Drone Laws in Tanzania

Last updated on April 15th, 2023 at 06:39 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the United Republic of Tanzania

Drone Regulator in Tanzania: Tanzania’s Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA)

Link to Tanzania Drone Regulator Drone Section: Tanzania RPAS Section

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Tanzania

The Tanzanian agency responsible for drone safety, TCAA, has provided several details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Tanzania?

According to TCAA, drones are allowed in Tanzania, subject to TCAA regulations. Read on for details.

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

Every drone in the country must be registered.

Tanzania categorizes drones by weight and by intended use:

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 for leisure and sport
Category 3: commercial use

Here are the most important rules for flying a drone in Tanzania.

• Drones weighing less than 7 kilograms (15.5 pounds) are exempt from the permit requirement. 
• To fly a drone weighing more than 7 kilograms (15.5 pounds), the Ministry of Defense requires a special permit. 
• Drones are prohibited from flying within three kilometers (2 miles) of any domestic airport or five kilometers (3 miles) of any international airport. 
• Drones cannot fly higher than 121 meters (400 feet). 
• While flying, drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight with their drones.
• In Tanzania, drone insurance is required for all drone operations. 
• Drones are not permitted to be flown at night. 
• Drones are not permitted to fly over national parks. 
• Without special permission from the TCAA, drones may not be flown over crowds.

Permit Requirements for Drones in Tanzania?

Only citizens and residents may own a drone.

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 headquarters or the regional offices.

You must complete the registration. 

You must show proof of drone possession (for example, a receipt). 

Pay a registration fee of US$ 100. 

How can you import a drone to Tanzania?

According to the Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2018, Part II regulation 6 (1) says:  “A person shall not import an RPAS or a component of an RPAS without a permit issued by the Authority.” This permit is issued only to Tanzania citizens, residents, companies registered in Tanzania, and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The permit of import is for import purposes only; an applicant must make sure to apply for an authorization permit and registration after import.  To get import permit requirements, click here,  and for the import form, click here.

Note for Foreign Operators

If you’re traveling to Tanzania and want to bring your drone, the TCAA lists these special considerations for foreigners who wish to fly drones:

• Only drones weighing 7 kilograms (15.5 pounds) or less may be flown in Tanzania.
• To fly a drone in Tanzania, you must first obtain permission from the TCAA. The form to submit can be found here.
• To fly a drone in Tanzania for any purpose (i.e., recreational or commercial), you must hold a certificate that authenticates your ability to fly a drone issued by your country of origin.
• In addition, to obtain a permit from the TCAA to fly a drone in Tanzania as a foreigner, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Defense and National Service.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Tanzania

Tanzania RPAS Operations – Private Requirements Regulation (PDF Download)

Tanzania RPAS Operations – Recreational Requirements Regulation (PDF Download)

Category 2 and 3 pilots (private and commercial use) need a pilot’s license. 

You must be at least 21 years old and: 

• Have a recent medical certificate, 
• Be English proficient, 
• have a radiotelephony license, 
• have completed flight training and a knowledge and skills test. 
• Pay a fee of US$ 200.

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 Tanzania

Tanzania Commercial Drone Requirements Regulation

Category 2 and 3 pilots (private and commercial use) need a pilot’s license. 

You must be at least 21 years old and: 

• Have a recent medical certificate, 
• Be English proficient, 
• have a radiotelephony license, 
• have completed flight training and a knowledge and skills test. 
• Pay a fee of US$ 200.

See the general rules above

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Useful published information on flying drones in Tanzania

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

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NOTE: 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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