Drone Laws in Hong Kong

What are the laws regarding Drones / UAV / Quadcopters in Hong Kong?

• Drones / UAV / Quadcopters weighing more than 7 kgs require special permission from the Civil Aviation Department.
• Drones / UAV / Quadcopters weighing less than 7 kgs do not require any special permission.

Source: Civil Aviation Department

From My Personal Experience

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.

Aerial view of Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong

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My Advice

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 daytime. The same applies to 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.

My Drone & DSLR Gear

New Drone Laws Coming To Hong Kong in 2022

Drone operators in Hong Kong will be required to register their drones undergo training and pass tests, and buy insurance from 1 June 2022. Under the proposed Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) Order, anything between 250 grams and 7 kgs would need to be registered.

Drones of 250 grams or below will be subject to operating requirements, such as altitude and maximum flying distance, only. Operators of drones over 7kg will have to undergo in-depth training and pass competency tests at their own cost. Insurance would be mandatory for operating drones weighing more than 250 grams, and drones exceeding 7 kgs would need to be vetted by authorities and require insurance to protect against flight risks.

Latest news regarding drone laws in Hong Kong

• Hong Kong to require drone users to register, train and pass tests under proposed law.
• Dos and don’ts for drone fliers as Hong Kong considers laws to limit and license their use.
• A short public consultation is to be carried out in Hong Kong by the first quarter of 2018 and finish by the middle of the year.

Hong Kong Aerial Photography Gallery