I am planning an IFR flight from KEYW to MZBZ in a private airplane. Do I need an overflight permit for Cuba and Mexico?
Hello Hollywood. As long as you do not cross over Cuban territory or enter the 12 NM inner ADIZ you do not need a Cuban over-flight permit with one exception which we will cover in a moment.
Assuming you leaving from Key West, the route you can expect to fly under IFR (and we recommend under VFR) is DCT CANOA B646 VINKA B764 BZE. When you get to CANOA intersection, you will need to report with Havana Center (VFR or IFR) and if you are IFR you can request DCT EMOSA which will save you having to go all the way to VINKA. This is the normal IFR route and is a good VFR route because it keeps you outside of the Cuban inner ADIZ. You still need to talk to Havana Center and Merida Center to report your position regardless if VFR or IFR.
The return is a little different. If your are IFR you will be routed from Cozumel VOR CZM on G765 to the Fish Hook NDB (FIS). This airway DOES go inside the Cuban inner ADIZ but there is currently an agreement between Havana Center and Merida Center to route IFR traffic along this airway without a Cuban over-flight permit. If you are IFR capable, it is a good idea as this will keep you very close to land for a good part of the flight. VFR traffic will need to return via the same route as the southbound route and staying outside of the Cuban inner ADIZ. VFR flights are NOT allowed inside the inner ADIZ.
If you do not land in Mexico, you will not need to obtain an over-flight/entry permit. Bear in mind that if you need to land while enroute southbound from the USA to Belize you can land at either Cancun (recommended) or Cozumel (not recommended) and you will have to pay for the over-flight/landing permit. If you need to land while headed northbound from Belize back to the USA, you can ONLY land in Cozumel.
For more details or assistance with Cuban Over-Flight permits, contact us at 1-786-206-6147 or email us at handler@caribbeanskytours.com.
Thanks for your post
An additional note. If you fly through Mexican airspace without stopping at, or departing from, a Mexican airport, you WILL become liable for Mexican airspace fees. Refer to this topic in the Mexico section.
For more details or assistance with Mexico airspace fee payments, contact us at 1-786-206-6147 or email us at handler@caribbeanskytours.com.
If you DO REQUIRE a Cuban over-flight permit, we are licensed by the US government to obtain these permits on your behalf in compliance with US Regulations. It is important that whoever you use for obtaining one of these licenses has the necessary license so that you do not run into problems with the US government.
For more details or assistance with Cuban Over-Flight permits, contact us at 1-786-206-6147 or email us at handler@caribbeanskytours.com.
[quote=Joster]]I am planning an IFR or maybe a VFR flight to Cuba from Aruba TNCA! Let me know what the rules are. What do I have to do paperwise! I want to fly from Aruba to South Cuba. I have a C206 with a N registration I will stay in Cuba for a week and than fly back to Aruba from there. I have a dutch paspoort!
I'm realy appreciate an explanation from the persons who have the experience about this type of flight. Greetings John
Due to the delicate nature of flying to Cuba in a US registered aircraft, you should contact us so that we can better understand the details of your trip in order to better orient you. Please call us at +1 786 206 6147