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Updated January 2021
or 91.4 metres
Only during day time.
Source: Civil Aviation Department
Hong Kong is one of the more chilled out cities in the world when it comes to drone laws and regulations. It was once called the wild frontier for drones.
Drones are a fairly common sight in Hong Kong, especially over the weekends when enthusiasts and hobbyists set out to open spaces to fly. The popular flying spots often get crowded on a sunny, clear day.
Although, the laws prohibit drones over the city, they’re a common sight especially around Central. I’ve often seen them fly around the peak, or next to the IFC. Personally, I’ve only been stopped once from flying my drone in Hong Kong, when I tried to fly it near the Kowloon Walled City Park. Other than that, most people in Hong Kong are used to seeing drones and simply smile if they see you flying one.
I keep a list of spots in Hong Kong that are great outdoors places to fly your drone.
I would advise you to not fly is near the harbour, on both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island sides. This area has many helipads, with moderate air traffic during the day time. The same applies for busy beaches. Many beaches also have helipads, and lifeguards on-duty will tell you not to fly near them.
Also, as tempting as it may be, flying over special events could land you into trouble. Three drone operators were arrested for flying over the Formula-E event in 2016.
Other than that, Hong Kong is a very drone-friendly city. If you’re a first timer, go to Nam Sang Wai to practice. There’s ample open space, no buildings or people. Remember, 70% of Hong Kong isn’t developed. So get out of the main city and find your spot.
And remember to always fly safe! Also if you’re flying anywhere near water, check out these waterproof drones – https://www.globosurfer.com/best-waterproof-drones/
Find out which drone and drone accessories I use, and recommend.
Drone operators in Hong Kong may soon be required to register their drones. Anything between 250 grams and 7 kgs would need to be registered. And drones exceeding 7 kgs would need to be vetted by authorities and require insurance to protect against flight risks.
However, this news was published in 2018 and since then there has been no new update.
10 Comments
Thank you very much for doing this article. It’s exactly what I wanted to know! And thank good Google for pointing out your website.
All the best!
Thanks, Sergiu! Glad you found this article helpful 🙂
Have the laws changed in HK? Are the registration requirements in place yet or is it still safe to fly freely?
As of October 2018, there are no registration rules.
Any registration or approval require if I fly the drone for commercial?
Good question. None that I’m aware of, but I do know it would require taking permission if the flight is over private property.
Is it possible in Lantau Trail 3 area?
Yes, as long as you keep it within sight and close to the trail. You can always refer to your flight app for no-fly zones.
Hello !
Thank you for the information ! Just to know : Is bringing a Drone from outside the country allowed ? (I guess Yes, but it is just to confirm)
thanks a lot
Yes, it is allowed 🙂