Hong Kong Drone Laws (2022)

Hong Kong Drone Laws

Img 1: Aerial Photography In Hong Kong

Contents

  1. General Hong Kong Drone Laws
  2. Drone Permits In Hong Kong
  3. Brining Your Drone On Airplanes Guide
  4. Buying Drones In Hong Kong
  5. Drone Travel Guide Articles
  6. Contact Information For Questions

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General Hong Kong Drone Laws

Drone use is allowed in Hong Kong, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. Operators must ensure that they follow the following drone laws when flying in Hong Kong,

  • Any drone over 7kg empty weigh requires an air permit for every flight
  • You must fly your drone below 300 feet at all times
  • Please keep your drone within visual sight at all times
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you do not collide with any helicopter or light aircraft
  • You must keep a safe distance between your drone and people and property on the ground
  • You cannot fly over populated areas and congested areas. Keep the drone 50 meters away from people not associated with the drone at all times
  • You shall not fly a drone over or close to any installation that would present a risk to safety in the event of damage due to any impact by the drone
  • You must not fly your drone in the vicinity of an airport and aircraft approach and take off paths. The following areas are considered to fall under this category; Hong Kong International Airport, North Lantau Coastal area, coastal areas from Tai Lam Chung to Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi Island, coastal areas at both sides of the Victoria Harbour and Shek Kong area.
  • You must only operate during daylight hours
  • Your flying site should be clear of vessels, vehicles, or structures. Do not fly within 50 meters of any such object.
  • Your flying site should be clear of power sources such as power lines, transformer stations, pylons, and transmitter towers, etc which might cause radio interference
  • Your flying site should be flat to ensure safe take off and landing and should also be free from visual obstruction
  • Injuring any person or damaging any property may lead to prosecution

Some recommended areas to fly your drone are the following; Tai Tong in Yuen Long, Nam Sang Wai in Yuen Long, Tate’s Cairn in Sha Tin, Tseung Kwan O in Sai Kung, and Clear Water Bay Peninsula area in Sai Kung.

Permit Needed For Recreational Drone Use?

A drone permit is not required for recreational drone use. Please adhere to the above General Hong Kong Drone Laws however when flying your drone. (What Is Recreational Drone Use?)

Permit Needed For Commercial Drone Use?

A permit is required for commercial drone use in Hong Kong.

Documentation must be submitted at least 28 days prior to the planned flight, and proof of insurance must be provided. Click here to purchase a permit, or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Commercial Drone Use?)

Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes Guide

For a detailed guide to bringing your drone on airplanes click here. All drones should be brought on carry on luggage if possible. This is because according to the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses up to ~$1,000 USD. When traveling internationally, theft and lost luggage can be common issues, particularly if your flight has many connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and you cannot bring it onto the plane you should consider shipping it with DHL, Fedex, or UPS instead and fully insure the shipment.

You should NOT place drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be placed in a Medium Size Lipo Battery Bag" data-src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=uavsystemsint-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B007V9MN44" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /> like the one shown here in the link and brought onto the plane in your carry on bag. Lithium-ion batteries are considered “dangerous goods” by airlines and rules surrounding these batteries on planes are EXTREMELY strict due to multiple incidents of these batteries catching fire. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries in a bag such as the one shown in the link above can result in the airline seizing them, you getting fined, or being denied boarding.

Here is some video footage shot by Peter Tong when flying a drone in Hong Kong.

Buying Drones In Hong Kong

Read all of our Hong Kong Drone Laws, and now looking for drones, parts, accessories, or something else? Read our guide for Buying Drones In Hong Kong. It includes information on drones for sale in Hong Kong, import taxes, payment options, and shipping.

Drone Travel Guide

Hong Kong drone laws are up to date as of March, 2022. Please email [email protected] , or click “leave a message” at the bottom right of the screen if you have any questions or comments.