Can you fly your drone in Singapore?
Whether you can fly depends on your drone, your registration and exactly where you fly. Here is what applies: key rules, no-fly zones and the official sources, in one place.
Regulator
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
Framework
Unmanned Aircraft (Public Safety and Security) Act 2015 + Air Navigation Act
Pilot credential
UA Pilot Licence
KEY RULES
- Max 200 ft (60 m AMSL) standard — 400 ft (122 m) for licensed commercial operators in designated zones more than 6 km from an airport. Verify current zone maps and conditions before relying on the higher limit.
- You must register your unmanned aircraft with CAAS if it weighs more than 250 g. Registration costs SGD 25 and does not expire — you only need to update or cancel it if the drone is lost, damaged, sold, or its ID label becomes unreadable.
- A UA Pilot Licence (UAPL) is required for commercial/professional use, or for any drone heavier than 7 kg regardless of purpose. A Class B UAPL covers lighter commercial drones under 7 kg.
- Stay at least 5 km from airports and military airbases — verify the exact current distance before flying near any airbase.
- Broadcast Remote ID (B-RID) has been mandatory since 1 December 2025 for UA above 250 g, except for UA operated indoors/enclosed, or where the operator holds an Operator Permit and uses the FlyItSafe app.
- Night flying is only permitted with the required lighting active and VLOS maintained at all times; flying beyond visual line of sight requires an Operator Permit and Class 1 Activity Permit.
- Always maintain visual line of sight (VLOS)
- Activity permit required for flying in restricted areas
- Penalties are tiered: up to SGD 50,000 or 2 years' imprisonment on first conviction for serious violations (e.g. flying in a prohibited/protected area, or operating while impaired) — doubling to SGD 100,000 or 5 years for repeat offences. Lesser offences (e.g. flying an unregistered drone, or a B-RID violation) carry lower penalties of up to SGD 10,000 and up to 6 months' imprisonment.
- Do not fly over people, buildings, or restricted installations.
No-fly zones and restrictions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence or certificate to fly a drone in Singapore?
In Singapore, the credential to know about is UA Pilot Licence. Whether you need it depends on your drone's weight and how you fly — Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) runs the scheme, and the official sources below spell out exactly when it applies.
Can I fly a drone as a tourist or foreign visitor in Singapore?
Yes, with preparation — tourists must register drones over 250 g: apply for a UAPass account about a week before arrival, buy the 25 Singapore dollar label at a SingPost office, then register online; over 250 g the drone must also broadcast Remote ID. Under 250 g nothing is needed. Stay below 200 ft above sea level and outside the extensive no-fly areas — much of Singapore requires a permit. Rules for foreign pilots can change, so always double-check with Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) before you travel, and see the official sources below.
What are the most important drone rules in Singapore?
The short version: Max 200 ft (60 m AMSL) standard — 400 ft (122 m) for licensed commercial operators in designated zones more than 6 km from an airport. Verify current zone maps and conditions before relying on the higher limit. On top of that: You must register your unmanned aircraft with CAAS if it weighs more than 250 g. Registration costs SGD 25 and does not expire — you only need to update or cancel it if the drone is lost, damaged, sold, or its ID label becomes unreadable. Also: A UA Pilot Licence (UAPL) is required for commercial/professional use, or for any drone heavier than 7 kg regardless of purpose. A Class B UAPL covers lighter commercial drones under 7 kg. These are central aviation rules — location-specific airspace, land, nature, privacy and photography requirements can also apply in Singapore, so always check the official sources.
Where am I not allowed to fly a drone in Singapore?
What you need to avoid are the restricted zones — typically around airports, prisons, military areas and protected nature. You'll find the official map for Singapore under Sources below, and the DroneKoll app keeps the country's rules, weather and checklists in one place before you fly.
Who regulates drone flying in Singapore?
Drone flying in Singapore is regulated by Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which handles both the rules and the airspace. Their official pages are linked under Sources below — that is where changes appear first.
Good to know
OFFICIAL SOURCES
- CAAS — Unmanned Aircraft Official Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore drone regulations and guidance caas.gov.sg
- OneMap — Airspace map Official Singapore map with drone flying zones and restrictions onemap.sg
- FlyItSafe — CAAS app Official CAAS drone safety app with flying zones and permit information caas.gov.sg
- CAAS — UA Registration Register your drone and apply for activity permits online caas.gov.sg
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Always check official CAAS sources before flying. This app is a tool — not a legal authority. Singapore has very strict drone regulations with severe penalties.
The app
The whole picture, up to date — in your pocket
DroneKoll brings together the country's rules, weather, flight log and checklists — everything you need before you fly.
More in the app: Interactive zone map · Flight log · Planning & measuring · Pre-flight checklists
