (both of the spares in LiPO bags, the third in the drone) and the remote and other bits. Inside my carry on bag i had plenty of electronics such as headphones, chargers etc ready for the long flight. I had taken the props off as i have been told that sometimes these look strange in the security machines, they were all packed inside the DJI bag.
Upon arrival to Cancun we went through the normal process, filled in the immigration cards and went through immigration control. I made no reference to the drone whatsoever on the card, as I was not importing the drone.
Our bags (all of them, including carry on) were then put through another security machine and nothing was flagged up as expected. I picked up my bags and was then invited to press a red button…
This is the red button lottery, when it goes green you get through but if it goes red you are subject to a full inspection of your bags. Thankfully when I pressed the button it went green, so straight through I went!
Whilst in Mexico, i was able to fly on the beach without issues but i decided not to take it to Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum as i have been told that drones are banned from these destinations.
The way back was again uneventful, nothing flagged up, no questions asked at all.
From my experience I would happily take my drone with me again to Mexico, as I had no issues on either side, but the red button experience wasn’t enjoyable. I doubt anything would have happened but I didn’t want to be in the position to find out.
Hey Chris,
What part of Mexico are you visiting?
I’ve been to Cancun five or six times over the years with my last visit being in June/July of 2022. On this visit I took my Dji Mini 3 Pro with me and flew it several times around the resort and along the Cancun coastline. Early morning and late afternoon flights provided the best photo opportunities and I managed to catch some great footage and photos.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me and I will do my best to help.
Cheers, Andy
Hi mate.. just visiting the old post. Am going to Mexico (Playa del Carmen) in Aug and hope to take my Mini 4K (thinking I shouldn’t take my Air 2S!)..
I’m wondering about which easy country to register to to fly?
Any issues taking a drone through if you e been recently??
Hey Chris, sorry but we’ve not visited Mexico since 2022! Therefore, it’s best to visit their website to check up on flying policy and procedures.
When we went we flew from Gatwick and taking my drone was not a problem as I had packed it, along with the three batteries in my carry on luggage NOT in our suitcases. I did use explosive proof bags for each battery mind.
Am going in Aug, to Mexico. Any advice.. I’m planning on taking my Mini 4K.
Any feedback on tax at the airport, any docs to print and take and where you can register on EASA, I’m confused to the easiest and best country to register in, for Mexico??
Have received conflicting reports of don’t worry to don’t take it and 19% tax based on proof of purchase..
Hi, new member here ,
Went to Mexico last month. Bought a new Dji mini 4 pro to be under 250gm but got caught by customs for 19% import tax. So if you intend on going, keep your purchase receipt as evidence. Not suggesting how to avoid this as that would be unethical, but they didn’t scan my hold luggage, just my carry on which was all photographic gear. Pleased I didn’t take my Mavic 3 or the cost would have been so much more
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