Asia
Macao
AACM — Civil Aviation Activity Law No. 4/2025 (in force from 1 February 2026)
Macao classifies drones into 3 weight categories with increasing obligations, one of the lowest maximum altitudes in the region, and a total ban over the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre.
Among the lowest limits in the region.
Prior notification/approval via the AACM web portal for drones over 250 g or fitted with a camera; a label with owner details is mandatory on the drone.
Minimum age 14 (drones 250 g-7 kg) or 18 (7-25 kg); additional permits required above 7 kg.
Minimum insurance of 10 million patacas required for drones 7-25 kg.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Forbidden to fly over the Historic Centre of Macao (UNESCO), areas near the airport and government buildings; forbidden at night; temporary seasonal bans (e.g. Chinese New Year) for fireworks displays.
Verify officially before flying
Source: AACM — Autoridade de Aviação Civil de Macau (Civil Aviation Authority of Macao)
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Macao, the official reference remains AACM — Autoridade de Aviação Civil de Macau (Civil Aviation Authority of Macao). Prior notification/approval via the AACM web portal for drones over 250 g or fitted with a camera; a label with owner details is mandatory on the drone.
How this usually works
Here the requirement depends on factors like the drone's weight, distance from people, or use case (recreational vs. commercial). The note above describes the most common case: if your situation is different, check the official source to see exactly which scenario applies to you before flying. The exam and certificate are handled by AACM — Autoridade de Aviação Civil de Macau (Civil Aviation Authority of Macao). Minimum age 14 (drones 250 g-7 kg) or 18 (7-25 kg); additional permits required above 7 kg.
Other countries in Asia
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.