Drone Regulations Shanghai 2025 – Foreign Pilot Guide

This article was originally framed around Shanghai’s 2025 drone rules. For a current shoot, check Shanghai’s published flight-safety measures and the current official airspace map. A previous flight, an open area or a manufacturer’s geofence does not establish permission for a new operation.

Before a Shanghai Drone Shoot

Prepare the exact coordinates, dates, requested height, aircraft and pilot details. Check national registration requirements through UOM and the local services available through Suishenban.

Applications, Filing and Pre-Takeoff Reports

Shanghai provides a Suishenban entry point for flight applications, routine-plan filing and pre-takeoff reports. Under the published measures, applications are generally due by noon on the preceding day unless an exemption applies. Approved operations also require a pre-takeoff report and confirmation. Certain suitable-airspace operations are exempt from an application, subject to exceptions; check the specific operation rather than assuming every report is instantly approved.

Registration and Visiting Pilots

CAAC’s UOM notice requires owners of all civil unmanned aircraft types to register as prescribed. Do not treat an overseas registration or a drone below 250 grams as an automatic exemption. Confirm the named operator’s applicable qualifications and the aircraft requirements before booking.

Production Planning

Check venue access, insurance, temporary restrictions, nearby people and infrastructure, weather and an alternative shot plan. Avoid promising aerial coverage before these checks. For broader planning, read our China drone regulations guide.

Source: Shanghai Government: civil unmanned aircraft flight-safety measures. Information reviewed: 21 October 2026.

Source: CAAC: UOM platform and real-name registration. Information reviewed: 21 October 2026.