🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Tanzania's (Dar es Salaam & Kilimanjaro). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to comment your experience or any updates 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 Tanzania
Tanzania differentiates commercial vs recreational drone uses. Both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone, different rules will apply.
✅ In Nigeria, drone regulation falls under the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) & they can be contacted anytime via;
Email: tcaa@tcaa.go.tz & ais@tcaa.go.tz
Phone: (+255) 219 8100 or (+255) 284 4291
Mail: Aeronautical Information Services Nyerere/ Kitunda Road Junction Aviation House, 1st Floor, P.O. Box 2819, DAR ES SALAAM
✅ Tanzania differentiates 3 drone weight classes:
Light = below 7 kg
Medium = between 7 kg & 150 kg
Large = above 150 kg (needs to follow manned aviation rules)
Can I bring my drone to Tanzania?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Tanzania (Dar es Salaam & Kilimanjaro) as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person) and that you have registered your drone prior landing in the country.
🚨 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 Tanzania?
🚨 We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Tanzania "If you have more information about this, please let us on the Forum know anytime". Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way showing that flying over the main cities and national parks is subject to restrictions and permits might be required.
Tanzania Drone Fly Map
🛬 No fly airspace operates up to 5 km around international airports and/or 3 km around domestic airports and aerodromes. From then comes in place a controlled airspace which is represented with colours on the map.
🐘 Tanzanian national parks are not allowed to be flown above with your drone unless you hold a specific permit. These are often in place to keep wildlife safe and protect the animals from smugglers who could use drone to identify their next target 🌲 Here are some sites to check upon.
💡 Spare drone batteries are a must when travelling overseas, they give you more autonomy to fly and take pictures during your trips.
Recreational drone use in Tanzania
🚨 Before flying your drone in Tanzania, you will need a qualification and to register your equipment. Additionally several rules apply when in the air:
✅ In every category case, you will need:
fly at a maximum of 122 m altitude, during daytime only and always within sight.
fly away from urban places such as cities or villages unless you have a permit.
a third party insurance to cover yourself and others.
fly at least 5 km away from international airports and/or 3 km away from domestic airports and aerodromes. You must also give priority to all other categories of aircraft & if you see n aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
🚑 If you experience an accident with your drone that results into an injury to someone or damages someone else's property/belonging; you will to contact within 48 hours the Chief Inspector of Aircraft Accidents at:
Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications Tanzania Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch, Tancot House, 2 Pamba Street, 11476 Dar Es Salaam Tel: (+255) 222 137 650 (dial 6) or permsec@mot.go.tz
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How to obtain my qualification to fly a drone in Tanzania?
🌏 The good news first is that foreign pilots qualifications should be recognised. Tanzanian authorities went a step further by confirming that licenses from the following institutions will be automatically accepted if valid:
The British Model Flying Association
Model Flying New Zealand
Model Aeronautical Association of Australia
Model Aeronautics Association of Canada
Federal Aviation Administration FAA (UAS Division Certification)
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (NZ CAA)
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA)
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Civil Aviation Authority South Africa (SACAA)
🚨 If your qualification is not recognised, you will need to apply for a training at a one of RPAS Institutions listed above.
How to register my drone in Tanzania?
✅ For drones weighting less than 7 kg, the process to register your drone in Tanzania is fairly simple and straightforward as you will just need to complete this form with the required information including your drone and personal details. You will also be asked about the intentions of your flight and your drone's specs.
Once you have completed the online form, complete your application with the below documents and send it via email at tcaa@tcaa.go.tz & ais@tcaa.go.tz
a cover letter to outline the purpose for the Unmanned Aircraft.
your drone's flight manual matching the original type certification
a copy of your third party insurance
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Commercial drone use in Tanzania
🚨 To fly your drone for commercial purposes in Tanzania, you will need to complete the formalities required for recreational use and to have a commercial pilot's license before undertaking your aerial work. Additionally, you will need to obtain a permit for each mission.
How to obtain a permit to fly my drone for commercial use in Tanzania?
✅ For drones weighing less than 7 kg, you will need to complete the registration form along with the below documents and send it via email at tcaa@tcaa.go.tz & ais@tcaa.go.tz
An approval to operate from the Ministry of Defense of Nigeria.
A cover letter to outline the purpose of your flight.
Your drone's original flight manual and your company's operations manual.
A copy of your liability and third party insurance from a recognised insurance broker that has dealt with Unmanned Aircraft Operations Insurance or its equivalent.
✅ For drones weighting more than 7 kg, in addition from above, you will need to provide:.
A report from a competent person demonstrating that the type has a safety record in service, acceptable to the Authority for its intended use along evidence of the competence of the person nominated to maintain your drone.
Satisfactory ground and flight test reports to a format previously agreed by the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority.
A maintenance inspection programme. This must include details of any special techniques specified by the manufacturer, and details of each mandatory replacement or inspection interval.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Tanzania'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 Tanzania! 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.
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