Japan JP
Every drone of 100 g or more must be registered with MLIT and broadcast Remote ID. Flying in cities, at night or near people needs prior approval, so plan weeks ahead.
Your plan
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2 things to sort out before you fly
- Register your drone in Japan
Register online via DIPS 2.0 and put the registration code on the drone. Visitors need a Japanese address (a hotel works). Fee: 1450 JPY (¥900–2,400 depending on ID method). Allow about 10 days before your trip.
Open official page - Make sure Remote ID broadcasts
Remote ID is mandatory for all registered drones (built-in or add-on module).
- Bringing your drone in
Personal effects for your own use enter duty-free. Commercial imports pay 10 % consumption tax. Radio equipment must carry the Japanese technical conformity mark (Giteki). 5.8 GHz video links need an amateur radio licence. Batteries: Carry-on only. Up to 100 Wh freely; 100–160 Wh with airline approval (max 2 spares).
- Before each flight
Permission needed over densely inhabited districts (DID), above 150 m and near airports · Approval needed for night flights, flights out of sight, within 30 m of people or property, and over events · No drones near the Imperial Palace, the Diet, embassies or nuclear plants (Small Drone Act)
Flying
- Permission needed over densely inhabited districts (DID), above 150 m and near airports
- Approval needed for night flights, flights out of sight, within 30 m of people or property, and over events
- No drones near the Imperial Palace, the Diet, embassies or nuclear plants (Small Drone Act)
- Many parks, temples and shrines ban drones by local rule
Commercial use: Same framework. Level 4 (beyond visual line of sight over people) needs a national pilot licence and certified aircraft.
Registration & classes
| Registration | Yes (from 100 g) Register online via DIPS 2.0 and put the registration code on the drone. Visitors need a Japanese address (a hotel works). |
|---|---|
| Pilot test | Sometimes (mixed, from 100 g) National UAS pilot licence. Not required for ordinary flights; it simplifies approvals and is required for Level 4 operations. |
| Remote ID | Yes (from 100 g) Remote ID is mandatory for all registered drones (built-in or add-on module). |
| Insurance | No Not legally required, but strongly recommended and often expected in permission applications. |
| Foreign registration accepted | No Register before arrival; it can't be completed at the airport. Permission/approval applications through DIPS take about 10 business days. |
Weight classes
| Class | Weight | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 g | < 100 g | Treated as a model aircraft: no registration or Remote ID, but the Small Drone Act and local bans still apply. |
| 100 g and more | ≥ 100 g | Registration, Remote ID and the Civil Aeronautics Act flight rules apply. |
Import & export
- Personal effects for your own use enter duty-free. Commercial imports pay 10 % consumption tax.
- Radio equipment must carry the Japanese technical conformity mark (Giteki). 5.8 GHz video links need an amateur radio licence.
- Batteries: Carry-on only. Up to 100 Wh freely; 100–160 Wh with airline approval (max 2 spares).
- Using a drone without Giteki certification breaks the Radio Act, even for tourists.
Export
- Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act controls apply to some professional drones.
Costs
| Operator registration | 1450 JPY (≈ €9) · ¥900–2,400 depending on ID method Validity: 3 years |
|---|---|
| National UAS pilot licence | Unknown |
| Import taxes | 0 % duty + 10 % VAT Usually only for drones you buy abroad and bring in to keep. |
Guides
Flying in Japan as a visitor Visitors
- Check Giteki
Confirm your drone and controller carry the Japanese technical conformity mark.
- Register on DIPS 2.0
Register the drone (100 g+) with your passport and a Japanese address such as your hotel. Open
- Set up Remote ID
Write the registration code to the drone's built-in Remote ID or fit a module.
- Apply for permissions
Planning to fly in a city (DID), at night or near people? Apply on DIPS at least 10 business days ahead.
- Check local rules
Parks, temples and tourist sites often ban drones; ask the site owner.
Sources
- MLIT – Unmanned Aircraft Registration WebPortal · accessed 23 Sept 2026
How the score is built
- Operator registration−15
- Pilot test (mixed)−8
- Remote ID−8
- Night flight permit−6
- Visitors must register locally−10
- Long lead time (10 days)−8
- Duty + VAT ≈ 10 %−6
- Radio / type certification−12
Every score starts at 100 and loses points for each requirement. How scoring works