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Beijing's ban on owning and storing drones took effect Sunday, prohibiting residents from possessing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across China's capital as authorities tighten security measures.
The restrictions, announced in September, cover both urban and rural areas of the municipality, spanning approximately 16,400 square kilometers (6,300 square miles), an area roughly half the size of Belgium.
Authorities said the measure aims to "safeguard the security of the capital," which houses China's central government, top political leaders and the headquarters of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Under the new regulations, residents are prohibited from owning or storing drones, while transporting the devices or their components into Beijing is also forbidden.
Drone owners were required to dispose of their equipment before Sunday's deadline by selling it through approved buy-back locations or online platforms, or by moving it outside the restricted area.
Anyone found possessing a drone now faces possible fines and confiscation of the equipment.
Beijing had already prohibited drone sales in May 2026, requiring existing owners to register their devices with authorities while allowing them to retain possession. The latest restrictions extend that policy to a complete ownership ban.
The ban follows heightened concerns over airspace safety after a small plane crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper in June, killing the pilot and injuring 13 people.
Authorities may grant exemptions for drone flights involving counterterrorism operations, law enforcement, emergency relief, agricultural activities and scientific research.
Drones have become increasingly popular across China in recent years, particularly for aerial photography and filming landscapes, but Beijing's latest measures impose stricter controls on their possession and use within the capital.
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