Singapore is one of the most strictly regulated countries in the world for drones. The city-state is smaller than many large cities and almost entirely covered by controlled airspace, spontaneous flying is practically impossible anywhere.
Drones under 250 grams need neither registration nor a permit for simple recreational flights. From 250 grams, registration with CAAS (Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore) is required through the CAAS UA Portal, including an online training module (UABTC certificate) and a fee of around $25 SGD for the registration label. Since December 2025, drones over 250 grams must additionally be equipped with Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID).
As long as the drone weighs under 7 kg and the flight stays within standard recreational limits (daylight, line of sight, max. 60 m altitude), no additional Activity Permit is needed. For anything outside these limits, such as higher flights or specific locations, a separate permit from CAAS is required.
The OneMap portal (onemap.gov.sg) shows exactly where flying is allowed and where it isn't. CAAS explicitly recommends checking this map before every flight, since permitted zones can vary over small distances.
Flying is banned within 5 km of Changi Airport, Seletar Airport and Paya Lebar Air Base, as well as over the Central Business District and government buildings. Many popular destinations like Marina Bay, Sentosa or Gardens by the Bay are also inside no-fly zones, filming there usually requires a separate permit.
Operating an unregistered drone over 250 grams can be punished with up to 6 months imprisonment or a $10,000 fine. Flying in restricted areas carries fines of up to $50,000 and/or up to 2 years imprisonment for a first offense, up to $100,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment for repeat offenses.
Anyone bringing a drone over 250 grams should sort out registration and B-RID before the trip and keep the OneMap page handy. Singapore isn't well suited for spontaneous travel footage, many travelers skip the drone entirely and rely on a smartphone or camera instead.