Taiwan Drone Flying FAQ 空拍機常見問題

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(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.

□ Planning your trip to Taiwan? □

Here are some top travel tips for you:

• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn when it is not too hot or cold and less rainy
• How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
• Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
• Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
• Stay connected with a local SIM
• Rent a car to explore distant sights

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.  

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

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

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. 

Once you are done registered, you will have to pay the registration fee, which for now is free.

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. 

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: How do I get a Taiwan drone license?
A: For a license for drones between 2 kg and 15 kg, you need to take a written test. When I took the test, there were only materials in Chinese, but there may be an English test available now.
For a professional license for companies and registered entities in Taiwan, it also requires physical tests which can be quite difficult especially if you are using a drone without GPS. 

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 DJI Neo or Mavic Mini series of drones (the cheapest high end drone and best value, and best beginners drone on the market)​​​​
The above drones are below 250 grams and do not require registration.
 
Q:What is the best drone to buy for beginners, social media sharing, 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 DJI Neo or Mavic Mini series of drones
These three drones feature extended range of up to 30 minutes battery life, is less than 250 grams (so no need to register), shoot in HD video and have a 3 axis gimbal camera. They are 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 3. They are not as small as the Mavic Mini but have better video, distance, features, and performance. 

Basic Taiwan Travel Tips:

• There is no need to tip in Taiwan. It is not part of the culture here.
• Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar, and many transactions such as for street food still require cash. For more information, check out our guide to the New Taiwan Dollar here. 
• Get yourself a SIM card or portable WiFi such as from Gigago here so you can stay connected and don't get lost in the city.
• If you are from a country that does not have a 90-day visa-free program with Taiwan, consider getting your visa sorted with Ivisa.com. You can also check out our immigration FAQ here. 
• Get travel insurance in case of unforeseen events. You can compare prices on Insubuy here. 
• The electrical voltage is 110V.
• Get yourself an Easy Card, so you can travel easily on the MRT, Train, HSR, Youbike, and even shop at convenience stores. You can also book a Taiwan travel pass on Klook here. 
• For more travel tips, check out our foreigner survival guide here.

Hotels in Taiwan:
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Tours in Taiwan:
There are many tour itineraries that you can enjoy in Taipei that will take you to multiple destinations and arrange transportation. For more information, you can check out Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here, which are both great tour websites that can connect you with the right tour and tour guide for you. 
Here are some of the most popular tours of Taiwan on TripAdvisor:

1. Yehliu, Jiufen & Pingxi Day Tour from Taipei
2. The 10 Tastings of Taipei With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
3. Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup
4. Full-Day Private Custom Taipei City Tour
5. Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour from Taipei
6. Half-Day Muslim Friendly Tour in Taipei City
7. Private Taipei Tour for Families

​
What is the best way to get around Taiwan?
I personally think the best way to get around is by Scooter, but bicycle and public transport are also very good. Travelling by car is difficult because there are narrow streets, many scooters, and limited parking.
​
You have a few options:
For more information, please visit our travel/transportation FAQ.
Taiwan's transportation system is convenient and safe. There are many options you can consider to get around in Taipei below:
By Train: Gets you to the city center of all major cities in Taiwan. It is about 800NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Roughly half the price of the HSR. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By HSR: (High-Speed Rail) – Gets you quickly from north to south. Besides Taipei and Kaohsiung, most of the stations are far from city centers. It costs about 1500NT to get from Taipei to Kaohsiung. You can book tickets to the high-speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here.  
By MRT: (Mass Rapid Transit, Metro train, subway) – Easily gets you around Taipei and Kaohsiung. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. ​You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. 
By Bus: Buses can be tricky. Long-range buses such as Ubus and King Bus are easier to understand and cheaper than the local train. They can take you to the city center of every city throughout Taiwan and to remote tourist destinations such as sun moon lake. A long-range bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung is about 500 NT. You can also book tickets to travel to Shifen via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here. 
By Taxi: You can take short rides for about 150 NT, or hire a Taxi for a day for around 150 USD.
By Car: If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. ​
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. â€‹You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

For a full list of our other FAQ's on Taiwan, click here. 

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