Drone Rules by Country at a Glance
| Country | Authority | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | Recreational pilots take the free TRUST test. Register drones over 250 g; registered drones need Remote ID. Commercial work needs a Part 107 certificate. Max 400 ft AGL, visual line of sight. |
| United Kingdom | Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) | Flyer ID and Operator ID system with weight thresholds that changed in 2026 (some from 100 g). Max 120 m, keep away from people and airports. |
| European Union | EASA and national authorities | Open, Specific and Certified categories. Most camera drones need operator registration and online pilot training. Max 120 m. |
| Canada | Transport Canada | Drones from 250 g to 25 kg must be registered and pilots need a Basic or Advanced drone pilot certificate. |
| Australia | Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) | Standard operating conditions apply to all flyers. Commercial operators need registration and accreditation or a RePL depending on the operation. |
| New Zealand | Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand | Part 101 rules for most flying, including 120 m limit and consent near people and property. Part 102 certification for higher-risk operations. |
| India | Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) | Drone Rules 2021 with the Digital Sky platform for registration and airspace maps (green, yellow, red zones). Remote pilot certificate for most non-nano drones. |
| United Arab Emirates | General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) | Registration and permits are required, and rules have been suspended or changed at short notice before. Always confirm current status with the GCAA and local emirate authorities. |
| Singapore | Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) | Registration for drones over 250 g, pilot licences for heavier or commercial use, and permits in many areas due to dense airspace. |
| Japan | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) | Registration for drones of 100 g or more, with Remote ID. Permission needed in densely populated areas, at night and beyond visual line of sight. |
Rules That Apply Almost Everywhere
- Stay below about 120 m (400 ft) above ground.
- Keep the drone in visual line of sight.
- Stay away from airports, crowds and emergency scenes.
- Respect privacy and get landowner permission.
- Commercial work usually needs extra licensing and insurance.
New to the rules? Read drone laws for beginners for a plain-English overview. Then add legal checks to your routine with the pre-flight checklist generator. If you plan to get paid for flying, see how to make money with a drone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly my drone abroad?
Usually yes, but you must follow the rules of the country you visit. Some require registration before arrival, some ban drones in certain cities, and a few restrict import. Check the official authority well before travelling.
How often do drone laws change?
Often. Many countries updated rules between 2023 and 2026, especially around weight thresholds and Remote ID. Always check the official source before you fly.
Is this tool legal advice?
No. It is a starting point with links to official aviation authorities. The official websites are the only reliable source for current rules.
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