Foreigners in Taiwan - 外國人在臺灣
  • Home 首頁
  • Blog 部落格
  • Taiwan FAQ 常見問題
  • Blog Index 部落格指南
  • Maps 地圖
  • About 關於我們
  • Contact Us 聯絡我們
  • Privacy 隱私
  • Home 首頁
  • Blog 部落格
  • Taiwan FAQ 常見問題
  • Blog Index 部落格指南
  • Maps 地圖
  • About 關於我們
  • Contact Us 聯絡我們
  • Privacy 隱私

Blog Posts

Taiwan Drone Flying FAQ 空拍機常見問題

11/3/2020

20 Comments

 
Share

Tweet
Picture
(Please note that the following questions and answers are for reference only and are not a comprehensive list of regulations. Local laws and regulations are constantly changing, and different cities, counties, and private property owners have differing droning rules. Please double check with Taiwan's Civil Aviation Bureau, local authorities, national parks, or property owners if you have any doubts about flying your drone in a certain area.

​Flying a drone (quadcopter, RC helicopter, remote UAV etc.) in Taiwan can be fun, safe, and positively impact the community if you do it right. For some of our own drone videos in Taiwan, check out the video below, as well as my drone playlist on Youtube, and don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel here.
Now you have an idea of what kind of beautiful places you can drone in Taiwan, let's start with the Q and A below. 

Q: Is it okay to fly drones in Taiwan?
A: Yes, as long as you follow the rules lined out in the below answers, including registering your drone if it is above 250 grams, and not flying in restricted zones.

Q: What are drone flying laws/regulations/restrictions in Taiwan?
A: For a full list of aviation regulations in Taiwan, click here.
According to the current Civil Aviation Act, Chapter 9-2 (effective March 31st, 2020):
Operation of drone flight activities shall comply with the following rules:
  1. The actual flight altitude of drone shall not exceed 400 feet (121 meters) above the ground level or sea level;
  2. Dropping or spraying of any item from the drone is prohibited;
  3. Loading the dangerous goods set forth in Article 43, paragraph 3 is prohibited;
  4. Restriction on the operations set forth in Article 99-17 shall apply;
  5. No activity is allowed above a crowd or outdoor assembly and parade;
  6. No flight activity is allowed between sunset and sunrise;
  7. Operation shall be within the visual range; no tool shall be used to extend the distance of flight operation except corrective lens;
  8. The operator shall not control two or more drones at the same time;
  9. The operator shall monitor the flight and the surrounding conditions of the drone at all times;
  10. The drone shall avoid approaching or colliding with other aircraft, building or obstacles.
Other regulations:
  • Registration of drone shall be required for the drone with maximum takeoff weight exceeding 250g
  • The drone does not exceed a 900 meter radius from the operator
  • Drones should stay a safe distance away from highways, freeways, railways, MRT, buildings, and other obstacles.
  • Drones should not be controlled from moving vehicles or watercraft 
  • The drone's speed should not exceed 160 km/h 
  • Drone flight activities shall be prohibited within the prohibited area and restricted area, and at a certain distance from the boundary of an airport or airfield. 
  • Any drone that enters into the prohibited or restricted area set forth in paragraph 1 without permission shall be terminated or excluded by the administrator of the prohibited or restricted area with appropriate measures. 

Q: Is there a drone flying map for Taiwan?
A: Yes, the civil aviation department has a map here (click airspace query on the top of the web page): https://drone.caa.gov.tw/# 
Also, you can check out this map by Flyerfree: https://www.flyerlee.com/drone-restricted-airspace-in-taiwan/, which has maps of national park restrictions but still needs to be updated with new no fly zones posted on March 31st. 
Please note that these maps are for reference only.  
Picture
The above map was talen from https://drone.caa.gov.tw/en-US/FVM/FVM0101 on March 31st, 2020. Red indicates no-fly zone, yellow indicates do not fly 65 meters above an airport, and green means okay to fly.
Q: What places are forbidden for drone flying in Taiwan?
A: Airports, military bases, national parks (without approval), and other places marked by the government, local officials, or private property owners. 
Specifically for airports, this means that you cannot fly within 2.6 km of the sides of the airport, or within a 5 km radius of the mid-end points of the airport. Also, you cannot fly above 60 meters of the airport within 6 km of either side of the airport or within a 10 km radius of the mid-end points of the airport. 
For other places that are marked as no fly zones, please refer to the civil aviation department  map here (click airspace query on the top of the web page): https://drone.caa.gov.tw/# 
Please note that the map in the link above may not be 100% accurate and that laws and local regulations prevail. 

Q: What airspace has been blocked for drones after the March 31, 2020 Taiwan drone regulations came into place?

A: Check the map here: https://drone.caa.gov.tw/en-US/ 
I have noticed there is a giant swath of airspace covering Miaoli, Taichung, and Nantou that is now off limits. Also, parts of the northeast coast are off limits, along with lots of random spots, such as military bases and Feitsui Reservoir. Check the map before you fly!

Q: How to I apply to fly my drone in Taiwan's national parks?
A: Not every national park requires that you apply to fly drones. Here are some that do:
Taroko Gorge: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/Event/NewsDetail?id=6721
Kenting:https://www.ktnp.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=3DE11E74CBD6C44E&sms=44C35FDEACCB8049&s=F3B6640AB53641E5
Yangmingshan: https://eip.ymsnp.gov.tw/web/system/apply2/ 
​
Q: What is the height restriction for flying drones in Taiwan?

A: Altitude not exceeding 400 feet (121 meters) above the ground level, or other restricted area such as near an airport. 

Q: Why is the height restriction for flying drones in Taiwan only 400 feet (121 meters)?
A: This is because the minimum flying height for helicopters and airplanes is 500 feet, so the drone height is set at 400 feet to avoid any possible collisions. 

Q: What is good drone flying etiquette in Taiwan?
  • Don't fly low to the ground when there are people nearby
  • Don't fly directly above other people
  • Don't buzz people and be mindful of the noise you are making
  • Don't take footage of wild animals, this could spook them and cause harm to them
  • Don't fly in strong winds or when it is raining. You could lose your drone!
  • Land your drone well before you run out of battery
  • Take off and land from an area with limited people
  • Always ask permission before flying on private property
  • Always ask permission before filming people
  • Don't fly in a drone restricted area! Check here for a full map.

Q: What happens if I crash my drone in Taiwan?
A: Cry. For my experience crashing a drone, click here.

Q: Are drones allowed in luggage in Taiwan airports?
A: Yes, but the batteries and drone should stay in your carry on luggage.

Q: Do I need to register my drone in Taiwan?
A: Registration of drone shall be required for the drone with maximum takeoff weight exceeding 250g (effective March 2020).

Q: Does a DJI Spark need to be registered in Taiwan?
A: Starting from March 2020, DJI Sparks should be registered because the takeoff weight is 300g.


Q: How do I register my drone in Taiwan?
A: You will need to do this online, using the Civil Aviation department's website or APP.
If you are a non-resident foreigner: You will need to register a drone above 250g by using your passport and a foreign drone license here: 
https://drone.caa.gov.tw/en-US/FVM/FVM0101
Picture
This is the interface for registering your drone as a foreign non resident.
If you are a Taiwan resident (with NHI card) you can register online by using your ARC number and NHI card here: https://drone.caa.gov.tw/en-US/Account/Login?type=1
Picture
Please note the registration interface for residents is only in Chinese.
​For drones above 250 grams but less than 2kg, you only need to register your drone and do not need to get a drone license or drone inspection. 
Picture
Once you are done registered, you will have to pay the registration fee, which for now is free.
Picture
After you have registered, print out the registration information and keep it with you with you fly. Also affix the registration number on a visible area on your drone. 
Picture
You can always log back in to see your registration information at any time. 

Q: How long does registration last?
A: Two years for residents, and six months for non residents. 

Q: How much for the Taiwan drone registration fee?
A: 150 NT, but for the first few months of 2020 it is free.

Q: How can I avoid uploading a drone license to register if I am a non resident foreigner?
A: I suggest using a drone less than 250 grams like the Mavic Mini. You can buy the Mavic Mini here: https://click.dji.com/ACWB06zplCxUSCW_3fS6pA?pm=link

Q: Do you need a drone license to fly in Taiwan?
A: Starting March 2020, if you drone is over 2kg in weight, then yes you must have a drone license to fly. If you are a resident, then you do not have to have your drone inspected.
If your drone is between 250 grams and 2 kg, but you are flying for commercial purposes, you still need a license. 

Q: Do you need a license to fly drone commercially for business in Taiwan?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I use my home country's drone license to fly in Taiwan if I am a non resident foreigner?
A: Yes, but you must first apply with the Civil Aviation department first for recognition of your home country's licence. You should upload scans of the documents required to the portal here: https://drone.caa.gov.tw/en-US/FVM/FVM0101

Q: What it is like to register a drone as a non resident foreigner in Taiwan?
A: I share the following story with permission:
"I would like to share with you my cumbersome experience with drone registration in Taiwan. I am in Taiwan as a tourist (no ARC) on 90 days visa-free stay. Finally I managed to get my DJ Mavic Air registered just now, after plenty of correspondence with CAA. As a tourist you need to provide evidence that your drone is registered in your home country. I am from Germany. There such a drone does not get registered. But without foreign registration no Taiwan registration. Then I tried it with the existing registration from P. R. China. That was not accepted. Finally I registered my drone in Ireland and provided the related registration number to CAA in Taiwan. That was fine for CAA.
I had some correspondence with an Aviation Safety Inspector from the Initial Airworthiness Section/Flight Standards Division, CAA/Taiwan. He helped me to go through the registration process. In March apparently the registration website had still some flaws and later the required input was not fully clear to me. 
Validity of the registration in Taiwan is six months. I had to pay 250 TWD plus 10 TWD bank fee."


Q: Does my drone need to be inspected in Taiwan?
A: If you are flying a drone above 25kg in Taiwan, then you drone must pass government inspection in order to fly.
If you are a non resident foreigner, then you do need your drone above 250 grams to be inspected, or upload an inspection certificate to the portal here: https://drone.caa.gov.tw/en-US/FVM/FVM0101

Q: What are the fine for flying above the restricted airspace or violating other drone regulations in Taiwan?
  • Flying too close to airports or over 400 feet above the ground could be subject to a 300,000 - 1,500,000 NT fine (10,000 - 45,000 USD), in addition to confiscation of the drone. 
  • Flying without a license or without proper insurance can be fined 60,000 - 300,000 NT (2,000 to 10,000 USD).
  • Failing to register your drone or show the registration code on the drone, violating local restrictions, or other operating violations (such as flying at night, etc.) can be fined 10,000 to 150,000 NT (300 to 5,000 USD).
​
Q:What is the best drone to buy for beginners?
A: For beginners, it is probably best to fly a non-expensive drone. I would recommend the Tello drone which is stable and takes great video, but can't go very far. Buy the DJI Tello here, the best beginners drone on the market: https://click.dji.com/ALN3p82EUzXea0h4xH6ZyQ?pm=link ​​​​
Also, you can consider getting the Mavic Mini, with extended range and HD video, but a little pricier: https://click.dji.com/AHS7fZexZi_ZHn1N3nns_A?pm=link​
Both of the above drones are below 250 grams and do not require registration.

Q:What is the best drone to buy for bloggers and hobbyists?
A:
DJI sells the best drones by far. They are the most reliable and high quality. The best drone right now for hobbyists that still want great photos and video is the Mavic Mini or MAVIC Mini 2: https://click.dji.com/AHS7fZexZi_ZHn1N3nns_A?pm=link​
It features extended range of up to 30 minutes battery life, is less than 250 grams, shoots in HD video and has a 3 axis gimbal camera. It is also much smaller and cheaper than the other drones offered by DJI.

Q: What is the best drone for professional photographers?
A: DJI sells the best drones by far. They are the most reliable and high quality. The best drone right now for professional photographers is probably the Inspire 2:  https://click.dji.com/APKCuYM61H-fhX53_44_?pm=link
The Inspire 2 is one of the best drones out there, with the best video, distance, and features, but at a price tag of around 3,000 USD, it's a little pricey. Also it is a little big.
For more portable options, you should check out the Mavic Air or Mavic Pro. They are not as small as the Mavic Mini but have better video, distance, features, and performance. 



Q: Where can I purchase DJI drone related products in Taiwan?

Buy the DJI Tello here, the best beginners drone on the market: https://click.dji.com/ALN3p82EUzXea0h4xH6ZyQ?pm=link ​

Buy the Mavic Mini here (the cheapest high end drone and best value): https://click.dji.com/AIttiMMkfEOJNOhXsinGaQ?pm=link

Buy the Mavic Mini 2 here: click.dji.com/AM4FeMezpqLBK3-NU2HZ_g?pm=link

Buy the Mavic Air 2 here: click.dji.com/AB9XfIxLBLZ40ocvR9ggBg?pm=link

Buy the Mavic 2 here: https://click.dji.com/ABFYwWPGVgOXlAp98jdmiw?pm=link 

Buy the Mavic Pro here: https://click.dji.com/ALmawlgdtxQOoh1QnOWu?pm=link

Buy the Mavic Pro Platinum here: https://click.dji.com/AIGyn44UW36Gq_FZcI8m?pm=link

Buy the Phantom 4 Pro here: click.dji.com/AH9FgmykWOEm0mhzEIYg6Q?pm=link

Buy the Inspire 2 here:  https://click.dji.com/APKCuYM61H-fhX53_44_?pm=link

Buy DJI VR Goggles here: click.dji.com/AB9XfIxLBLZ40ocvR9ggBg?pm=link

Everything you need to know about buying drones for kids here: https://click.dji.com/ALN3p82EUzXea0h4xH6ZyQ?pm=link
​
If you use one of the above links to purchase a drone, I get some commission at no cost to you.

For a full list of our other FAQ's on Taiwan, click here. 
Share
20 Comments
Simon li
9/16/2019 08:29:20 am

Where did you find the information about the dates that drone regulation will start? I cannot find it anywhere else

Thanks

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
1/31/2020 11:12:40 am

I found it here https://www.caa.gov.tw/ContentAndMorefiles.aspx?a=1309&lang=2

Reply
Allan Anova
11/20/2019 02:37:02 am

Hi do i need permit to fly my dji mavic in the beach area of Cijin Island and Tiger pagoda area? thank you

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
1/31/2020 11:14:15 am

Part of Cijin Island is restricted. Tiger Pagoda area is okay under 60 meters above the airport. When in doubt, check this map: https://www.flyerlee.com/drone-restricted-airspace-in-taiwan/

Reply
Jason Andrew Brooking
1/23/2020 09:24:19 pm

Hi I'm just wondering if you would help me out by looking for drone around 500cm to 600cm with GPS and fully automatic?
One button to take off and landing and also flying automatically when battery is low

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
1/31/2020 11:16:38 am

Yes, any DJI drone has these features. You can buy them here:
Mavic Mini: https://click.dji.com/AHS7fZexZi_ZHn1N3nns_A?pm=link
Mavic Air:https://click.dji.com/AMj2rCD6l_U4ADa8BJjytw?pm=link
Mavic Pro:https://click.dji.com/AGkkvKX7ZzfSEjdMxnLgtg?pm=link

Reply
win
2/25/2020 12:08:01 pm

do you have link or list of places in taiwan that restricted drone area

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
4/1/2020 01:47:28 pm

Please refer to the civil aviation department map here (click airspace query on the top of the web page): https://drone.caa.gov.tw/#

Reply
adrianne
3/2/2020 09:52:48 pm

How about hobby-grade quadcopters? racing drones? What are the requirements or items that will be checked during inspection?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
4/1/2020 01:48:30 pm

Only drones above 25kg will need inspection. I assume hobby-grade quadcopters and racing drones would be smaller than that.

Reply
Ben
5/26/2020 09:35:58 am

How long did it take to get your registration approved?

Reply
Ed
9/4/2020 07:41:25 am

"Q: Do you need a drone license to fly in Taiwan?
A: Starting March 2020, if you drone is over 2kg in weight, then yes you must have a drone license to fly. If you are a resident, then you do not have to have your drone inspected.
If your drone is between 250 grams and 2 kg, but you are flying for commercial purposes, you still need a license. "

This seems to imply that if you are a resident and your drone is less than 2kg and you are NOT using it for commercial purposed then you do NOT need to register.

Or is the law that if you are a resident and your drone is over 250gm and less than 2kg you have to register regardless of the use?

Thanks for clearing this up.

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
9/4/2020 01:12:55 pm

Hi Ed, if your drone is over 250 grams but less than 2kg, you still need to register the drone but you do not need a drone license and do not need a drone inspection.

-FiTW

Reply
Ed
9/4/2020 01:38:37 pm

Thank you for the clarification.

Safe flying.

Reply
Jay link
12/5/2020 12:02:39 am

Sir Ed 3 years of residency already here in taiwan and I'm planning to buy dji mavic mini., Where can I get permit to fly here at toayuan?

Reply
Foreigners in Taiwan
12/5/2020 09:54:30 am

No permit required for the mini. Just follow the regulations and the drone map made by the Civil aviation administration.

Reply
Ed
12/5/2020 09:11:58 am

The DJI mavic mini is less than 250 grams so you do not need a permit nor do you need to register it. You DO need to fly responsibly and follow all of the regulations.

Reply
Jay.
12/5/2020 12:34:50 pm

Thank you sir

Reply
S
12/27/2020 10:37:09 am

Hi, in Taiwan now with a Mavic Air 2 and not a resident. Mavic Air 2 is unregistered from Japan - so I need to get it registered from another country even though I am in Taiwan? Don't think I can go to Ireland haha

Reply
Ed
12/27/2020 12:01:44 pm

Most countries now require local registration for drone flying. Does not matter if you are a citizen or a resident or a visitor. Does not matter where the drone was originally purchased.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

     Author 作家

    We are US Expats that have extensive experience living, working, and travelling in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. ​Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country.

    ​​我們是在台灣的外國人!我們透過額部落格想要幫助外國人了解台灣生活,旅遊,和商業的環境!我們不代表所有在台灣的外國人, 我們只是想要幫助世界各地的人了解台灣美好的一切! (美國人在管理)

    Archives 檔案

    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    Categories
    ​類目

    All
    2006120221
    Aboriginal Culture 原住民文化
    Alishan-384633732423665
    Amusement Parks 娛樂園
    Art 藝術
    Basic Info 基本資訊
    Beaches 海灘
    Blogroll 部落格名單
    Bridges 橋梁
    Buddhism 佛教
    Buddhism 佛教
    Business 商業
    Business 商業
    Camping 露營
    Car Driving Test 考汽車駕照
    Car Rental 租氣車
    Changhua 彰化
    Chiayi 嘉義
    Children Activities 小孩活動
    Chinese Film 中文電影
    Chinese Language 中文
    Chinese Language 中文
    Chinese Literature 中文文學
    Chinese Literature 中文文學
    Chinese Pollution 中國污染
    Click Bait 點擊誘餌
    Coal Mining 煤礦
    Cycling 騎腳踏車
    Cycling 騎腳踏車
    Daily Life 日常生活
    Driving In Taiwan 開車
    Drone Flying 飛空拍機
    East Taiwan 東部
    Ershui 二水
    Events 活動
    Festivals 節日
    Fish Foot Massage 溫泉魚
    Floral Sea 花海
    Food
    Food 食物
    Forts 堡壘
    Fruit 水果
    Geography 地理
    Geography 地理
    Geology 地質
    Golf 高爾夫球
    Green Energy 綠色能源
    Growing Bananas 種香蕉日記
    Guest Blog Posts 客人部落格
    Hakka Culture 客家文化
    Hiking
    Hiking 爬山
    Historical Buildings 歷史建築
    Historical Buildings 歷史建築
    Hot Springs 溫泉
    Hot Springs 溫泉
    Hsinchu 新竹
    Hualien 花蓮
    Immigration/Visa 移民/簽證
    Japanese Era 日治時期
    Jiaoxi 礁溪
    Jiaoxi 礁溪
    Kaohsiung 高雄
    Keelung 基隆
    Kenting 墾丁
    Kinmen 金門
    Lakes And Reservoirs 湖及水庫
    Longdong 龍洞
    Lukang 鹿港
    Luodong Night Market 羅東夜市
    Maolin 茂林
    Matsu Islands 馬祖列島
    Miaoli 苗栗
    Migrant Workers 外籍勞動
    Monkeys 猴子
    Mountain Biking 越野
    Nangang 南港
    Nantou 南投
    National Palace Museum 故宮
    National Palace Museum 故宮
    National Parks 國家公園
    Natural Scenery 自然風景
    Night Market 夜市
    Northern Coast 北海岸
    Not Taiwan 台灣以外的地方
    Nuclear Power 核能
    Nuclear Power 核能
    Old Streets 老街
    Old Trails 古道
    Orchid Island (Lanyu 蘭嶼)
    Outer Islands 外島
    Pathos And Logos 情與理
    Penghu Islands 澎湖群島
    Pingtung 屏東
    Pingxi Railway 平息火車綫
    Politics 政治
    Politics 政治
    Railways 鐵路
    Recreational Farms 休閑農場
    Rock Climbing 攀岩
    Scooter Driving Test 考機車駕照
    Scooter Rental 租機車
    Scooter Rental 租機車
    Shiding 石碇
    Shilin Night Market 士林夜市
    Shilin Night Market 士林夜市
    Shopping 購物
    Sicao Green Tunnel 四草綠色隧道
    Smokestacks 烟囪
    Snorkeling 浮潛
    Snorkeling 浮潛
    Starting A Taiwan Business 創業
    Starting A Taiwan Business 創業
    Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
    Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
    Surfing-3490928010
    Taichung-3327420013
    Tainan-3327421335
    Taipei-101-101
    Taipei-101-2148821271-101
    Taipei-2148821271
    Taipei Zoo 台北動物園
    Taipei Zoo 台北動物園
    Taipei 臺北
    Taipei 臺北
    Taitung 臺東
    Taiwanese Spouse 台灣配偶
    Taiwan FAQ 臺灣常見問題
    Taiwan History 台灣的歷史
    Taiwan History 台灣的歷史
    Taiwan's Economy 台灣經濟
    Taiwan Temples 臺灣的廟
    Tamsui 淡水
    Taoyuan 桃園
    Taroko Gorge 太魯閣
    Tax 稅
    Top 10 前十名
    Top 10 前十名
    Top 5 前5名
    Transportation 交通
    Tsai Yingwen 蔡英文
    Turtle Island 龜山島
    Turtle Island 龜山島
    Typhoons 颱風
    Ultimate Guide 極限指南
    Urbex 城市探險
    Waterfalls 瀑布
    Weather 天氣
    White Terror 白色恐怖
    Wildlife 野生動物
    Women In Chinese Society 女士們在中國社會
    Working In Taiwan 在台灣工作
    Working In Taiwan 在台灣工作
    Wulai Hot Springs 烏來溫泉
    Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球
    Xitou 溪頭
    Xitou 溪頭
    Xizhi 汐止
    Yangmingshan 陽明山
    Yilan 宜蘭
    Yunlin 雲林
    Yushan (Jade Mt.) 玉山
    Zhongtaishan 中台山
    Zoos 動物園

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.