Africa
Namibia
NCAA — Part 101/NAMCARS
Namibia requires registration of every drone (recreational or commercial) with the NCAA, and every single flight needs prior written approval. Drones are banned in national parks, and visitors from abroad must apply for authorization at least 60 days in advance.
Mandatory with the NCAA for every drone, recreational or commercial, under Part 101/NAMCARS.
Every flight requires prior written NCAA approval; foreign visitors must submit their application at least 60 days before arrival.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Flying in national parks is categorically forbidden. Maximum altitude and specific distances are not stated on the official page consulted.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Maximum altitude (45 m cited by secondary sources) and minimum distance from people (50 m) not confirmed on the official page consulted: left out rather than inferred.
Last checked: 2026-08
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Namibia, the official reference remains NCAA — Namibia Civil Aviation Authority. Mandatory with the NCAA for every drone, recreational or commercial, under Part 101/NAMCARS.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by NCAA — Namibia Civil Aviation Authority. Every flight requires prior written NCAA approval; foreign visitors must submit their application at least 60 days before arrival.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.