Since May 1, 2026, new drone regulations in Beijing prohibit travelers from bringing drones into the city. We have outlined the following solutions for travelers arriving in Beijing on international flights.
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Case 1: Visiting Beijing Only (No Further Travel Within China)
Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you must declare your drone to Customs. Customs can hold the drone for safekeeping during your stay in Beijing. You may collect it when departing China from the same airport.
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Case 2: Staying in Beijing Before Traveling to Other Cities in China
If Beijing is your first stop before traveling to other destinations within China, you must declare your drone to Customs upon arrival. Customs officers can assist you in shipping the drone via China Post (EMS) to your next destination. Delivery typically takes 3–5 days.
Before your trip, please contact your hotel at your next destination and request the following information in Chinese: 1) Hotel name; 2) Full hotel address; 3) Recipient's full name; 4) Chinese mobile phone number. This information is required for EMS delivery.
Alternatively, you can ask your local guide or travel agency to provide the delivery information in Chinese.
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Case 3: International Flight with a Transit in Beijing
If you are only transiting through Beijing and do not leave the airport's international transit area, your drone may remain in your checked baggage (with the battery removed), provided your luggage is checked through to your final destination.
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Case 4: Departing China via Beijing After Visiting Other Cities (No Solution)
If Beijing is your final stop before flying home after traveling to other cities in China, you will not be allowed to bring your drone into Beijing. At the moment, there is no practical solution for this situation.
If you plan to bring a drone to China, we recommend arranging your itinerary so that your international departure is from another city rather than Beijing whenever possible.
