China’s drone regulations will enter a much stricter enforcement phase in 2026.
From real-name activation and license matching to airspace approval, real-time identification, and police filing, compliance is now mandatory nationwide.

For foreign operators, requirements are even higher, involving dual identity and qualification verification, with sharply increased penalties for violations.
Illegal flights (“black flights”) may result in detention or even criminal liability.

——————————————————–

For Chinese & Foreign Operators

Update Notice – New 2026 Airspace Map Guide Available

China’s drone regulatory framework continues to evolve quickly in 2026. In addition to the stricter compliance rules covered in this guide, China also introduced a major nationwide airspace map update on May 14, 2026, affecting many cities and provinces.

This newer update is especially relevant for film crews, commercial productions, documentary teams, and foreign producers planning aerial filming in China. It explains how the latest low-altitude airspace map may affect drone filming locations, 120m flight limits, UOM checks, and city-by-city planning.

You can read the new production-focused guide here:
Drone Filming in China After the 2026 Airspace Map Update

————————————————————————————–

This guide provides a full, scenario-based compliance roadmap for flying drones in China in 2026.

1. Core Regulations & Key Timelines (Effective in 2026)

2. Basic Compliance (Chinese & Foreign Operators)

2.1 Drone Categories & License Matching

2.2 Mandatory Real-Name Registration & Activation (From May 2026)

1. Platform
   Register via the CAAC UOM platform:
   https://uom.caac.gov.cn
   Bind drone serial number, obtain registration code, and affix it visibly to the aircraft.
2. Activation Requirement
   • New drones: activation required before first flight
   • Existing drones: must complete re-registration and activation before May 2027
   • Unactivated drones will be physically locked
3. Penalties
   • RMB 500–5,000 fine for unregistered flights
   • Detention possible in sensitive areas or repeated violations

2.3 Airspace Classification & Flight Approval

Controlled Airspace (Approval Required)

• Above 120m AGL
• Airport clearance zones
• Military or government areas
• Critical infrastructure
• Temporary control zones (major events)

Approval Workflow
Flight plan submission via UOM or local UTM platform →
Air traffic control + public security approval →
Confirmation within 1 hour before takeoff
Commercial flights: apply 3–7 working days in advance

Uncontrolled / Approved Zones

• Micro drones ≤50m
• Light drones ≤120m
• Visual line-of-sight only
• Police filing still required

2.4 Flight Safety Red Lines (Strictly Enforced)

Absolutely Prohibited

• Airports, military zones, government core areas
• Crowded places (malls, schools, hospitals)
• Sensitive or classified facilities

Forbidden Conduct

• Flying under alcohol or medication influence
• Breaking electronic geofencing
• Interfering with manned aircraft
• Night flights without certified lighting
• Privacy infringement or classified photography

Data Compliance

• Commercial shoots require data security agreements
• Sensitive footage must be stored within China
• Cross-border data transfer requires approval

3. Additional Requirements for Foreign Operators in China

3.1 Qualifications & Identity Documents

• Pilot License
  • Foreign licenses must be converted to a CAAC-recognized license
  • UTC only valid for non-commercial light drones
  • Commercial use requires CAAC license
• Additional Documents
  • HSK Level 3 or above
  • Embassy-certified criminal record certificate
  • Valid residence permit
  • Short-term visas rarely approved for commercial flights
• Drone Registration
  • Must be registered on China’s UOM platform
  • Overseas registration codes are invalid
  • Light drones and above require dual identification modules

3.2 Approval & Filing (Higher Threshold)

• Controlled Airspace
  Apply at least 7 working days in advance
  Submit flight plan, safety commitment, and official Chinese translations
• Approved Airspace
  Police filing still mandatory, with nationality, stay duration, and purpose declared
• Coastal & Border Areas
  Extra approval from border-control authorities required

3.3 Data & Information Security

• All captured data must remain stored in China
• Overseas transfer requires cybersecurity authority approval
• Filming military, classified, or sensitive infrastructure is strictly prohibited

4. Step-by-Step Compliance Workflow

4.1 Chinese Operators

1. Prepare Equipment
   UOM registration + activation, insurance coverage
2. Pilot Qualification
   UTC or CAAC license, ID copies
3. Airspace Approval
   • Approved zone → police filing
   • Controlled zone → ATC + police approval
4. Flight Execution
   Check identification modules, battery, altitude limits
   Upload flight logs post-flight and archive approvals

4.2 Foreign Operators (Additional Steps)

1. Complete Documentation
   CAAC license, residence permit, HSK certificate, criminal record
2. Project Authorization
   Chinese company guarantee + written project approval
3. Approval & Filing
   ATC + police approval, Chinese translations required
4. Flight Execution
   Chinese citizen accompaniment required
   Post-flight usage report submission

5. Violations & Penalties (2026 Standard)

6. Pre-Flight Compliance Checklist

Drone

• UOM code attached
• Activated & insured
• Identification modules functioning

Pilot

• Chinese: UTC/CAAC license + ID
• Foreigner: CAAC license + residence permit + HSK3 + criminal record + sponsor letter

Approvals

• ATC approval (controlled zones)
• Police filing receipt

Flight Readiness

• Flight plan (time, coordinates, altitude, route)
• Emergency procedures
• Night lighting (if applicable)
• Data confidentiality agreement

Why This Matters for Film & Commercial Production

For international productions, drone compliance is now a critical risk factor in China.
Most approved commercial drone flights are handled through licensed Chinese production companies that manage permits, airspace coordination, police filing, and data compliance.

Shoot In China has been supporting compliant aerial filming since 2012, working closely with Civil Aviation Administration of China processes, local authorities, and licensed drone pilots nationwide.

If you’re planning commercial drone filming in China, especially as a foreign crew, proper compliance is not optional—it’s essential.