Yes, you can fly a drone in Hong Kong as a tourist, and a drone of 250 g or less is the easy choice. Under the Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) Order (Cap. 448G), in full effect since December 1, 2022, drones up to 250 g flown within the Category A1 rules need no registration. Heavier drones must be registered on the Civil Aviation Department's eSUA platform with a CAD label on the drone. Either way, Victoria Harbour, the airport and Hong Kong Disneyland are off limits.
Drones up to 250 g: Category A1
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) says all drones and remote pilots must be registered except for standard Category A1 operations, meaning drones of 250 g or less flown within the A1 operating requirements. A DJI Mini 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro (249 g) or Neo (135 g) qualifies. CAD's key A1 requirements:
- Daylight only, with the drone in your direct line of sight.
- Maximum height 100 ft (about 30 m) above ground level.
- Keep at least 10 m from uninvolved people, structures, vehicles and vessels.
- Fly one drone at a time, and don't drop anything from it.
The 100 ft cap is much lower than the 400 ft US limit, so set the altitude limit in the DJI Fly app before you fly.
Drones over 250 g
Heavier drones fall into Category A2 (up to 7 kg) with more requirements:
- Register yourself and the drone on eSUA. The responsible person must be 18 or older and the remote pilot 14 or older. Non-residents register with their travel document.
- Registrations from non-residents are normally valid for six months.
- The CAD registration label can't be printed at home. You collect it at CAD headquarters (in person or by an authorized representative) or have it mailed by local post to a Hong Kong address, such as your hotel.
CAD's A2 rules allow up to 300 ft with 30 m from uninvolved people, but check CAD's site for any training needed for your drone. Anything beyond these limits, such as night flying, is an "Advanced Operation" that needs CAD's prior permission.
Where you can't fly
CAD's tips for visitors say:
- Don't fly in Restricted Flying Zones shown on CAD's Drone Map unless you're wholly inside an enclosed area. Examples: Victoria Harbour, the Express Rail Link West Kowloon station, Hong Kong International Airport and the area near the Cheung Chau helipad.
- Don't fly over the Prohibition Area near Penny's Bay, which includes Hong Kong Disneyland.
- Other laws can also apply, such as rules for country parks and Leisure and Cultural Services Department venues. Check with the right authority before flying there.
Check the Drone Map before every flight. Zones can change.
Which drone to bring
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: 249 g, no registration in Category A1.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: 249 g, 1-inch sensor for skyline and coastal views.
- DJI Neo: 135 g for quick clips on hiking trails.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Questions go to CAD's Unmanned Aircraft Office.
For packing and flights, see traveling with a drone, and compare other places in drone laws by country.
Related guides
- Drone laws in Argentina: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Aruba: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Australia: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Austria: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Bali (Indonesia): flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Barbados: flying there as a US tourist
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