According to CAAB, drone use is allowed in Botswana, subject to CAAB regulations. Read on for more details.Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Botswana:The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) informs the public that it is an offense to operate a Drone (Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) ) in Botswana without first registering with the CAAB.The following are the most critical rules when flying a drone in Botswana.The CAAB requires that all drones be registered. While flying, drone pilotsmust maintain a direct visual line of sight with their drones.Drones can fly up to 400 feet above ground level and a maximum distance of 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the drone pilot.Drone pilots are not permitted to fly more than one drone at a time. Drone pilotsmust be at least 18 years old.Do not fly drones within a radius of three kilometers (two miles) of any airport or airfield. Dronesmust relinquish this right to crewed aircraft.Do not fly Drones at night.Botswana’s Restricted Areas of Operation. According to the CAAB’s Bye-Law 07 of 2016, the following areas are prohibited from drone operations: Unless the appropriate ATC authority is granted express permission within controlled airspace,only if two-way communication with that authority is possible.Within a three-kilometer radius of an unmanned airfield unless the operator can monitor the unmanned airfield’s 125.5 MHz frequency. Over a hundred national game parks and wildlife refuges Regardless of the tourism facility Over any wildlife in such a way that the drone may cause disturbance to the wildlife Within a 200-meter lateral distance of any power line If the drone is registered in Botswana, it may be flown across an international border.Over any airspace specified in an AIP as prohibited or restricted Over major public thoroughfares Over vehicular traffic in motion Adjacent to or above a prison, police station, crime scene, or court of law, as well as government facilities such as military and security installations Unless the owner expressly permits it, over any private property Overdeveloped areas Throughout public gatheringsIn some instances, the CAAB may grant permission to fly over the above-mentioned restricted areas of operation. To obtain permission, contact the CAAB or the appropriate authority and provide the following information in writing:The drone’s certificate of registration numberDate and time of proposed flightReason for the proposed flightDrone Flights RequestAccording to the regulations, youmust apply for an importation permit seven days before the date of travel, along with the following documents:A photocopy of your driver’s license or passport.Fingerprints with Botswana Police Services clearance stamp Payment proof (Private-P250; Commercial-P500) is required for each application. The completed vetting form (DIS Form) (To be completed at CAAB) A copy of the RPA user manual is available at the CAAB offices.Authorization letter from the property owner (For commercial operation).Numbers 2 and 6 can be resolvedonly by the operator in Botswana. You will be required to travel to Gaborone or possibly Maun for a security interview with the Department of Intelligence Service (DIS).They will request that you bring your drone for inspection and complete the application process. These conditions applied without exception and were issued by Botswana’s Civil Aviation Authority.We encourage all operators to consider this before submitting an authorization request.