Drone Laws in Namibia

Summary of Drone Laws in Namibia

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Namibia

Drone Regulator in Namibia: Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

Link to Namibia Drone Laws and Forms: Namibian Drone Regulations, Forms and General Information (Zip File)

Contact Information

If you need additional details we have not covered or specific case assistance, you can contact the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) directly at:

• Address: 4 Rudolph Hertzog Street Windhoek, Namibia
• Phone: +264 83 2352100
• Email: info@ncaa.na

Please continue reading for more details on Namibia Drone Laws.

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Namibia

The Namibian agency responsible for drone safety, NCAA, has provided several details on flying drones for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, click on the link above.

Are drones allowed in Namibia?

According to the NCAA, drones are allowed in Namibia, subject to NCAA regulations. Read on for details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Namibia:

Get written authorization from:

• Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) before operating a drone Privately or Commercially at all times.
• NCAA Approval to fly above 150 Feet (45m) above ground and/or within Published areas/airspace or a 5 NM radius of the unmanned aerodrome.
• Namibia Film Commission (NFC) if you intend to make a movie or video.
• Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) if you intend to fly in a National Park or Nature Reserve
• Property Owner Permission you intend to operate your drone over.
• Aerodrome/Airfield Owner Permission when flying within 5NM or 10KM of a runway.

DO’S

• Always have approved authorization when operating a drone.
• Keep your eyes at all times on your drone.
• Have your public liability insurance at all times.
• Fly only during daylight and in good weather
• Keep the drone within your sight at all times.
• Only Use ONE drone at a time.
• Always check that your drone is in an airworthy state
• Think before you publish any image/video, as you may be breaching privacy laws.

DON’T

• Don’t fly higher than 150 feet(45 meters above the surface;
• Don’t ‘fly over populated areas. e.g., streets, towns, and cities)
• Don’t fly within published controlled airspace and prohibited, restricted, or dangerous areas.
• Don’t fly closer than 5 Nautical Miles (10 Km) from the radius boundary of an airfield.
• Don’t fly over vehicles where you may distract the driver
• Don’t fly a drone from a moving vehicle
• Don’t fly over personal property without consent
• Don’t fly near or over the military, police, and prison facilities.
• Don’t Fly over populated areas. e.g., streets, towns, and cities)
• Don’t Fly within a published controlled zone.

Additional Note for Foreign Operators

If you’re traveling to Namibia and wish to bring your drone, the NCAA lists the following special considerations for foreigners flying drones:

• To fly a drone recreationally in Namibia as a foreigner, you must obtain approval from the NCAA. Foreign nationals must submit applications for permission to fly recreationally at least 60 calendar days before the scheduled flight. On the NCAA website, you can learn more about how to apply for approval. 

To fly a drone commercially in Namibia as a foreigner, you must obtain approval from the NCAA. In addition, foreign nationals must submit commercial flight authorization applications at least 120 calendar days before the planned flight.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Namibia

How to register a drone for private use in Namibia?

Private users must apply for an RPAS Letter of Approval (RLA). This request must be made by foreigners at least 60 days in advance and include the following information:

• A formal letter of application to the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) Executive Director outlines the drone flight’s purpose and duration. 
• A map depicting the intended flight areas and the ascent location’s coordinates.
• Risk assessment and development of a “Safety Management Plan.” 
• The aircraft’s documentation details the drone’s technical specifications. 
• Proof of drone insurance, which includes coverage for third-party damage in Namibia. 
• Proof of payment for the processing fee is currently 1,200 NAD (about 80 euros).

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Namibia

How to register a drone for commercial use in Namibia?

Commercial UAV operators 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 Namibia Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) Executive Director outlines the drone flight’s purpose and duration. 
• A pilot’s license. 
• All drones must be registered. 
• RLA for each drone. 
• Manual of Operations per NCAA specifications. 
• Proof of payment for the processing fee is currently 4,500 NAD (about 308 euros).

Each drone may be registered with a single ROC. This means that each commercial drone can have a single pilot assigned to it. 

If you are only filming or photographing in Namibia as a tourist, there are fewer restrictions. 

All other photographers and filmmakers require a permit and a temporary work visa to work in Namibia. The Namibia Film Commission is in charge of the approval process. 

Flights over national parks must also be approved by the Environment and Tourism Ministry.

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Namibia

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Namibia…

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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