WARNING: The following is not a joke
The import and use of plastic bags is strictly prohibited in Zanzibar. Cloth bags are a good alternative. The zip-top bag for cosmetics, necessary for flights, is apparently tolerated… but it goes without saying that it shouldn’t be thrown away there. (On my first visit, I wasn’t aware of this, and luckily no one discovered my sandy shoes in the plastic bag. And yes, there’s plenty of plastic waste in the environment there 😉 but they’re trying to do something about it! – so please actively support these efforts).
Drones: If you want to take amazing aerial photos: Importing drones requires a permit and is risky without prior registration. I personally have no experience with how problematic the permit process is, which can also cost around €200 (moreover, some social media videos claim that importing drones is completely straightforward… I haven’t tried it and therefore can’t judge). Below is a bullet-point outline of the process, without any guarantee of accuracy:
The process in steps:
Request access: Send an email to drones@tcaa.go.tz to gain access to the online portal. Required information: Full name, email address, postal address, telephone number, passport number, nationality, drone model, and intended use.
Registration and login: After receiving your login details (username/password), you can log in to the TCAA CASIP portal.
- Upload documents: Fill out the profiles and forms (Import Permit & Operations Permit).
- Fees apply: The costs vary depending on weight and duration (non-binding: 100–300 USD for registration, approx. 10–20 USD per day for usage).
- Please note: Taking photos or videos in certain locations may require a separate permit, which may incur a fee, especially in national parks. Therefore, please always check the regulations before any problems arise.
- What can happen: Confiscation of the drone is quite common practice. The drone will be impounded at the airport. You will receive a receipt and can collect it again upon departure after paying a storage fee.
- Penalties: If you fly illegally and get caught, you face heavy fines and the permanent confiscation of your drone.