If you’re planning to fly a drone in Shanghai in 2025, whether for filming, photography, or commercial production, you must pay close attention to the Drone Regulations Shanghai 2025. These new rules are particularly critical for foreign drone operators using imported drones, many of which may not be registered in China’s national systems.
In this article, we break down what you need to know to fly legally and safely—so you avoid delays, hefty fines, and frustrating interactions with local authorities.
📍 Why Shanghai Is Cracking Down on Drones in 2025
Shanghai has installed drone detection systems across key districts to monitor unauthorized low-altitude UAV activity. This is part of a broader national effort to regulate “低慢小” (low, slow, and small) aircraft.
Even short flights—like those for real estate shoots, interviews, or tourism footage—are subject to these rules.
Key reasons for increased enforcement:
- Proximity to airports and military zones
- Dense urban population and air traffic
- National security during major political events
- Increased drone-related accidents and complaints
🔑 Key Requirements Under Drone Regulations Shanghai 2025
Here’s what you must do before every drone flight in Shanghai:
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Register your drone | Through the Suishenban app (随申办市民云) |
| ✅ File a flight plan | Report time, location, altitude, purpose |
| ✅ Avoid restricted zones | Military, government, airports, some urban areas |
| ⚠️ Controlled airspace? | Apply for extra permissions from air force or aviation authority |
Important: Foreign drones must still be registered in China—even if legally imported. Drones without proper ID numbers (e.g., CAAC registration) are automatically flagged.
📲 Step-by-Step: Filing via Suishenban App (随申办)
Where to access it:
- Suishenban (随申办) app (iOS / Android)
- WeChat Mini Program
- Alipay Mini Program
Steps to register and file:
- Open the app and search “无人机”
- Select “个人无人机录入” (Personal UAV Entry)
- Submit drone details (model, serial number, user info)
- Go to “飞行报告” (Flight Report) before flying
- Enter flight area, altitude, time, and purpose
- Submit and keep the confirmation handy during the flight
⏱️ Processing Time:
- Most flights are approved instantly unless in sensitive airspace
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Violating the Drone Regulations Shanghai 2025 can result in:
- Immediate drone detection by police surveillance towers
- Police arriving on-site (often within minutes)
- Confiscation or grounding of your drone
- Being taken to the police station for questioning
- Fines ranging from 200 RMB to 2,000+ RMB
- Potential criminal investigation if flying in a restricted zone
🎯 Real Case: In 2024, a foreign pilot was fined over 2,000 RMB after flying near a government building. He spent two full afternoons at the police station resolving the issue.
🧠 Tip: Some drone pilots have been asked to return multiple times to the same police station due to incomplete information, leading to days of disruption.
📋 Official Government Approval Details
All drone flight reports in Shanghai are handled online only via the city’s integrated system.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Implementing Agency | Shanghai Public Security Bureau (公安局) |
| Business Item Code | 11310000002420447T231200903700201 |
| Approval Time | Immediate online processing (即办件) |
| Service Window | No offline office—entirely online |
| Working Hours | Mon–Sun, 00:00–23:59 (no breaks, except holidays) |
| Support Hotline | 021-12345 |
| Support Email | [email protected] |
| Complaint Address | 342 Gonghexin Rd, Shanghai (Mon–Thu) |
| Cost | Free of charge |
📌 If flying in a controlled airspace, you must also apply to the Air Force, CAAC, or relevant military facilities.
🧭 Final Checklist: Before You Fly in Shanghai
| ✅ Task | 📌 Notes |
|---|---|
| Register your drone | Via Suishenban |
| File your flight plan | At least 24 hrs in advance |
| Carry documentation | Proof of filing & ID |
| Avoid restricted areas | Use drone map overlays |
| Assign a local liaison | Especially if you don’t speak Chinese |
| Prepare for delays | Police check-ins may take hours |
| Hire a licensed local drone pilot | Easier for compliance & efficiency |