China bans drone ownership in Beijing starting November 15, citing the protection of the capital’s security

Authorities in Beijing will ban the ownership and storage of drones throughout the capital’s administrative territory starting November 15, citing the need to protect security. The measure applies in a metropolis of approximately 22 million residents, home to the Chinese government and the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party.

Until now, drone flights had been banned in the capital, except for authorized flights. Since May 2026, authorities have also banned the sale of these devices in Beijing, although owners could keep them if they registered them.

The new rules require owners to surrender their drones or move them outside the capital by the established deadline. Otherwise, the devices may be confiscated and the owners may be fined.

The decision comes after a small aircraft crashed into the tallest building in Beijing in June. The pilot died and 13 other people were injured. Exceptions to the restrictions on drone use may be granted for counterterrorism operations, maintaining public order, emergency response, agriculture, and scientific research.