Drones In Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the most photographed countries on earth. The sweeping plains of the Serengeti, the volcanic rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds, it is no surprise that photographers and filmmakers increasingly want to capture these landscapes from above. But before you pack your drone, there is a significant amount of regulation you need to understand.
Flying a drone in Tanzania without the correct permits is illegal and can result in confiscation of your equipment and substantial fines. This guide covers everything you need to know: national rules, the permit process for foreign visitors, fees, and the specific conditions that apply inside Tanzania’s national parks.
Are Drones Allowed in Tanzania?
Yes, drones are permitted in Tanzania, but only under the regulations set by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). Every drone operating in the country must be registered, and flying without the appropriate authorisation is an offence under Tanzanian law.
Tanzania classifies drones by weight into three classes and by intended use into three categories:
By weight:
- Class 1: 0 to 5 kg
- Class 2: 5 kg to 25 kg
- Class 3: 25 kg and above
By intended use:
- Category 1: leisure and sport
- Category 2: private use other than leisure and sport
- Category 3: commercial use
General Drone Rules in Tanzania
These rules apply to all drone operators in Tanzania, whether resident, citizen, or foreign visitor:
Drones weighing less than 7 kilograms are exempt from the Ministry of Defense permit requirement. Drones weighing 7 kilograms or more require a special permit from the Ministry of Defense before they can be operated.
Drones must not be flown within 3 kilometres of any domestic airport or within 5 kilometres of any international airport.
The maximum permitted flight altitude is 121 metres (400 feet) above ground level.
Drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight with their drone at all times during flight.
Drone insurance is compulsory for all operations in Tanzania.
Flying at night is prohibited.
Flying over crowds without special permission from the TCAA is not allowed.
Drones may be flown inside national parks only with specific permission obtained in advance from the relevant authorities.
Rules for Foreign Visitors Bringing Drones to Tanzania
Foreign nationals face additional requirements and restrictions compared to Tanzanian citizens and residents. The most important points to understand are:
Only drones weighing 7 kilograms or less may be flown in Tanzania by foreign visitors. Heavier drones are not permitted for use by non-citizens.
Importing a drone into Tanzania requires an import permit from the TCAA. Under Regulation 6 of the Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) Regulations 2018, import permits are issued only to Tanzanian citizens, residents, companies registered in Tanzania, and the Government of Tanzania. Foreign visitors cannot import a drone for personal use and must make separate arrangements.
To fly a drone as a foreign visitor, you must hold a valid drone pilot certificate issued by your home country.
You must obtain written authorisation from the TCAA before flying.
You must also obtain permission from the Ministry of Defense and National Service before any flight operations.
The application for authorisation must be submitted at least one month before your arrival in Tanzania. Applications submitted with less than one month’s notice may not be processed in time.
How to Apply for a Drone Permit in Tanzania as a Foreign Visitor
The application is completed through the TCAA’s online portal. To gain access, you must first send the following details to the TCAA’s official email address to be registered in the system. You will then receive your login credentials and a link to the application portal.
The information required for registration is full name, email address, physical address, phone number, passport number, and nationality.
Once registered, complete the online application and submit it alongside any required supporting documents.
Drone Registration and Permit Fees in Tanzania
All drones must be registered before they can be flown. Registration can be completed at TCAA headquarters or at regional offices. You will need to provide proof of drone ownership, such as a purchase receipt, and pay the relevant registration fee.
The fee structure is as follows:
For drones weighing less than 5 kg:
- Registration: USD 100
- Daily permit: USD 10
- Monthly permit: USD 150
- Annual permit: USD 1,000
For drones weighing between 5 kg and 25 kg:
- Registration: USD 200
- Daily permit: USD 15
- Monthly permit: USD 250
- Annual permit: USD 1,800
For drones weighing above 25 kg:
- Registration: USD 300
- Daily permit: USD 20
- Monthly permit: USD 350
- Annual permit: USD 2,500
Flying Drones in Tanzania National Parks
This is where regulations become significantly more strict, and where most travellers encounter problems if they have not planned ahead.
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) does not allow anyone to enter a national park with a drone or to operate a drone inside a park without prior written permission. Attempting to bring a drone into a park without a permit will result in confiscation of the device and a fine.
To fly a drone inside a national park, you must obtain permits from all four of the following authorities:
- The Filming Board of Tanzania
- The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense
- The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA)
- The Conservation Commissioner of Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)
The application to TANAPA’s Conservation Commissioner must be submitted with copies of all three other permits already in hand. This means the process of obtaining all permissions must be started well in advance of your trip.
Conditions for Drone Operations Inside Tanzania National Parks
Once a permit has been granted by TANAPA, the following conditions apply during operations:
The drone must be flown at a minimum height of 50 metres above the ground.
The drone must not be operated in the presence of other tourists who are not part of the permit holder’s group.
The operator must report to the chief park warden before beginning any flight activity.
All drone operations must take place under the direct supervision of park personnel, specifically a ranger assigned by the park.
The operator is responsible for transporting the assigned ranger to and from the authorized pick-up and drop-off point.
In addition to standard park entry fees, the operator must pay the ranger service fee.
In the Serengeti, drones are strictly prohibited during the Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings.
Drones may not be flown in the vicinity of any lodge or camp facility inside a park unless the facility’s management provides written approval.
A copy of the final footage or film produced must be provided unconditionally to the office of the Conservation Commissioner for non-commercial use.
Penalties for breaching these conditions include a fine of no less than TZS 100,000 (approximately USD 100) per offence, plus confiscation of the drone.
Key Takeaways Before You Fly
Tanzania’s drone regulations exist to protect its wildlife, preserve the experience of other visitors, and maintain national security. The rules are strictly enforced, particularly inside national parks. Confiscation of undeclared or unpermitted drones at the airport and at park gates does happen.
If you are serious about aerial photography in Tanzania, start the permit process at least one month before your travel dates, engage directly with the TCAA and TANAPA, and make sure every layer of authorization is in place before you arrive.
If you are planning a photography safari and have questions about what is and is not permitted on the ground, the team at Kiwoito Africa Safaris is happy to advise. Our guides know the parks, the rules, and the best vantage points for capturing Tanzania from every angle, even without a drone.
