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The Ultimate Guide to Macau Drone Laws & Rules

Updated: Apr 22, 2019

🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Macau. Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.

Macau drone laws and rules

Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Macau


Macau does not seem to differentiate commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. However, both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weigh, different rules may apply.


✅ In Macau, drone laws falls under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) & they can be contacted anytime via:

  • Email: aacm@aacm.gov.mo

  • Phone: (+853) 2851 1213

  • Mail: 18/F, Cheng Feng Commercial Centre, 336-342, Alameda Dr. Carlos D’Assumpção, Macao 🕔 Mon - Thu 9 am - 5.45 pm (Friday until 5.30 pm).

 

Can I bring my drone to Macau?


✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Macau as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).


Drone Travel Gear

🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.

 

Where can I fly my drone in Macau?


✅ The Civil Aviation Authority of Macau provided a sweet online map showing where you should ask for permission prior taking off. The map's legend is divided in 2 colors:

  • red: protection area for flight path

  • blue: protection area for aerodrome


Macau drone fly map

Macau drone fly map

🚨 You should not fly above or near military installations & strategic infrastructure. Fly away from Macau airport, the Amizade Bridge & avoid flying above sea.


🚨 The Civil Aviation Authority of Macau specifies to fly 50 m away from the:

  • Macao Government headquarters

  • Legislative Assembly Building

  • Court of Final Appeal Building

  • Official residences of the Chief Executive & principal officials of Macao

  • Central People’s Government institutions in Macao

  • Macao Prison & Youth Correctional Institution

  • Ka Ho power station & electrical power substations

  • Macao Water Supply Company headquarters

  • Ka -Ho Fuel farm

 

Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Macau


✅ Good things first, if you fly a drone weighting less than 7 kg outside of the protected airspace, you won't need to ask for permission to fly your drone.


With this in mind & in any circumstances, you must:

  • mark your drone with your personal information (if heavier than 250 g).

  • fly at a maximum altitude of 30 m above the ground, or 100 m away from you.

  • fly away from people & respect individuals' privacy.

  • fly 100 m away from crowds (defined as 100+ people).

  • fly a drone weighting less than 7 kg during daytime only & within sight at all times.

  • after a full check of your drone's capacity of flying (make sure nothing is wrong on it).

  • fly at least 1 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.

  • fly away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.

  • avoid sensitive areas including government (50 m) or military facilities.

  • without carry, towing or dropping anything from your drone during flight.


Macau CAA even made a cool little video about local drone rules 👌


How to get a permit to fly my drone in Macau?


✅ If you want to fly outside any of the drone rules defined above or within a restricted airspace, you would need to apply for a permission prior taking off. This can be done via a simple online form to return to aacm@aacm.gov.mo To complete it, you will need:

  • your personal details & identification

  • explain your motivations & provide the full flight information

  • provide your drone's technical information

🕔 You should provide this form at least 10 working days in advance to give time to local authorities to process your query.


Dronemade Member

What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Macau?


The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such. With this in mind, the CAA specified that your fine could range from 200€ to about 2,000€ depending on the severity of your infraction.

 

Once you've got everything in order, you can start flying above Macau's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:



Country by country drone laws world map

✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in the Macau! Have fun and safe flight!

 

Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.


Other resources


Sources

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