Drone regulations in Taiwan

Drone Blog | 8 Kommentare Last update on 24.03.2020

In this article we explain the rules for the use of drones that apply in Taiwan.

Until now, it was fairly easy to launch a drone in Taiwan. But from March 31, 2020, new rules will apply, which will mean more effort for domestic and foreign pilots.

Overview: Drone rules in Taiwan

New regulations for drone pilots in Taiwan

First, the general regulations that will come into force at the end of March 2020. The new law provides for exceptions for foreign drone pilots, so they do not have to follow all the requirements.

In general, drones of 250 grams or more must be registered and identified with a registration number, according to media reports in the form of a QR code. Registration for Taiwanese drone pilots is available online. Owners must be at least 16 years old, and if they are under 20 years old, should have the consent of a legal guardian.

A remote pilot license is also required for drones weighing 2 kg or more.

Foreign pilots

Foreign pilots who already have documents of registration, operation and inspection in their home country, can have these recognized in Taiwan. To do this, they must submit the certificates, a copy of their passport and an application to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Unfortunately we have not yet found the application form. If the certificates are not in English, they should be submitted with a Chinese translation. Apparently it will be possible to submit the application via a platform on the CAA website, but it is also planned to set up service counters at airports and other places of entry. The recognition of foreign documents is valid for 6 months.

Additional regulations for drone pilots in Taiwan

There are various no-fly zones that you can view online on this map . Alternatively, you can use the “SkySentry” app to check which requirements apply at the current location.

Some national parks require an application before flying there, for example the Taroko National Park.

Flights over crowds, events and parades are prohibited. A distance of 30 meters should be kept to highways, expressways, railways, mass transit systems, buildings and other obstacles.

Drone flights are only possible within visual line of sight and without special permission in daylight, i.e. between sunrise and sunset. The copter must not be more than 900 meters away from the pilot. The maximum speed is 160 kilometers per hour.

Drones must not be controlled from moving objects, for example moving cars. A pilot may not operate two or more drones at the same time.

Anyone who uses their drone in Taiwan illegally risks high fines equivalent to several thousand euros.

Regulations for commercial pilots

Government agencies, schools and legal persons have to register their drones regardless of weight and need a pilot license. They must also take out insurance against damage.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Taiwan to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Taiwan!