Taiwan boasts numerous breathtaking landscapes, from the beautiful coastline along the Suhua Highway to the golden rice fields of Chishang. Many travelers surely wonder if they could capture these stunning views through drone aerial photography to create wonderful memories.
While Taiwan has certain regulations for drone flights, using small drones under 250g simplifies procedures and allows for relatively easy aerial photography enjoyment. Based on my own experience with drone photography in Taiwan, I’ll focus particularly on sub-250g drones and share key points for enjoying aerial photography in Taiwan.
Taiwan Drone Regulations: Sub-250g is Definitely Advantageous
Taiwan’s drone regulations are managed by the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). The most important point is that required procedures differ significantly based on drone weight.
When flying drones in Taiwan, advance registration with the aviation authority is generally required, but drones under 250g are exempt from registration. This not only greatly simplifies overall procedures but also makes them easy to carry for travelers due to their compact, lightweight design, and small aircraft tend to be permitted in relatively more locations. Compared to many countries that take strict stances toward drones, Taiwan’s rules can be considered relatively lenient.
Conversely, bringing drones over 250g requires formal CAA registration, and those over 2kg need additional pilot licenses, requiring more stringent application procedures. In other words, if you’re considering drone photography during Taiwan travel, sub-250g models are overwhelmingly convenient.
Based on my experience consulting with the CAA and local transportation bureaus during my Taiwan stay, I confirmed that foreigners can fly sub-250g drones without special permit applications while following basic rules. However, operations may vary depending on aircraft and flight areas, so I recommend checking directly with the CAA if uncertain.
Author’s Experience: Capturing Taiwan’s Stunning Views with Sub-250g Drones
My most memorable drone photography experience in Taiwan was along the coastline of the Suhua Highway stretching from Hualien to Su’ao. Using the DJI Mini 4 Pro, I was able to capture aerial footage of the magnificent scenery where the blue Pacific Ocean meets dramatic cliffs.
The Suhua Highway has heavy traffic and narrow shoulders, limiting car-accessible viewpoints. However, with a small drone, I could fly from viewpoints toward the ocean to photograph the beautiful coastline from perspectives normally impossible to see. Particularly near the Qingshui Cliffs, I captured aerial footage of cliffs over 1,000 meters high plunging into the sea. Experiencing the grandeur of Taiwan’s east coast from viewpoints impossible to see from ground level was a precious experience.
While sub-250g small drones tend to be affected by strong winds, the Mini 4 Pro maintained stable flight despite the windy coastal conditions.
Basic Rules for Flying Drones in Taiwan
When flying drones in Taiwan, basic rules must be followed regardless of weight. Flight altitude is restricted to below 400 feet (approximately 120m) above ground, and flights are only permitted from sunrise to sunset. Flight must remain within visual line of sight at all times, maintaining distances of at least 30m from railways and buildings, and avoiding flight over crowds. These rules apply to sub-250g drones as well, so make sure to understand the rules thoroughly before flying.
Taiwan also has clearly defined no-fly zones. Flight is prohibited in central Taipei and major city centers, around airports (within 5km radius), and near military facilities. Additionally, drone flight is prohibited within national parks such as Taroko National Park. The popular tourist destination Jiufen is also effectively off-limits for drones due to violations of prohibitions such as flying over crowds.
Since many locations have specific rules, always check with administrators or landowners in advance before flying.
Recommended Drone Models
For bringing drones on Taiwan trips, I most highly recommend the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Weighing 249g, it simplifies procedural applications when bringing it overseas to Taiwan, European countries, and others, while offering high-quality 4K/60fps recording. It features three-directional obstacle detection sensors for high safety, allowing beginners to fly relatively easily, and boasts exceptional wind resistance among lightweight models. This eliminates common small drone concerns like becoming uncontrollable in light winds or getting lost. With a maximum 34-minute flight time, one charge provides sufficient shooting time. Its foldable design makes it portable and lightweight, perfect for travel—truly an all-around excellent model.
*When purchasing the DJI Mini 4 Pro, this set including spare batteries and charging hub offers great value.
Incidentally, when I travel, I usually bring either the DJI Mini 4 Pro mentioned above, or the Air 3 when destination countries have more lenient weight regulations. The Air 3 weighs 720g, making it slightly heavier than the Mini series but still lightweight among drones. However, it features dual lenses allowing wide-angle and telephoto shooting versatility, making it recommended for more serious photography sessions.
Precautions When Bringing Drones to Taiwan
There are several precautions when bringing drones to Taiwan by airplane. Carry batteries as carry-on luggage and avoid checking them in. Bring chargers and spare batteries—multiple spares are recommended, especially since charging opportunities may be limited in mountainous areas.
Taiwan also experiences frequent sudden downpours, so waterproof bags are recommended. Additionally, the east coast often has strong winds, so check weather conditions in advance. Furthermore, preparing basic Chinese phrases like “This is a camera drone” will help smooth explanations with locals.
Conclusion: Sub-250g Drones are Optimal for Taiwan Travel
Drone photography in Taiwan can significantly reduce procedural hassles by choosing sub-250g small aircraft.
To enjoy Taiwan’s beautiful scenery from above, please consider bringing a sub-250g small drone. While following proper etiquette and rules, you should be able to experience the joy of aerial photography of Taiwan’s unique stunning landscapes.
Disclaimer
This article’s information is based on the author’s experiences and collected information as of 2024. Taiwan’s drone regulations may change, so always verify the latest regulations on the CAA website before traveling. The author cannot take responsibility for consequences resulting from actions based on this article’s information. Legal risks are particularly the responsibility of individual travelers, so please exercise sufficient caution.
