Home / Namibia / Facts for the Visitor / Visa Requirements and Travel Advice

Visitors from the following countries do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days:

South Africa, Angola, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Cuba, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, UK, USA, Mozambique, New Zealand, Portugal, Iceland, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Singapore, the Scandinavian countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

For visitors from other countries, please check with your nearest Namibian Consulate about obtaining a visa.

All visitors require a passport to enter Namibia, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the country, and have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps.  All visitors must also have a valid return ticket.

Crime and Travel Advice

Namibia is generally a safe destination, with lower than average crime rates.

The highly publicised murder of a family of French tourists in 2000 whilst driving in the Caprivi Strip had an obvious adverse affect on tourism in this area for a while, but it is now deemed to be safe again. 

Having said that, visitors are still advised that any travel along the Trans-Caprivi Highway should only be undertaken in daylight hours, and drivers are advised to keep to the tarred roads because there is still a threat from unexploded land mines left over from the Angolan Civil War.

All travellers are strongly advised to check the latest travel advice from their Government before  travel to Namibia:

UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

US Department of State

Thefts from cars, especially the easily-identifiable hire cars, is a common problem, so always lock your car up when you leave it, even if only briefly going into the petrol station to buy a drink, and don't leave anything  on show. 

It is also advisable to lock your doors when driving anywhere.  For more safety advice when driving, please see our Driving in Namibia pages on this website. 

Pick-pocketing is a problem in major cities and towns, so either wear a money belt or keep a hold on your wallet. 

Only use recommended taxi firms - ask your guest house host to recommend a company to you. 

It is not advisable to visit any township on your own; you are strongly recommended to only go with a recognised tour operator. 

Medical Considerations

AIDS and HIV is a problem in Namibia, with the latest statistics showing that over 20% of Namibians are infected. 

It is advisable to take your own set of 'single use' sterile medical equipment with you - small travel kits can be bought from all good chemists and camping outlets.   Don't be afraid of asking to use them if you have to visit a dentist or doctor, especially in more remote areas - people do understand tourists' concerns over this matter, and are not easily offended. 

Malaria is prevalent through some areas of Namibia, and it is advisable to check with your doctor before travelling, to find out what malaria tablets you need, and when you need to commence the course. 

You should also ensure that your vaccinations are up to date - again, check with your doctor what is required. 

For more general travel health information for your trip to Namibia, please click here.