🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known regulation around recreational & commercial drone use in Taiwan (Taipei). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in our Taiwan Drone Group Discussion. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
🚨 Taiwan introduce new rules on the 31st of March 2020.
Recreational vs commercial drone use in Taiwan
Taiwan differentiates commercial & recreational drone use since the 31st of March 2020.
✅ In Taiwan, drone rules are the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and can be contacted anytime via:
Email: drone@mail.caa.gov.tw
Phone: (+84) 04-38722394
🚨 Note that the Civil Aviation Authority of Taiwan is currently working on this & you can expect new drone rules by mid 2019 (planned for July 2019 more precisely). Find here a copy of the draft (in Taiwanese). They can be contacted anytime via:
Email: gencaa@mail.caa.gov.tw
Saying this, it isn't because their aren't any official nationwide drone rules that you should do crazy things. As for a minimum behaviour, it is always advised to:
Avoid flying near any airport, heliports & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see an aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
Keep your drone in visual sight when flying and fly below 120 m during daylight.
Avoid flying above people without their consent or moving vehicles.
Ask before flying above military, religious or governmental sites.
Can I bring my drone to Taiwan?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Taiwan as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 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.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in Taiwan?
🚨 During our research, we found this awesome interactive map showing you the limited flight zones of Taiwan. Note that this is not an official map so it might not guarantee you from pursuits & temporary flight zone restrictions.
This Taiwanese drone fly map is organised in 5 colours:
red = no fly zone
blue = you can fly up to 60 m altitude
purple = restricted zones
light blue = other restricted zones
green = military zones
Taiwan Drone Fly Map
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities. Taroko National Park definitely requires a permit to fly your drone which you can find the application form here & you will need to state that's you've read & agree to the prohibited activities in the park available here 🐢🦎
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Taiwan.
Recreational Drone use in Taiwan
✅ You do not need a permit or license for drone recreational use in Taiwan. However, there are strict rules depending on your drone's weight, your flight zones and a code of conduct to follow for all operators. If your drone weights more than 250 g, you will have to register it.
With this in mind, you must fly:
at a maximum altitude of 122 m
away from crowds, events and parades.
30 m away from highways, expressways, railways, mass transit systems, buildings and other obstacles.
only within sight (maximum 900 m away from you) and during daytime only.
at a maximum speed of 160 km/h (you should be fine there 💪)
only one drone at a time
from a sanding point (not from a moving vehicle for example).
How to register my drone in Taiwan?
✅ You will need to log into the newly created Taiwanese portal available from this link. Once you completed this step, you will receive an identification number to input onto your drone before taking off in the country.
you will need to be at least 16 years young to register your drone (+ if you're under 20, you will need the consent of your legal guardian.)
🌍 If you're simply visiting and have already registered your drone in your home country; you can provide these documents (in English, or in a certified Chinese translation. To submit them, log in and seek for the 'foreigner area"
Commercial Drone use in Taiwan
For any commercial use of your drone, you will need to register your drone with the CAA. You will also need an insurance covering your flying activities in Taiwan.
What do I risk for flying my drone illegally in Taiwan?
🚨 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. See the story of Warren who got a fine of $20,000 months for flying to close to Taipei Airport.
💲 Good to know, if you're caught, the minimum fine amount is $10,000 in Taiwan 😨
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Taiwan's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Taiwan! Have fun & safe flight! #taiwan #taiwanese #regulation #rule #rules #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Taiwan Drone Discussion Group
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.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning we will get a commission if you decide to purchase via them. This has no costs for you but helps Dronemade stay free for all. If you need to buy anything on Amazon or DJI stores, think of us.
Source
Other resources
The Taipei UAV Act dedicated to aircraft below 15 kg (press article in Mandarin)
www.flyerlee.com - Great aerial photo website/blog.