Beijing's ban on owning drones takes effect on 15 November

Mixed · 2Beijing's ban on possessing drones came into force on Sunday 15 November, a measure authorities said will help ensure the security of China's capital city. 1 2 Mixed · 2The ban applies to both urban and rural areas of the municipality, which covers around 16,400 square kilometres (6,300 square miles), roughly half the size of Belgium. 2 1 Mixed · 2Announced in September, the ban outlaws owning and storing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to "safeguard the security of the capital", and also forbids transporting drones or their components into the city. 1 2

Mixed · 2Owners had to get rid of their devices before the ban took effect, either by reselling them at approved buy-back points or online, or by transporting them outside the enforcement area. 2 1 Mixed · 2Anyone found in possession of a drone could now face a fine and confiscation of their equipment, though exemptions for flights may be granted for reasons such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, emergency relief, agriculture or scientific research. 1 2 Centre · 1The ban follows an earlier step: Beijing banned drone sales in May 2026, when owners were required to register their devices but were allowed to keep them. 1

Mixed · 2The coverage links the ban to airspace safety fears raised in June, when a small plane crashed into the city's tallest skyscraper, killing the pilot and injuring 13 others, and notes that Beijing, home to the central government, top leaders and Chinese Communist Party headquarters, has faced strict security measures. 2 1 Right · 1Drones have become extremely popular in China in recent years, particularly for filming landscapes. 2