China Classifies Drones as Aircraft Under New Aviation Law (2026) — What Foreign Tourists Must Know
China will classify all civilian drones as aircraft under its revised aviation law starting July 1, 2026. Foreign tourists must complete real-name registration before flying or face fines from 10,000 CNY.
Key takeaway
Starting July 1, 2026, China will classify all civilian drones as aircraft under its revised civil aviation law. Foreign tourists who want to fly a drone in China must complete mandatory real-name registration on the CAAC UOM platform before their first flight. Registration requires a Chinese mobile phone number for SMS verification. Fines for unregistered flights start at 10,000 CNY ($1,370 USD), and most popular tourist destinations including Beijing, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall are designated no-fly zones.
Full report
What Changed
On December 27, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced the integration of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) regulations into the country's core civil aviation law, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. This represents a significant escalation — drones are no longer treated as consumer electronics but as regulated aircraft subject to the same legal framework as commercial planes and helicopters.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, all civilian drones weighing above 250 grams must now be registered under the real-name system managed by the CAAC Unmanned Aircraft Registration Platform (UOM). Registration requires a Chinese mobile phone number to receive verification codes, which creates an immediate barrier for foreign tourists who typically use international roaming or eSIMs without a Chinese number.
New restrictions also take effect in April 2026, including mandatory real-time flight telemetry, real-name flight permits, and government-monitored flight tracking. DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer headquartered in Shenzhen, has already updated its app to auto-prompt users for China-region registration upon GPS detection inside Chinese territory.
The Beijing municipal government has enacted a near-total ban on drone flights within the city's administrative boundaries, limiting sales, transport, and operation to strictly authorized personnel. Similar urban no-fly restrictions apply in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and most provincial capitals.
What to do next
- Check if your drone model requires registration (any over 250g, or any DJI model). 2. Obtain a Chinese SIM card upon arrival at the airport or through your hotel. 3. Register your drone on the CAAC UOM platform at uas.caac.gov.cn before your first flight. 4. Download the no-fly zone map and plan ground-based alternatives for restricted areas. 5. Carry your digital registration certificate on your phone at all times.
What may vary
Local enforcement intensity varies by city — tier-1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) enforce strictly, while rural western provinces may have lighter enforcement. Individual scenic spots may add or remove drone restrictions independently. DJI's geofencing database updates frequently and may block flights in areas not explicitly listed as no-fly zones. Registration requirements may change with minimal notice.
FAQ
Can I fly my DJI Mini in China without registration?
Technically drones under 250g are exempt from some regulations, but DJI's app auto-prompts registration when it detects Chinese GPS territory, and customs may ask for proof of registration. The safest approach is to register regardless of weight.
What happens if I get caught flying an unregistered drone in China?
First-time offenders face fines starting at 10,000 CNY ($1,370 USD) and confiscation of the drone. Repeat violations or flights near airports or military zones can result in criminal detention under China's State Security Law.
Is drone registration free for foreign tourists?
Registration on the CAAC UOM platform is free, but you will need a Chinese phone number to receive the SMS verification code, which requires a local SIM card or assistance from your hotel or tour operator.
Which tourist destinations in China still allow drone flying?
Some rural areas in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Qinghai may permit registered flights, but restrictions change frequently. Most popular landmarks including the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Zhangjiajie are strict no-fly zones.
What happens if I fly an unregistered drone and get caught?
According to the CAAC, first-time offenders face fines starting at 10,000 CNY ($1,370 USD) and confiscation of the drone. Repeat violations or flights near airports or military zones can result in criminal detention under China's State Security Law.
Can I bring my drone into China if I don't plan to fly it?
Yes, carrying a drone in checked luggage is generally permitted as long as the battery is removed and packed separately per airline regulations. You do not need to register a drone that remains packed and unused.
Are there any tourist destinations in China where drone flying is still legal?
Some rural and remote areas in provinces such as Yunnan, Sichuan, and Qinghai may permit registered drone flights, but restrictions change frequently. Always check the UOM platform's real-time no-fly map before flying in any location.