🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Namibia (Windhoek). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Namibia
Namibia differentiates commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both uses are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone, different rules may apply.
✅ In Namibia, drone regulation falls under the Civil Aviation Authority & they can be contacted anytime via;
Email: rpas@dca.com.na
Phone: (+264) 61 70 2005
Can I bring my drone to Namibia?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Namibia (Windhoek) as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Namibia?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Namibia "If you have more information about this, please share it in the Forum". Thankfully in the meantime, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way organised in a 3 color legend.
Namibia Drone Fly Map
🚨 Do not fly near the country's borders or undertake an international flight with your drone; aka take off/land from a different territory than Namibia during one flight.
🌲 National / Marine parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you will need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities. If you don't have any permission, keep a safe distance of 9.2 km away from any national park or game reserves in Namibia.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Namibia
🚨 Before anything you will need to obtain authorisation from the Executive Director of the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority before undertaking any flight operations.
In every category case, you will need to:
fly your drone without creating any hazard to anyone or anything else
fly at a maximum of 30 m altitude, during daytime & always within sight.
fly at least 50 m away from property, crowds, individuals & respect privacy rights.
fly only with an insurance covering all risks.
fly awaid from clouds and during good weather only.
do not carry, tow or drop anything from your UAV while in flying.
fly at least 9,26 km away from airports or heliports & give priority to all other categories of aircraft & if you see n aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
💡 If an accident occurs that involves anyone or anything else than yourself or your UAV, you should report it within the following 72 h to the closest civil aviation authority representation and in person.
How to obtain my permission to fly my drone in Namibia?
🚨 A person operating a RPA System in Namibia shall have prior authorisation or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Letter of Approval (RLA) or Operating Certificate (ROC) from the Executive Director before undertaking any flight operation.
💡 Remember that you can contact them anytime via email: rpas@dca.com.na or phone (+264) 61 70 2005 when in need.
For recreational purposes
✅ You will need to send a formal application letter intended to the Executive Director which should include:
the full description & duration of the intended operations together with any other info that you might consider to be helpful in your application.
a map indicating proposed areas of operations and co-ordinates of your flight.
a Risk Assessment and Safety Management plan for intended operations.
documentation that shows a level of safety or system safety acceptable.
a copy of your insurance for any damage to third parties that is valid in Namibia
a copy of proof a payment of the prescribed application processing fees.
🤑 It will cost you about 75€ to register your drone for recreational use in Namibia; this will need to be paid via international transfer to:
Name of Bank: Standard Bank of Namibia
Account Name: Namibia Civil Aviation Authority
Account Number: 042677068
Branch Code: 082672
Branch Name: Ausspannplatz
Swift Code: SBNMNANX
🕔 It is recommended to start the process at least 60 days prior intended flight day if you are a foreigner (this delay is brought down to 30 days if you're a local).
For commercial purposes
You will need to repreat all the steps required in the recreational use & additionaly;
a copy of your license.
a copy of the certificate of registration of your drone.
✅ Once you obtained the permission from the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority, you will need to seek the one from the land owners or jurisdictions involved in your flight areas. When on the field flying, make sure to carry with you all your authorisations obtained in written.
🕔 It is recommended to start the process at least 120 days prior intended flight day if you are a foreigner (this delay is brought down to 90 days if you're a local).
🤑 It will cost you about 275€ to register your drone for recreational use in Namibia; this will need to be paid via international transfer to:
Name of Bank: Standard Bank of Namibia
Account Name: Namibia Civil Aviation Authority
Account Number: 042677068
Branch Code: 082672
Branch Name: Ausspannplatz
Swift Code: SBNMNANX
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Namibia?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Namibia's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Namibia! Have fun and safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
Source