Drone laws in Taiwan: flying there as a US tourist

Yes, you can fly a small drone in Taiwan as a tourist, but check two things first: registration and the no-fly zone map. Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) requires drones with a maximum takeoff weight of 250 g or more to be registered before they're flown, which keeps a 249 g DJI Mini or 135 g Neo outside that requirement. Every drone, light or not, must stay out of the no-fly and restricted zones published by the CAA and local governments.

Registration

Taiwan regulates drones under the Civil Aviation Act and the Regulations on Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Drones of 250 g or more must be registered, and heavier drones bring further requirements such as operator licenses. Registration and other services run through the CAA's drone management system, which includes a section for drone imports by foreigners.

If you bring a drone over 250 g, for example an Air 3S or Avata 2, contact the CAA before your trip to ask how a visitor registers and what documents you need.

No-fly and restricted zones

The CAA's drone system includes a zone lookup map. It combines three kinds of areas:

No-fly and restricted areas published by the CAA, plus set distances around airports and airfields.
Prohibited or restricted areas announced by city and county governments for public interest and safety.
Areas the central government asks local governments to restrict.

The map is for reference; the official government announcements take precedence. The system notes that 23 expanded no-fly areas have been adjusted and re-announced by local governments. It also warns that since January 2025 there have been multiple violations near the Zengwen, Hushan and Baoshan reservoirs, which can bring fines of up to NT$1.5 million under the Civil Aviation Act.

National parks and other laws

The CAA notes that its map doesn't override other laws, such as the National Park Act or port regulations. Taroko, Yushan, Yangmingshan and Kenting are national parks, so ask the park headquarters before flying there. Taipei 101 and central Taipei sit near Taipei Songshan Airport, so check the map carefully in the city.

Basic safe flying

Keep the drone in sight and away from people, crowds and events.
Fly in daylight and in good weather. Typhoon season brings strong wind from summer into autumn.
Respect privacy around homes and temples.

The State Department's Taiwan page doesn't cover drones; for customs questions it refers travelers to TECRO or TECO offices.