International Customs when travelling with a helicam at DVinfo.net

Ethan Barrett · March 4th, 2014, 03:29 PM

I have a DJI Phantom 2 and am using it for some Gopro shots overseas, including Kenya, Uganda, etc., traveling from the US. Has anyone experienced issues when getting a helicam through customs? It's a pretty weird-looking "spy-like" device and I can imagine some people overseas not liking the look of it.

Roger Gunkel · March 4th, 2014, 06:43 PM

You are unlikely to have a problem getting the phantom through customs if you are clear about what it is, but you will almost certainly be refused permission to take Lipo batteries on board a plane, as most, if not all airlines will not allow them.

you may have to arrange to buy or borrow some at your destination.

Roger

Chuck Spaulding · March 7th, 2014, 03:06 AM

A Phantom is not a helicam, its an RC toy.

You can fly with Lipo's on airlines, you can't check the batteries they have to be in carry on luggage. There's information online about the formula for determining the total amperage and outlines the procedure. Print that out and be ready to explain the formula to TSA.

Get a lipo bag/safe and pack the lipo's in that.

March 4th, 2014, 03:29 PM	#1
Ethan Barrett Tourist Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1	International Customs when travelling with a helicam I have a DJI Phantom 2 and am using it for some Gopro shots overseas, including Kenya, Uganda, etc., traveling from the US. Has anyone experienced issues when getting a helicam through customs? It's a pretty weird-looking "spy-like" device and I can imagine some people overseas not liking the look of it.

March 4th, 2014, 06:43 PM	#2
Roger Gunkel Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: LIncolnshire, UK Posts: 2,213	Re: International Customs when travelling with a helicam You are unlikely to have a problem getting the phantom through customs if you are clear about what it is, but you will almost certainly be refused permission to take Lipo batteries on board a plane, as most, if not all airlines will not allow them. you may have to arrange to buy or borrow some at your destination. Roger

March 7th, 2014, 03:06 AM	#3
Chuck Spaulding Trustee Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Thousand Oaks Posts: 1,104	Re: International Customs when travelling with a helicam A Phantom is not a helicam, its an RC toy. You can fly with Lipo's on airlines, you can't check the batteries they have to be in carry on luggage. There's information online about the formula for determining the total amperage and outlines the procedure. Print that out and be ready to explain the formula to TSA. Get a lipo bag/safe and pack the lipo's in that.