Drone Laws in Hong Kong
Updated January 2020
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.
Prohibited areas of operation
- Over populated and congested areas.
- Over, or close to, any object, installation or facility that would present a risk to safety in the event of damage due to any impact by the model aircraft, or in such a manner that the good order and discipline and control thereof may be or may likely be jeopardized.
- In the vicinity of an airport and aircraft approach and take-off paths. These areas include:
- Hong Kong International Airport;
- North Lantau coastal area;
- Coastal areas from Tai Lam Chung to Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi Island;
- Victoria Harbour and its coastal areas; and
- Shek Kong area.
Altitude of Operation
or 91.4 metres
Time of Operation
Only during day time.
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
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 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.
Find out which drone and drone accessories I use, and recommend.
My Drone & DSLR Gear
New Drone Laws Coming To Hong Kong Anytime Soon?
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.
Latest news regarding drone laws in Hong Kong
- Dos and dont’s 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.
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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 🙂