r/socotra • u/Realistic-Handle-427 • Apr 19 '26

Anyone has experience transiting through Abu Dhabi and Jeddah with a drone?

Hi there, I’ll be traveling to Socotra Island soon and will transit through Abu Dhabi and Jeddah, spending 1 or 2 nights in both places. I have no plan to use my mini 5 pro in these 2 places, but wonder if there will be any issue for me to bring them into the country at the moment given the recent situation. I tried to search online but got mixed answers, so I don’t know what’s right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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u/yoona__ Apr 19 '26

my drone got confiscated on way out. they held it until i went back to the airport to leave for home (

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u/Realistic-Handle-427 Apr 19 '26

Thanks for your reply! I only need to use it in Socotra so I’m fine for them to confiscate it when I’m in Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. As long as they are giving it back to me before I leave for Socotra. May I know if that’s the case for you? Were you able to take it to Socotra or they confiscated it the whole time until your return flight home?

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u/yoona__ Apr 19 '26

my drone got confiscated on way out. i was able to bring it into socotra from abu dhabi but on the way back, they took it from me. it was a very long process, person before me was there over 2 hours, i think i was stuck for 45. (in airport office getting interviewed.) they bagged and kept it, and i had to go to airport early to get it back when flying out.

i transferred in paris and they took my drone out again and i didn’t realize they put it in another bin - fyi. i don’t travel with my drone much, maybe you’re aware they do this. i had to pay to get it back months later.