Drone Laws in Botswana

Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 30.01.2026 | 9 Kommentare

On June 14, 2024, the Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Regulations came into effect. In this post, we explain the current legal situation for drone pilots in Botswana.

In Botswana, several approvals are required to fly a drone. Every drone – regardless of its weight – must be registered and will receive a certificate (with the pilot’s name, contact details, and address). The good news: if you’re bringing your drone into the country but don’t plan to fly it, you don’t need to register it. The bad news: foreigners who wish to fly their drone in the country must notify the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) in writing at least 7 days in advance. As one of our readers found out, the registration process seems quite complex and not very practical for casual tourists, as several documents are required that can only be obtained locally.

First, you must apply for a “Clearance Report” – a kind of police certificate – at a police station in Botswana. Your fingerprints will be taken for this.

With this police certificate, you can proceed to the actual application. It’s best to submit it in person at a CAAB office, as you’ll need to bring your drone there anyway. You’ll need:

• a certified copy of your passport
• proof of payment of the application fee: 1,050.00 BWP (private drone pilots – about €64) / 2,625.00 BWP (commercial pilots – about €160) – payable at a CAAB office
• Security Vetting form SV1 (looks like this)
• a copy of the drone’s user manual
• the drone itself for inspection
• if applicable, the owner’s consent (for commercial operations)

It may take up to 30 days for the security vetting to be completed.

After successful registration, the following rules must be observed.

Overview: Drone rules in Botswana

Additional Drone Rules in Botswana

Drone flights in Botswana are only allowed during daylight and within direct visual line of sight, but not further than 500 meters. If using FPV equipment, you must have a visual observer (VO) with you.

Drones with a takeoff weight over 25 kg are only permitted under special conditions.

Weight classes are categorized as follows:

• Class 1: 0–5 kg (including payload)
• Class 2: 5–25 kg (including payload)
• Class 3: 25+ kg (including payload)

The minimum age to operate a drone is 18 years. Crossing the national border with a drone is not permitted.

Maintaining logbooks for maintenance and pre-flight checks is mandatory.

The transfer (loan, sale, or lease) of a registered drone is only permitted with official approval.

Autonomous drones (without pilot intervention) are only allowed for government or emergency services and require a special permit from the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC).

In 2024, a comprehensive licensing system for remote pilots was also introduced (Part V, Regulations 47–63):

• Required knowledge tests (initial and recurrent)
• Proficiency tests
• Medical requirements
• English language proficiency for international BVLOS operations
• Type ratings for specific drone models

Commercial operators require an RPAS Operator Certificate (ROC) with the following:

• Safety Management System (SMS)
• Qualified personnel
• Operations Manual
• Accountable Manager

Safety Distances and Flight Restrictions

Drones may not be flown within ten kilometers of an airport or seven kilometers of a smaller airstrip.

Maintain at least 50 meters distance from people, vehicles, and buildings.

A minimum distance of 200 meters must be maintained from power lines.

You may not fly in many areas (e.g., over wildlife, tourist facilities such as hotels, national parks, built-up areas) unless you have obtained special permission. Flying over highways, prisons, police stations, courts, accident scenes, security facilities, government buildings, traffic, and military installations is strictly prohibited.

Violations can result in fines of up to 50,000 BWP and, in severe cases, imprisonment of up to 10 years.

The drone rules for Botswana listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. If you want to be sure, contact the aviation authority of Botswana. Alternatively, you can also contact the Botswanan embassy in your home country for more information on the regulations. Please leave us a comment if you hear of any updates and/or have your own drone experience in Botswana!