By Coco Dollanganger

Published Jun 6, 2026

Coco Dollanganger is a travel journalist with multiple years of experience covering breaking news and current events in the travel space, reporting on the impact of world events on travelers.

Prior to joining TheTravel, Coco covered current events for Travel Lens and The News Lens International. Her writing has also appeared on MSN and in China’s Business Times. When she is not writing, she can often be found exploring the music of different cultures and visiting historical sites.

After the FIFA World Cup host cities, like New York and New Jersey, warned American travelers to stay home and work remotely throughout the tournament, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also released a warning to football teams and travelers about flying drones in designated locations in 11 cities.

The FAA has released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) about the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) in all FIFA World Cup stadiums and surrounding event spaces, designated as strict "No Drone Zones."

The flight restrictions took effect on June 2 and will last until July 21 in accordance with the federal and local regulations. Violators also face strict civil and criminal penalties and immediate arrest.

FAA Warns FIFA World Cup Travelers Of Criminal Charges Over Flying Drones In Specified Locations

Host cities have their own travel preparedness plans for the upcoming World Cup matches to help reduce severe bottlenecks throughout the tournament. For instance, New York City has warned travelers of traffic congestion during the matches for eight specific dates this month.

Accordingly, the FAA also released a FIFA World Cup safety plan, particularly for flying drones in many of the 11 host cities' designated locations, including base camps, training facilities, and team hotels. According to the FAA, the "No Drone Zones" are to "ensure a safe environment for all players, attendees, and staff."

A "No Drone Zone" means that unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited in the specified airspace and surrounding grounds.

The FAA also coordinates with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local law enforcement to monitor the airspace at the designated locations of 11 host cities, using "federally authorized capabilities to detect, track, and assess any unauthorized drone activity."

People outside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey—a major venue for the 2026 FIFA World CupCredit: Shutterstock

It's worth noting that those who fly drones during these dates in specific locations can face serious federal and local violations that could lead to criminal charges and penalties.

"During major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup™, the FAA implements Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to limit air travel and secure the airspace. Taking off, landing, or flying a drone within these restricted areas is a serious violation of federal and local regulations," reads the FAA's statement.

The FAA's NOTAM says that the agency "exempts drone operations that directly support national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, or search-and-rescue missions." However, commercial operators of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) might be allowed, but they need to request a Special Governmental Interest (SGI) waiver beforehand.

“Commercial operators with a valid statement of work must submit requests at least 72 hours before operating within a restricted area to allow for coordination and approval," reads the FAA's NOTAM.

According to the NOTAM, the measures cover up to 3,000 feet above ground level and within a three-nautical-mile radius, applied specifically to stadiums, and within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level for fan festivals and other facilities.

FAA's FIFA World Cup "No Drone Zones" Violators Could Face Serious Charges

Lumen Field in Seattle, where FIFA World Cup matches will be heldCredit: Shutterstock

Officials also warn that violators of the "No Drone Zones" during World Cup matches could face hefty fines, drone seizures, and even immediate arrest, pursuant to 49 USC Section 46307, or the Violation of National Defense Airspace.

The Temporary Flight Restrictions were also communicated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through X (formerly Twitter), warning travelers of the $100,000 fine for flying drones near and within World Cup locations. The FAA will work alongside the FBI and local enforcement units in 11 host cities to monitor the airspace.

Those who are caught flying drones without authorization could also face pilot certificate revocation, as per CBP. But above all that, criminal charges and penalties will be strictly implemented.

FAA's Charges And Fines For "No Drone Zones" Violators

The FAA's recently launched Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response (DETER) program will also be used at the World Cup to accelerate the authorities' enforcement and identification of any drone violations.

Why Is Flying Drones At The FIFA World Cup Strictly Prohibited?

Aerial drone shot of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Credit: Shutterstock

Security is the top concern for the FAA, FBI, and local enforcement units in 11 host cities of the FIFA World Cup, and this comes with drone flight restrictions, as they also pose safety and operational risks.

Drones are increasingly utilized as weapons of war and terror, and flying them without authorization in the designated sensitive airspace during the World Cup will be considered a serious federal charge.

Authorities also said they will take down any unauthorized drone flights within the specified airspace, as they could interfere with law enforcement and security operations. The Los Angeles Times reports that Patrick Grandy, an FBI assistant director at the Los Angeles office, said that those who violate the "No Drone Zones" policy will not be tolerated.

President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd as he departs the FIFA World Cup Final alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Sunday, July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New JerseyCredit: The White House, Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Limited exemptions, especially those who have requested an authorization or a waiver from the FAA, may be granted, but authorities are taking precautionary measures to help reduce any risks affecting thousands of players, staff, spectators, and security personnel at all FIFA World Cup-related sites.

The "No Drone Zones" policy also prevents any unauthorized filming and photo-taking of World Cup teams during their drills and plays before and during the matches.

As the FAA warned, "Do not bring a drone to the stadium or any official World Cup events." World Cup travelers who use drones for personal use, like photography, videography, or recreational purposes, must check airspace restrictions using the B4UFLY app or official Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) notices before launching their drones near a host city during the matches.