Drone Laws in Tanzania

Last update on 05.04.2024 | 62 Kommentare

In this post, we have summarized the drone laws in Tanzania.

In late 2018, Tanzania introduced new rules for drones. Now, every drone in the country must be registered. If registration is not carried out before entry, the drone will be kept at the airport and only returned on departure.

First, we will give you an overview of the rules for drone pilots in Tanzania.

Overview: Drone rules in Tanzania

Further regulations in Tanzania

Tanzania categorizes drones by weight and by purpose:

Class 1: 0-5 kg
Class 2: 5 kg – 25 kg
Class 3: 25 kg and more
Category 1: leisure and sport
Category 2: private use except leisure and sport
Category 3: commercial use
In our understanding, category 1 only includes activities in clubs etc.

Importing a drone requires a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). Each drone must be registered before being allowed to be flown. This can be done at the TCAA headquarter, Banana- Ukonga,
Dar es Salaam, or at the regional offices in Arusha, Dodoma, Iringa,
Mwanza, Mtwara, Mbeya, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Songea, Tabora,
Tanga, and Zanzibar (Unguja na Pemba).

For the registration, a form is to be completed, which is available in the appendix of the above-linked legal text. It also requires proof of possession of the drone (for example, a receipt) and a registration fee of US$ 100. However, the law only says that citizens and residents may own a drone. How visitors can register their drone, is not described.

Category 2 and 3 pilots (private and commercial use) need a pilot’s license. To do this, they must be at least 21 years old, have a recent medical certificate, English proficiency, have a radio telephony license, have completed flight training and a knowledge and skills test. A fee of US$ 200 may also be due.

A drone insurance is mandatory for all pilots.

Anyone flying drones for commercial purposes also needs an operator certificate and permits for the flights. Aerial photographs must be previously announced and, where appropriate, approved by security authorities.

This seems to make it quite difficult for Tanzania tourists to bring their drone legally into the country and fly it.

Flight bans and safety distances

Besides these formalities, Tanzania has also set some safety rules:

• Do not endanger other aircraft, persons or property – other aircraft the right of way, flying over crowds is prohibited
• Do not fly in restricted or controlled airspace unless you have permission
• In the event of unintentional entry into controlled airspace, air traffic control must be notified
• 10 km distance to aerodromes code C, D, E, F and 7 km to aerodromes code A and B
• Maximum altitude 400 feet above the ground
• 50 meters distance to persons, ships, vehicles, structures
• Respect the privacy of others, do not film bystanders without their consent
• Keep your drone within visual line of sight and only fly during the day
• Each pilot is only allowed to drive one drone at a time
• Before the flight, check conditions and the functionality of the equipment
• Drones must not be controlled under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Flying drones in national parks is prohibited.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Tanzania 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 Tanzania!