Are Drones Allowed in Singapore? Complete Legal Guide for 2025

Planning to bring a DJI Mini on holiday to Singapore? The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) strictly enforces regulations for unmanned aircraft, and no one is exempt from compliance.

The drone regulations in Singapore are all-encompassing and comprehensible when read. Regardless of whether flying drones is for fun or to carry out a commercial activity, this guide explains what is needed, the limitations and the fines associated with drone flights in Singapore.

Are Drones Allowed in Singapore Without a Licence?

Yes! Singapore allows recreational drone flights of unmanned aircraft below 7kg without a licence. This provision does not eliminate the requirement of safety compliance. Every pilot must follow CAAS guidelines, including no-fly zones and approved flying areas. 

Drones weighing 250g or more must be registered with CAAS before operation. Users can register their drones via this portal. Each aircraft receives a unique identification number. Failure to register renders any flight illegal and may lead to enforcement actions. 

Commercial operators are required to hold both an operator permit and an activity permit. These permits confirm that safety guidelines and UA regulatory requirements are met. Holding the correct permits also signals professionalism to clients and authorities. 

Note: DJI new’s DJI Mini 5 Pro weighs 252g instead of the mentioned 249.9g. So do register them before flight! 

Do I Need to Register My Drone in Singapore?

Registration is required for the unmanned aircraft that exceeds 250g. The online process on the CAAS portal involves submitting operator details and paying the registration fee. Each drone must carry its identification number visibly on the airframe.

By December 2025, all registered drones must support broadcast remote identification. Older models, such as the DJI Mini series, may need additional hardware. Operators should verify compliance before planning any flight to avoid unexpected restrictions. Please refer to the UA models and B-RID modules that meet the B-RID technical standards and requirements in Singapore. 

Can Tourists Fly Drones in Singapore?

The registration and permit conditions apply to tourists in the same way as to residents. These requirements are frequently disregarded by short-term visitors who believe that they are applicable only to the locals. In 2023, CAAS acted on 309 illegal drones, which proves that everyone is enforced.

Popular destinations like Marina Bay, Sentosa and the vicinity of Changi Airport are subject to the no-fly zones. To determine authorised fly zones, the OneMap Singapore unmanned aircraft flying area layer should be used by tourists. Prior planning will avoid last-minute disappointments and penalties.

For tourists, if you require more details, kindly refer to this link here for more information. 

Can Tourists Fly Drones in Singapore?

Yes! tourists are subject to the same drone regulations and permit requirements as residents. Many short-term visitors mistakenly assume the rules apply only to locals, but this is not the case. In 2023, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) addressed 309 cases of unlawful drone use, underscoring that enforcement applies to everyone.

Popular tourist areas such as Marina Bay, Sentosa, and the surroundings of Changi Airport fall within restricted or no-fly zones. To identify approved flying areas, tourists should refer to the Singapore Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas layer on the OneMap website. Proper planning helps avoid last-minute issues or penalties.

For foreign tourists visiting Singapore, for more detailed information, kindly visit this official CAAS page.

Singapore Drone No-Fly Zones and Restricted Areas

Singapore is a relatively small island; hence, most of the island is restricted in terms of airspace. Airport vicinities, military installations and important government facilities are included in no-fly zones. OneMap portal also shows the latest map of the restricted airspace and authorised flight space.

High-profile events also have temporary restricted zones around them. As an example, the Singapore Grand Prix establishes increased no-fly zones over race weekend. In a bid to keep up with these changes, drone operators need to go through CAAS announcements periodically.

What Happens if I Break Drone Laws in Singapore?

Singapore law has penalties of up to large fines and imprisonment as a result of drone violations. The recent cases indicate that there has been imposition of fines on violators who flew without permits or flew into the no-fly zones. Tourists have been severely punished even when they have used drones without authorisation.

There are legal implications besides the first punishment. Sentences can have a negative impact on future visa applications and professional licences, which can have an effect on travel and career opportunities. Besides the financial or legal consequences, drone operators stand the risk of reputation loss.

Safety Guidelines for Drone Flying in Singapore

Adherence to safety rules maximises legal and operational results. Pilots are advised to keep in sight of visual landmarks and not to fly in crowded places. Severe winds and heavy downfalls in Singapore may become another problem, and it is necessary to verify the weather and airspace conditions.

Preparing for every flight includes verifying the drone’s condition and battery health. High humidity affects battery performance, so planning for extra power reserves helps avoid emergency landings. Using flight-planning apps that integrate OneMap data ensures smoother operations.

How WeTheFlyers Can Help with Your Drone Operations

WeTheFlyers specialises in navigating Singapore’s drone regulations on behalf of clients. Our team holds all necessary operator and activity permits for commercial flights. We manage the entire process, from permit applications to flight execution, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

Our services include aerial photography, engineering surveys, 3D mapping and thermal inspections. We adhere to SVY21 and SHD standards for accurate geospatial outputs. Clients benefit from our expertise in both technical delivery and regulatory requirements.

For those who need aerial content without regulatory hassles, WeTheFlyers offers turnkey solutions. Our pilots handle all safety checks, no-fly-zone assessments and permit submissions. This allows clients to focus on their core objectives while we deliver professional, compliant drone services.