A compact drone is now an easy way to get cinematic shots, and it barely takes up any space in your bag.
If you shoot drone footage for your content, though, be careful before you fly in Southeast Asia. Most countries here treat a drone as an aircraft and set their own rules on registration, permits, altitude limits, and in some places whether you can bring one in at all.
Breaking these rules can mean a fine, a confiscated drone or even jail time. Here is where each country stands as of September 2026, so you know what to sort out before you pack.
Singapore
Any drone weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) before it can fly, and the requirement also applies to visitors.
Since 1 December 2025, drones above that weight must also be equipped with Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) when flown outdoors.
For recreational flying, a Class 2 Activity Permit is required if the drone is flown above 200 feet (61 meters) above mean sea level, within 5 km of an airport or military airbase, or in a restricted or danger area. Flying in a protected area may require additional approval, while drone operations are not allowed in prohibited areas.
If you get it wrong, flying an unregistered drone over 250 grams can bring a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,800), up to six months in jail, or both. Flying without a required permit or in restricted airspace can mean up to S$50,000 (US$39,000) or two years for a first offence, rising to S$100,000 (US$78,000) or five years for repeat offenders.
Malaysia
Malaysia requires drone operators to obtain an Authorisation to Fly (ATF) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). For lower risk operations, the standard ATF covers flights conducted within visual line of sight and below 400 feet (122 meters) above ground level, with no spraying or dispensing involved.
The application must reach CAAM at least 14 working days before the planned flight, so visitors need to arrange the authorisation before the trip.
CAAM also states that operating a drone without the required approval is a violation of Malaysia’s aviation regulations. If you get it wrong, individuals face a fine of up to RM50,000 (US$12,300), up to three years in jail, or both. Companies face higher fines, and drones can be confiscated.
Indonesia
Drones fall under Transport Ministry Regulation PM 37/2020, in force since June 2020, which replaced the earlier rules.
In uncontrolled airspace, drones can generally be flown below 400 feet (122 meters) without prior approval. But approval is required when flying within an airport’s safety zone, known as a KKOP, within 5.6 km of a helipad, or in prohibited and restricted areas.
The rules were supplemented by PM 63/2021, which introduced additional requirements for small unmanned aircraft.
If you get it wrong, violations can lead to administrative sanctions, including permit revocation, while authorities can also force a drone to leave an area or bring it down when necessary for safety.
Flying a drone in an airport safety zone in a way that endangers aircraft can also carry criminal penalties under Indonesia’s Aviation Law, including up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rp1 billion (US$55,900).
Philippines
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) does not generally require a special permit for recreational drone flights, but there are several important limits.
Recreational users should fly outside no fly zones and at least 10 km from an airport, keep the drone within visual line of sight, stay at or below 400 feet (120 meters), and fly only during daylight hours.
Commercial drone operations require a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from CAAP. Local governments can also impose their own drone rules, so CAAP advises recreational users to coordinate with the relevant Local Government Unit before flying.
CAAP can ground and confiscate the drone and revoke certificates. Published fine figures vary a lot, recent guides cite roughly ₱20,000 to ₱100,000 (US$350-US$1,740) per violation.
Thailand
Drones equipped with cameras must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), regardless of their size. Drones without cameras must also be registered if they weigh more than 2 kg, meaning even a small camera drone such as a DJI Mini is not exempt.
Drone owners must also register the radio equipment separately with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). CAAT registration requires third party liability insurance with coverage of at least ฿1 million (US$29,950), while NBTC registration covers the radio equipment used by the drone.
Flying an unregistered drone can carry up to one year in prison, a fine of up to ฿40,000 (US$1,200), or both. Separately, violations of Thailand’s radio regulations for unregistered drone equipment can carry up to five years in prison, a fine of up to ฿100,000 (US$3,000), or both.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s drone rules have been updated under the 2024 Law on People’s Air Defence and Decree 288/2025, issued in November 2025.
Drones weighing less than 250 grams can be flown for recreational purposes without a flight permit if they remain within visual line of sight and outside restricted areas. Other flights generally require a permit from the Ministry of Defence, while foreign operators need a Vietnamese organisation or individual to act as a guarantor.
Penalties are set separately under Decree 282/2025, with fines ranging from VND 2 million to VND 40 million (US$76-$1,520), depending on the violation. Drones can also be confiscated, while some permits may be suspended for three to six months.
The Rest of Southeast Asia
Drone rules in Southeast Asia's smaller markets are harder to pin down because official information is limited, patchy or changing. Here is what we know about each country:
Laos: Drones under 200 grams are treated as toys and generally need no permit. Heavier drones need permission from the Department of Civil Aviation, plus radio frequency certification. Flying within 5 km of an airport requires separate clearance.
Cambodia: The Ministry of National Defence banned all unauthorised drone use nationwide on 30 December 2025, amid tensions along the Thai border. Anyone wanting to fly must get prior permission from the ministry, and military units have been authorised to use anti-drone systems.
Myanmar: Current drone rules and penalties are difficult to verify from public official sources. Given the regulatory uncertainty and security situation, check directly with the relevant authorities before flying.
Brunei: Drones generally need to be registered with the Department of Civil Aviation, though toy drones and drones brought in by foreigners on short stays are exempt. Violations can carry a fine of up to BND50,000 (US$39,000), up to five years in prison, or both.
Timor-Leste: A dedicated drone framework is not readily available in the Civil Aviation Authority of Timor-Leste's public materials. Contact the AACTL before flying.
