diff --git a/libraries/AP_NavEKF3/AP_NavEKF3.cpp b/libraries/AP_NavEKF3/AP_NavEKF3.cpp
index 9c7552decf..561decbcf4 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_NavEKF3/AP_NavEKF3.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_NavEKF3/AP_NavEKF3.cpp
@@ -1043,6 +1043,13 @@ bool NavEKF3::getOriginLLH(int8_t instance, struct Location &loc) const
 // Returns false if the filter has rejected the attempt to set the origin
 bool NavEKF3::setOriginLLH(const Location &loc)
 {
+    if (_fusionModeGPS != 3) {
+        // we don't allow setting of the EKF origin unless we are
+        // flying in non-GPS mode. This is to prevent accidental set
+        // of EKF origin with invalid position or height
+        gcs().send_text(MAV_SEVERITY_WARNING, "EKF3 refusing set origin");
+        return false;
+    }
     if (!core) {
         return false;
     }