Drone Laws in Namibia

Last update on 02.08.2024 | 8 Kommentare

In this article, we’ll tell you which drone laws apply in Namibia and what hurdles you have to take to fly a multicopter in the country legally.

In Namibia, all drones must now be registered. Different requirements are depending on the purpose of your flights. Further down, you will find out how to register your drone.

Overview: Drone rules in Namibia

Registration of a drone in Namibia

All documents for Namibia can be downloaded here.

Private users must submit an application for an RPAS Letter of Approval (RLA). This application must be submitted by foreigners at least 60 days in advance and must contain the following information:

• Formal letter of application to the Executive Director of the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) stating that you wish to fly your drone for private purposes and during what period of time
• A map with the intended flight areas and the coordinates of the ascent site – can be created with Google Earth (application can be downloaded free of charge)
• Risk analysis and a “Safety Management Plan” (2.a FSS-OPS-FORM-612-01 Rev 3) – if you do not have any information, you can fill in the respective field with “Not Applicable”
• Technical data of your drone in English – you can usually find this in the manufacturer’s user manual
• Proof of drone insurance that also covers third-party damage in Namibia – it is essential to state that the insurance is valid during the travel period
• Proof of payment for the transfer of the processing fee of currently 300 NAD (approx. 15 euros). To benefit from favourable exchange rates, we recommend using the wise.com portal for international payments.
• Copy of your passport

As you can see, getting official approval from the NCAA is quite time-consuming. The first time I submitted the documents to the NCAA, I received feedback the very next day and advice as to which document may still have errors. So if you start your application in good time and go through the documents step by step, you should get your approval without any problems.  

It gets even more complicated for commercial copter pilots. They must apply for an Operator Certificate (ROC). Foreign pilots must expect a processing time of at least 120 days. For the application you must present the following documents:

• A formal letter of application to the Executive Director of the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) detailing the purpose of the drone flights and their intended duration.
• An aviation license.
• Proof of registration of all drones.
• RLA for every single drone.
• Operations Manual according to the specifications of the NCAA.
• Proof of payment for the transfer of the processing fee of currently 4,500 NAD (about 308 Euro).

Each drone can only be registered under one ROC. This means that each commercial drone can be assigned to exactly one pilot.

You probably not only want to fly your drone, but also take pictures with it. If you only film or take pictures as a tourist in Namibia, you have fewer restrictions. All other photographers and filmmakers need a permit and a temporary work visa. The Namibia Film Commission is responsible for the approval. Flights in national parks also have to be approved by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

Drone flights in Namibian national parks

For many tourists, the use of a drone in the national parks is indeed a tempting idea. Poachers also use drones. It is a fact that drones can disturb the wild animals. The legislators had good reasons to ban the use of drones in national parks. This prohibition applies at a distance of 9.3 kilometers (5 nautical miles) around the protected areas.

If you still want to fly in a national park or a reserve, you need the approval of the NCAA and the permission of the responsible nature conservation authority. If you can not show these and get caught by a ranger, you have to expect fines.

Further rules for the operation of drones in Namibia

Regardless of NCAA approval, you must obtain written permission from the property owners (individuals, authorities, organizations) before each flight. This obligation applies to both private and commercial drone aviators. All granted permits must be carried when copters are used.

Drones are allowed to operate in Namibia only in daylight and within the line of sight. Multicopters are not allowed to fly over crowds.

For the outer boundary of airfields in Namibia a distance of 9.3 kilometers (five nautical miles) must be observed. Maintain a distance of 50 meters to uninvolved persons, other objects (such as vehicles, buildings, etc.) and roads. Public roads may not be used as a take-off and landing site.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Namibia to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Namibia!