Grounded in the USA? What the New Restrictions on Foreign Drones Mean for You

If you have been keeping an eye on the skies—or the news, you might have heard that the United States government has taken a major step regarding drones made by foreign companies, specifically popular brands like DJI and Autel. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs the airspace, this specific crackdown comes from a different agency: the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

On December 22, 2025, the FCC made a decision that shakes up the drone industry. Here is the lowdown on what happened, why it matters, and what it means for pilots, whether you live in the U.S. or are just visiting.

The Big Decision: The “Covered List”

In an unexpected move, the FCC added “uncrewed aircraft systems” (drones) and their critical components produced in foreign countries to its “Covered List.” This list identifies equipment that poses an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.

Here is the bottom line: As of late 2025, new drone models from companies like DJI and Autel no longer qualify for FCC authorization. Without this authorization, these devices cannot legally transmit radio signals (like the connection between your controller and the drone) in the United States. This effectively acts as a ban on any future models from these manufacturers entering the U.S. market.

Why did they do this? The government cited national security concerns, specifically the risk that foreign-made drones could be used for unauthorized surveillance, data theft, or to disrupt major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

I Live in the USA: Can I Still Fly?

If you are a resident flying for fun (recreational) or for work (commercial/Part 107), you are likely wondering if your drone just became a paperweight. Here is the good news and the bad news.

1. Existing Drones are Safe (For Now)

The FCC’s ruling applies to future authorizations. If you already own a DJI or Autel drone, or if you buy a model that the FCC authorized before December 22, 2025, you can continue to operate it. Stores can also continue to sell existing inventory of these previously authorized models.

2. No New Features or Models

The catch is that manufacturers cannot easily update or modify existing hardware if those changes require a new FCC approval [6]. Furthermore, you will likely not be able to buy the “next generation” of these drones in the U.S., as new models will be blocked from receiving the necessary radio licenses to operate here.

3. Operating Rules Still Apply

Regardless of the brand you fly, you must follow standard FAA rules:

• Recreational Flyers: You must fly purely for enjoyment, keep the drone in visual line of sight, and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
• Commercial Pilots: If you fly for business (even to sell photos), you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Remote ID: Most drones over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must broadcast a Remote ID signal. This is crucial for maintaining airspace security.

I am Visiting the USA: Can I Bring My Drone?

If you are a tourist hoping to capture aerial footage of your American vacation, things get a little trickier. The restrictions on foreign drones, combined with strict entry rules, require careful planning.

1. The Equipment Hurdle

Because the FCC bans the authorization of new foreign drone equipment, bringing a brand-new model purchased outside the U.S. (released after Dec 2025) could technically be illegal because it lacks the FCC authorization required to transmit radio signals within the U.S. borders. However, older models that were previously sold in the U.S. generally remain legal to operate [2].

2. The “Remote ID” Requirement

The biggest hurdle for visitors is Remote ID. If your drone is registered in your home country, the FAA requires you to file a Notice of Identification (NOI) before you fly in the U.S.

• If your foreign drone does not have Remote ID capabilities, you can only fly it within specific boundaries known as an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
• You cannot just fly anywhere you want without this digital license plate broadcasting your signal.

3. Registration

Even as a visitor, if your drone weighs more than 250 grams (0.55 lbs), you must register it with the FAA upon arrival through the FAADroneZone website. The FAA considers this certificate a “recognition of ownership” for foreign operators.

The Future of Flying Drones in the USA

While you can keep flying your current equipment today, the U.S. government is moving toward a future in which drones are manufactured domestically to ensure security [5, 16]. Additionally, the FAA is working on new rules (Part 108) to allow advanced flying, such as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), which will require even stricter reliability and manufacturing standards that foreign drones on the “Covered List” are unlikely to meet.

For now, keep flying safely, follow the rules, and take care of the equipment you have. Replacing it might get harder in the future!

Reference Sources

These sources detail anticipated regulatory changes regarding BVLOS operations and foreign-made drones.

• FCC Public Notice DA 25-1086
  • Source: Federal Communications Commission (Released Dec 22, 2025). https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-1086A1.pdf
  • A public notice announcing the addition of “Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and UAS Critical Components Produced Abroad” to the FCC Covered List. This action, based on a National Security Determination, effectively bans new equipment authorizations for foreign-produced drones (specifically citing DJI and Autel) to protect national security.
• Please read our complete USA Drone Laws page for comprehensive coverage of the rules and regulations. We also recommend you read the drone rules for the state in which you intend to operate, as they may have additional guidance and regulations related to drone operations.

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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