“Clear rules are a good thing. Before, flying in scenic spots, I wasn’t sure myself which areas were permitted… Now that standards are unified, we register according to the rules and fly in allowed airspace, which actually makes us feel more at ease,” reflected Li Hao, a long-time drone photography enthusiast.
From May 1, 2026, operating a drone in China will undergo a fundamental transformation. The country is implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to answer two critical questions: “Who can fly?” and “Who is flying?”. For foreign photographers and videographers, these changes introduce strict new requirements that differ significantly from those for Chinese citizens. Non-compliance is not merely a fine—it can lead to detention, deportation, or even criminal charges, especially for activities deemed to endanger public security.
The 2026 Regulatory Timeline: What’s Changing and When
China’s drone management system is being fortified through a series of interlocking laws and technical standards that will be fully effective by mid-2026. Understanding this timeline is crucial for planning any aerial photography project.
The foundation is the Interim Regulations on UAV Flight Management, effective since January 1, 2024, which established airspace classification and licensing tiers. The enforcement teeth were added on January 1, 2026, when the revised Public Security Administration Punishment Law took effect. This law classifies illegal drone flights as “endangering public safety,” with penalties ranging from fines to 5–10 days of detention.
The core technical standards arrive on May 1, 2026. These are two mandatory national standards:
- GB46761-2025 (Real-Name Registration & Activation Requirement): Mandates that all drones be registered and activated via an official platform before they can take off.
- GB46750-2025 (Operational Identification Standard): Requires drones to broadcast and transmit real-time identification data during flight.
Finally, the newly revised Civil Aviation Law comes into force on July 1, 2026, further cementing the legal framework for unmanned aircraft management.
Understanding the Core Requirements for All Operators
Drone Categorization and Pilot Licensing
Your obligations begin with correctly classifying your drone by weight:
| Drone Category | Weight Threshold | Typical Pilot Qualification (Chinese Citizen) | Max Altitude in Approved Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | < 250g | Real-name registration + online safety training | ≤ 50 meters |
| Light | 250g – 4kg | UTC or CAAC VLOS License + insurance | ≤ 120 meters |
| Small | 4kg – 150kg | CAAC BVLOS License + insurance | Subject to specific approval |
| Medium/Large | > 150kg | CAAC License + insurance | Subject to specific approval |
The Non-Negotiable: Real-Name Registration and Activation
Starting May 1, 2026, every drone (except certain toys and models) must be registered on China’s national UOM platform (https://uom.caac.gov.cn). You will bind the drone’s serial number, obtain a registration code, and physically affix this code to the aircraft. The critical new technical rule is activation: an unactivated drone will be physically locked and incapable of flight. For existing drones purchased before this date, a transition period applies, but they must be re-registered and activated by May 2027.
Airspace Classification: The Key to Legal Flight
Chinese airspace is clearly divided. Controlled Airspace (requiring pre-approval) includes areas above 120 meters, around airports, near military/government facilities, and over critical infrastructure. Approved Zones (where filing suffices) permit flight below 120 meters for light drones, strictly within visual line-of-sight.
The approval workflow for controlled airspace involves submitting a detailed flight plan (including time, coordinates, altitude, and emergency procedures) via the UOM platform. This plan is reviewed by air traffic control and public security authorities. For commercial flights, applications should be made 3–7 working days in advance.
Additional, Stricter Requirements for Foreign Operators
For foreign nationals, the barrier to legal flight is substantially higher. The system assumes operations will be conducted under the auspices of a professional project.
1. Qualifications and Documentation
A foreign pilot license alone is insufficient. You must convert it to a CAAC-recognized license. Furthermore, you are required to prepare a dossier of documents:
- HSK Level 3 or above Chinese language proficiency certificate.
- An embassy-certified criminal record certificate from your home country.
- A valid Chinese residence permit. Short-term tourist visas are rarely approved for commercial drone operations.
- All drones must be registered on the Chinese UOM platform; foreign registration codes are not valid.
2. The Approval Process: Higher Scrutiny and Longer Lead Times
The pre-flight process for foreigners involves more steps and scrutiny:
- Project Authorization: You need a formal invitation or guarantee letter from a Chinese partner company, along with written project approval.
- Extended Approval Time: Apply for controlled airspace approvals at least 7 working days in advance.
- Document Translation: All submitted materials, including your flight plan and safety commitment, require official Chinese translations.
- Police Filing: Even in approved zones, you must file with local police, declaring your nationality, stay duration, and flight purpose.
- Coastal/Border Areas: Operations in these sensitive zones require extra approval from border-control authorities.
3. Data Security: A Critical Red Line
This is an area of zero tolerance. All data captured by your drone (photos, videos, telemetry) must be stored within China. Transferring this data overseas requires specific approval from cybersecurity authorities. Filming military installations, government buildings, or other sensitive infrastructure is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe legal consequences.
Step-by-Step Workflow for Foreign Photographers
- Preparation (Before Arrival): Obtain a CAAC-recognized pilot license. Secure a Chinese project partner and get a formal invitation letter. Gather and certify all required personal documents (HSK, criminal record, etc.).
- On Arrival: Register your drone on the UOM platform and complete the physical activation. Ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage. Finalize your detailed shooting plan with dates and locations.
- Pre-Flight Approval: At least 7-10 days before your shoot, submit your full application package (translated documents, flight plan, partner guarantee) through the UOM platform for ATC and police approval.
- Execution: Fly only with a Chinese citizen accompanying you, as this is often a requirement. Strictly adhere to the approved time, location, and altitude. Be prepared for potential spot checks.
- Post-Flight: Submit a usage report. Ensure all captured data remains on local storage devices within China.
The High Cost of Non-Compliance
The penalties for violating these regulations are severe and escalate quickly:
| Violation | Base Penalty for Chinese Citizens | Typical Consequence for Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Unregistered / Unactivated Flight | Fine: RMB 500–5,000 | Double fines, possible detention, exit order |
| Illegal Flight in Controlled Airspace | 5–10 days detention + fine | 10–15 days detention, higher fines, deportation |
| Privacy Breach / Classified Filming | Fine + detention | Criminal liability, deportation, entry ban |
The risks are real. A recent case in Shandong province saw an individual penalized for flying above 120 meters without submitting a flight plan on the UOM platform.
Given this complexity, most foreign production companies opt to work with licensed Chinese partners who can navigate the bureaucracy, obtain permits, provide certified local pilots, and ensure data compliance. This is often the most reliable and low-risk path to accomplishing your aerial photography goals in China.
The intent behind these comprehensive rules is not to stifle creativity but to ensure that the rapidly expanding low-altitude airspace remains safe, secure, and orderly. For the informed and compliant photographer, it is still possible to capture China’s stunning landscapes from the sky—it just requires careful planning, patience, and a steadfast commitment to following the new rules of the air.
CHINA VIDEO FIXER 
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