WARNING: DO NOT Bring This Device To Beijing Or You Will Get Into Trouble

Planning a trip to Beijing and thinking of bringing your drone to capture some epic aerial shots of the Forbidden City?

STOP! Just leave that flying camera at home. 

A Malaysian tourist recently shared a nightmare experience on social media after reportedly being stopped for bringing a drone into Beijing. 

According to her account, she was intercepted at airport upon arrival due to the drone. Airport security sent her to speak to a superior. The superior directed her to the police. The police sent her back to security. She even tried to find a courier who could ship the drone home, but that didn't work out either. 

Basically, everyone seemed to know who wasn't responsible for solving her problem, but nobody seemed able to tell her how to actually solve it.

And what made the experience even more unpleasant? She claimed that the officers appeared to smirk while watching her struggle with the situation.

Eventually after hours on this bureaucratic merry-go-round, she was left no choice but to give up her drone. 

Beijing Doesn't Just Ban Flying Drones

Here's the important part. Beijing's restrictions go beyond simply banning drone flights.

Under the rules taking effect on 15 November 2026, possessing, storing, transporting or bringing drones into Beijing is prohibited, subject to specified exceptions. Official guidance also warns visitors not to bring drones into the city, including when transiting through Beijing.

Violations can lead to confiscation and fines. So no, keeping your drone switched off in your suitcase doesn't automatically make everything okay.

And if you want to apply for permit to bring in the drone, you will need a Chinese app to navigate the relevant procedures, but don't assume everything will work smoothly with your foreign ID. It just doesn't.

So, in a nutshell, if you're visiting Beijing, even just passing through on a transit, make sure you are not carrying your drone baby. For now, you risk losing it, and from November 15 onward, you could also face a fine.

Stay safe and stay smart, buddies!

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