If you're planning to fly a drone in Zimbabwe as a tourist or filmmaker, you'll need clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) before you take off. The process isn't complicated, but it does require the right documents, realistic timing, and an understanding of where you're actually allowed to fly. Here's what the process looks like in practice.
Who needs a CAAZ drone permit?
Any visitor bringing a drone into Zimbabwe for recreational filming, content creation, or commercial work needs a permit before operating it — this applies to tourists, independent filmmakers, and commercial production crews alike. Flying without one risks having your drone confiscated at customs or during your trip.
Documents you'll need
- Passport details — a copy of the photo page and your travel dates.
- Drone registration or proof of ownership — make, model, and serial number.
- A flight plan — where and when you intend to fly, including any specific locations like national parks or urban areas.
- Purpose of flight — tourism, personal content, or commercial filming, since this affects which approvals apply.
How long does processing take?
A standard application is generally processed within around 15 days, so it's worth applying well ahead of your travel dates rather than at the last minute. If your schedule is tighter, priority processing is available and can shorten this considerably — this is bundled into our Standard and Premium packages.
Flying in national parks
Standard CAAZ clearance alone isn't enough if you intend to fly over a national park — these require an additional special permission on top of your permit. If aerial wildlife or landscape footage is part of your trip, factor this into your application from the start rather than as an afterthought.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying too close to your travel date and running out of processing time.
- Leaving out a flight plan, which is one of the most common reasons for delays.
- Assuming a standard permit covers national park filming — it doesn't.
- Not confirming visa requirements alongside the drone permit, since both processes need to be handled together.
Getting help with the process
Working with a local fixer removes most of the guesswork — from preparing the right documents to handling National Parks approvals and flight plan assistance. See our drone permit service page for full package details and pricing.