Every year, tourists arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Amman with drones packed in their luggage — only to have them confiscated at customs. Jordan enforces a strict ban on importing drones without prior authorization. There is no tourist exemption, no sub-250g waiver, and no on-arrival permit process. This guide explains exactly what happens and offers legitimate alternatives.

Quick Summary & Direct Answer

Tourists cannot legally fly drones in Jordan without prior CARC authorization. Drones brought into Jordan without permits are seized at Queen Alia International Airport customs and held until departure. There is no sub-250g exemption. The safest alternative is hiring a licensed local drone operator like Loyalty Drones to capture aerial footage on your behalf.

What Happens If You Bring a Drone Without a Permit

When your luggage is scanned at Jordanian customs, drone equipment is flagged immediately. Security will confiscate the drone and store it in a customs holding facility. You will receive a receipt and can collect it when you leave the country. There is no fast-track process to obtain a permit after arrival — the authorization must be secured weeks in advance through CARC and the Ministry of Interior.

The Smart Alternative: Hire a Licensed Local Drone Operator

Instead of risking confiscation, tourists and travel content creators can hire a fully licensed local drone operator. Licensed operators have pre-cleared flight permissions, insured equipment, and experienced pilots who know the best angles at every Jordanian landmark. You get the stunning aerial footage without the legal headaches.

Tourist Drone Options in Jordan

Option	Feasibility	Risk Level	Quality of Footage
Bring your own drone (no permit)	Illegal — drone seized at customs	Very High (confiscation, fines)	Zero (no flight possible)
Apply for CARC permit as tourist	Extremely difficult (low approval rate)	Moderate (weeks of processing)	Uncertain (permit may be denied)
Hire a licensed local operator	Fully legal and recommended	Zero risk	Professional cinema-quality footage
Buy footage from stock libraries	Legal but generic	Zero risk	Low (not personalized)

Your Aerial Memory Package: Professional Drone Footage of Your Trip

Loyalty Drones offers tourist-friendly ‘Aerial Memory’ packages. We dispatch a licensed pilot to your location (Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Amman) to capture breathtaking drone footage of your group, delivering edited 4K video within 48 hours. Perfect for honeymoons, family vacations, and travel content creators.