Namibia
Namibia has no usable freedom of panorama for stills, requires a film-commission permit for any commercial shoot, and bans drones in Etosha.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Namibia Film Commission for commercial shoots; MEFT and NWR for national parks
Cost: No permit for personal photography; commercial or professional shoots need a Film Commission permit, plus park permits inside national parks
Tourist snapshots need no permit. Any paid shoot needs a Film Commission permit and a work visa. Avoid the Sperrgebiet diamond areas, military, and government sites.
Drone / airspace
Regulated by the NCAA; effectively banned in national parks without authorization, with a full ban in Etosha
For category detail, see Drone Authority.
Street / public space
Yes, generally tolerated, but there is a strong consent expectation, especially for indigenous communities
The Himba, Herero, and San commonly expect to be asked and given a small payment for portraits.
Freedom of panorama
Restricted (no freedom of panorama)
The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection Act 6 of 1994 only allows public artworks as incidental background in film or TV, not in stills, so you cannot sell still images of copyrighted public works. Works out of copyright are clear.
Practical notes
- Any paid or professional shoot needs a Namibia Film Commission permit, plus park permits and fees in national parks.
- Do not photograph the Sperrgebiet diamond areas; ask permission and budget cash for Himba and San portraits; drones are off-limits in Etosha.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: