Do I have to declare unmanned aircraft at United States customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare unmanned aircraft in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship unmanned aircraft to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take unmanned aircraft out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking unmanned aircraft out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for unmanned aircraft apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in What Can I Bring? Complete List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Drones are allowed through the checkpoint. Please check with your airline prior to traveling for their policy.”

How does United States compare with other countries on unmanned aircraft?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit unmanned aircraft, 12 limit it and 8 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring unmanned aircraft to United States?

Official classification: Unmanned aircraft / drone

Restricted

You can bring unmanned aircraft into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

What Can I Bring? Complete List Transportation Security Administration

Questions about Unmanned aircraft / drone in United States

Do I have to declare unmanned aircraft at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare unmanned aircraft in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship unmanned aircraft to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take unmanned aircraft out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking unmanned aircraft out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for unmanned aircraft apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in What Can I Bring? Complete List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Drones are allowed through the checkpoint. Please check with your airline prior to traveling for their policy.”
How does United States compare with other countries on unmanned aircraft?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit unmanned aircraft, 12 limit it and 8 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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