Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Singapore
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Singapore
The Singapore agency responsible for drone safety, CAAS, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Singapore?
According to the CAAS, flying drones is legal in Singapore, but specific regulations must be strictly followed. Continue reading for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Singapore:
All drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered in Singapore.
Recreational pilots operating drones weighing between 1.5 and 7 kilograms must complete UA Basic Training.
A permit is not required to fly a drone that weighs less than 7 kilograms (15 pounds) and is flown at the height of fewer than 200 feet.
A permit is required if the drone weighs more than 7 kilograms (15 pounds) or is flown above 60 meters (200 feet).
- Drones are not permitted to fly over people or crowds.
- Drones must avoid interfering with emergency response personnel or flying over vehicles where their presence could distract the driver.
- Drones cannot be flown within an airport’s 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) radius.
- Drones are permitted to be flown only during daylight hours. You may fly your unmanned aircraft (UA) at night if you can maintain a visual line of sight with your UA at all times. You will need to ensure enhanced lighting on your UA for greater visibility when flying at night.
- Drone pilots must always maintain visual contact with their drones.
Drone Registration Requirements in Singapore?
Only individuals aged 16 and older are eligible to register drones.
Two steps are required for registration:
- First, you must order a registration label and prominently display it on the exterior of a non-removable part of the drone (not on the battery or propellers).
- Register Online.
Singapore requires drone pilots to obtain a permit to fly in any of the following circumstances:
- Flights greater than 200 feet
- Aeronautical flights in restricted airspace
- For all business-related flights (i.e., commercial flights)
Additional Note For Foreign Operators
You must first apply for a UAPass account at the online UA Portal. The processing time of the UAPass takes about 5 working days. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for your UAPass account prior to your visit to Singapore.
You can order the registration label online, but it cannot be shipped to international addresses.
Each label is $15. Anyone who is not a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident may order only one label and will be required to apply for additional labels.
You can purchase the registration label over the counter at designated SingPost outlets. For over-the-counter purchases, the following is required:
a) Completed physical copy of the UA Registration Label Purchase Form; and
b) Original and photocopy of your Passport.
You may also purchase the registration label online. However, you will need a local address as the delivery is only within Singapore. After you have affixed the registration label on your UA, log in to the online UA Portal with your UAPass account to complete the registration.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Singapore
Register your UA if the total weight exceeds 250g.
If the total weight of your UA exceeds 1.5kg but weighs less than or equal to 7kg, you will need to obtain a UA Basic Training Certificate or a UA Pilot License.
If the total weight of your UA exceeds 7kg, you will require a UA Pilot License.
If the total weight of your UA does not exceed 25kg, you will need a Class 2 Activity Permit if you are flying your UA outdoors:
i. above 200 feet above mean sea level; or
ii. within any restricted/danger/protected area; or
iii. within 5km of any airport or military airbase.
If the total weight of your UA exceeds 25kg, in addition to registering your UA and holding a UA Pilot License, you will also need both an Operator Permit and a Class Activity Permit regardless of the location and height at which you fly your UA.
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Singapore
Register your UA if the total weight exceeds 250g.
Permits for activities are classified into two categories:
Class 1: Commercial use of a drone, private use of a drone weighing more than 25 kg, and educational use of a drone weighing less than 7 kg.
Class 2: Flying a drone (less than 7 kilograms) for private or educational purposes above the height limit or near airports or other prohibited areas.
Regardless of the weight of your UA, the location, and the height at which you fly your UA, you will need a UA Pilot License, Operator Permit, and Class Activity Permit.
Commercial pilot permits require a fee of at least 600 Singapore dollars (around 400 euros). Allow approximately two weeks for processing.
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Useful published information on flying drones in Singapore
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Singapore…
NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
Find out why we think you must use a Drone Preflight Checklist and a Drone Post-flight checklist
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Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.
NOW ITS YOUR TURN
Hi,
I am a SG PR and is coming back to SG soon, a second hand drone will be come with me and it is less than 250g, may I know :
– does purchase receipt be needed ?
– do I need to declare when I arrive SG ? If so, how and when to do it ?
– do I need a license / permit to operate my drone in SG ? If so, how and where to apply ?
– does my drone need a license / permit ? If so, where and when to apply ?
– how can I know the restriction area in SG for operating my drone ?
– as I am a beginner, can I practice at void deck area of HDB ?
Thanks
Issac, most of your questions are answered above. You will need to declare the drone to a customs official upon arrival with the drone into Singapore.
I would like to fly from Thailand to Singapore with my drone FIMI X8 MINI (250g). I’m not going to use the drone in Singapore.
What are my obligations? No registration since its not more than 250g. Do I have to do anything in this case?
If you will not be using the drone in Singapore, you should declare it at customs and mention that. They may allow you to keep it, or hold it at the airport for you to get when you are departing
Now I can share my experience since I arrived in Singapore some days ago.
I went directly to customs and told them about my drone. They scanned my backpack, opened it and wanted to see the drone. They asked questions like how far the drone can fly (I couldn’t answer because I did not know off the top of my head).
I told them that it is a very small drone (<250g) and I'm not planing to use the drone. I think the honesty helped and they let me keep it.
Bringing it to Thailand was no matter at all and all airports/airlines (Emirates, Thai Airways, Airasia and Scoot) were fine with a drone and separated lithium batteries.
Thank you for sharing
Is there any problem if I import a 150gm drone from China to Singapore?
Just follow the rules for import
I want to use my mini 2 in Singapore next month. Does somebody has experience if the Dji geo zone is reliable about areas where you can fly and not? I find the One Map app a bit confusing. According my research flying next to marina Beach should be possible if you stay below 60 meter, can somebody confirm this?
Hello
I come with my drone(800 gr) in Singapour but don’t intend to use it.Do I have to register online before I landed or I just need to declare at the immigration when I’ll arrive ??
Declare upon arrival.
Hello,
I have a trip to singapore next month. I plan to bring my drone with me.
I don’t know how to declare it to get through customs smoothly. If I don’t declare it, will my drone be detained?
Thanks!
When you arrive in Singapore, you will go through immigration and customs. There you will have the option to declare your drone. You should check with the import/customs departments for the rules on declarations.
So after I arrived Singapore, may be I need to declare my drone to customs prior exiting if the customs request, right? How can I check with import/customs department for the rule on declarations? I don’t have any information. I am afraid my drone will be take by singapore customs.
My drone is DJI MINI SE (249G) and I no need to register, right? Do Singapore allow foreigner like me fly it?
You declare when you arrive. We have not heard of any issues with your drone. If the drone is not allowed, they will keep it and return it to you on departure.
Foreigners are allowed to fly in unrestricted areas following the instructions above.
Very ambiguous info on small drones less than 250g other than no registration required. Then all the requirements are tagged with drones heavier than 250g.
Simply said: where can one fly small drones less than 250g for recreational purposes? Or which (what categories) areas in OneMap are not allowed to fly drones of less than 250g?
Also, no flying zone due to near proximity to airport ie obstruction to flights.
So can one still fly a drone below building heights?
No drones equipped with cameras, regardless of size, can be flown in restricted areas.
Can i fly tello drone under my hdb block or hdb multipurpose hall (not in open area) in no fly zone area?
Indoor flights are not regulated, but you must get the building owner permission.
Hi. Are there any telegram groups for Drone enthusiasts?
Not sure, but maybe someone int he community can help
Hi. Is there any telegram group for hobbyist drone?
Hi,
I have a business purpose for project monitoring (using the drone), what should I do for entering Singapore and use the drone for business purposes?
1. drone registration
2. permit
You should follow the commercial activity requirements on this page. You will also need to contact the regulator for specific instructions on your project approval.
is it ok to unlock my DJI in the restricted zones just to get some photographs of my team playing in CCA. the drone will be hovering at less than 10m from the ground.
You may not fly a drone in restricted areas without prior approval.
Can I fly my drone indoors. I am staying near Sembawang airfield
Indoor drone flights are not regulated but you must receive the building owner permission to do so.
After I read the section “pilots must always maintain visual contact with their drones”, I wonder if FPV drone (or a normal drone with goggles) considered have visual contact all the time…
Visual contact refers to being able to see the drone from your position, it does not refer to the control method. There may be specific restrictions on FPV operation. Please check with the regulator.
Hi, just to check if my compound is out of the no fly zone, can I fly my drone up to 50m building ?
It is phantom 4, weighs 1380g.
Are there any permit or requirements I need to comply?
Your drone must be registered.
Your building must be outside the no-fly zone.
You can fly a maximum of 400 feet above land.
Hi
Thanks for your good advice here. I have a question about drones less than 250g.
Can they be used around Clarke Quay at a height of less than 5m? I am looking to do aerial shots of some of the statues in the area? It would not be above people etc but I am guessing that because the area is so close to Parliament house that it would be restricted space but does this apply to sub 250g drones?
Thanks
Ben our understanding is that restricted airspace do not exempt the nano drones from the restriction. We always recommend contacting the regulators for definitive answers.
It is not drone specific the regulation is referring to. It is for ALL UA (Unmanned Aerial) vehicles that are remotely operated. A home made paper airplane if it weighs more 250g need to be registered and paid for. However, you are not required to go for a one-time operator course (payable) if that paper airplane weighs less than 1,500g. The airspace restriction and airport proximity apply to your paper airplane during operation.
“The altitude of the small unmanned aircraft cannot be higher than 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level unless the small unmanned aircraft is (1) flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure, and (2) does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure’s immediate uppermost limit.”
Most of us early birds followed this FAA guideline until local laws stipulated a height limit of 60 meters (200 feet). This means if we fly at West Coast Park we risk having our drones being snared by kite lines since the legal height limit for kites in Singapore is – you guessed it – 60 meters. Now that some minister has graciously initiated a “dedicated drone park”, perhaps some enlightened civil servant will allow us to fly higher? Please?
Robert, your link was about the USA regulations. In Singapore, the standard maximum altitude is 200ft or 60 meters as indicated above.
Hi, I note that you suggest that we check with CAAS regarding some queries – implying you are not final authority on such questions – who in CAAS should we write to? Thank you.
Stephen, we are not the regulator, we are a team of volunteers that are trying to make it easier for drone operators to understand the regulations and contact the regulators. We always recommend getting in touch with the regulators for the latest information and definitive advice.
If you follow the link at the top of the page to the regulator’s website, you will find their latest contact information. Best wishes
Thanks for your informative article.
I note that you mention that ” Drones are permitted to be flown only during daylight hours. ” This is my understanding too, however I can’t seem to find any reference to this rule in CAAS’ Rules.
Could you enlighten me, please?
Many thanks
Updated: You may fly your unmanned aircraft (UA) at night if you are able to maintain visual line of sight with your UA at all times. You will need to ensure that there is enhanced lighting on your UA for greater visibility when flying at night.
Thank you for the update Merlin!
I want to bring in m drone from another country, drone weight more than 250g, I already bought the CAAS sticker but unable to register it, can I bring in the drone to Singapore?
I have no plans to fly it in Singapore, just going to bring it to other country to fly.
You should declare the drone on entry. They may allow you to take the drone, or offer to keep the drone at the port of entry for you to pick up on your way to the final destination.
Do I have to obtain an UA Pilot license for 450 gr drone if I’m not going to fly in restricted areas, and on height higher than 60m?
No license required. Your drone must be registered though if it is more than 250g
above 60m ? you need apply for Class 2 AP
Hi, do I follow the one map app as the park I going to fly say it out of no fly zone. But on npark website, it say can’t fly. Can I trust the app? I am confused and don’t wish to involve any trouble.
Thanks
Parks have their own regulations that may not be reflected in online maps. Follow the park regulations.
Can I fly my drone that is below the 250g weight in my house that is located in a no fly zone
Dan, typically the drone regulations apply to outdoor drone use in public settings, and indoor use is generally left to property owners. In our opinion, in this case, flying your drone in your own home would probably be ok. For a legal opinion, you should probably contact your local law enforcement or an attorney.
Hi,
Is there an android app or online map showing the permitted area to fly a drone less than 250gm?
OneMap
Are there any regulations stating that it is required to equip drones above 250g with a GPS tracker issued by CAAS?
We are not aware of any such regulation. Drone regulators have been debating this and it has been implemented in some areas, but we don’t see anything from CAAS yet. Please let us know if you have found any recent regulations.
Are we allowed to fly at the beaches of Sentosa island?
Please check with CAAS and come back and let us know what you find out
Does this kind of “selfie” drone subject to airspace restriction? It weights just 110 grams.
“Pixy”
The Pixy drone is under the 250 grams so registration is not required.
Can i take my drone to Singapore without registering the drone. It is above 250 gram but i am not going to use it. I am going to Thailand and stay for 4 days in Singapore. Just want to make sure they do not take it at the airport because of the lack of registration.
Declare it when you arrive and they will either keep it at the airport or let you keep it with specific instructions.
Can I fly a drone above 250g at public parks?
If your drone is above 250g, it must be registered and can be flown in a public park if the park does not have drone restrictions.
Drones are not allowed in Parks and Nature Reserves.
I have a plan to go to Singapore for view days for holiday and I plan to bring my drones Aerial drone and FPV drone they both less than 249 grams. What should I do coz I do not want to break any regulation.
Drones under 250g don’t have to be registered. Follow the rules laid out above, and visit the regulator site linked above for more details.
Download and Refer to OneMap app for fly zone. Refer to NParks website for park that flying zone is allowed.
To my best knowledge.
FPV if u are wearing the FPV goggles is a pretty grey area since at any one time u need to have VLOS ( or up to 400m) so generally u need a person with u to ensure VLOS while flying.
Btw for class 1 activity permit, total weight exceeds 7kg u need the permit for education and not less than 7kg.
I have a drone less than 249g. Can fly within in a enclosed multipurpose hall Or any area that has shelter within the area.
In enclosed areas, you should get permission from the owner/manager of that facility. You are not required to register drones under 250g.
Hi, if I’m flying a drone below 200ft and ≤250g on private property in Singapore (assuming the private property isn’t in a restricted airspace), do I still need a permit?
Aaron, theoretically not, however, you may run afoul of privacy regulations which you should check.
I bought new drone weight about 235 grams so register is not required. I already bought UA registration label at SiingPost.. can I keep for future drone if weight more than 250 grams. Thanks
Juraimi, we dont see why not. However, for the most accurate recommendation, you should contact CAAS.
Drones are not permitted to be flown within a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) radius of an airport.
Does this applies to drones weighing less than 250grams.
Thanks
Amos, our understanding is that the rule applies to all drones.
What is the seller obligation during the sale of the drone? Does Seller requires to remind or request buyer to acknowledge the compliant of local laws as part of the sale process?
Melvin
There are no specific rules in Singapore requiring sellers to inform buyers of drone regulation compliance. There may be warnings included in the package provided by most manufacturers, but those are not specific to any location.
In general, the regulators expect the buyers to be familiar with and compliant with the local drone regulations.