Travel advice for Namibia

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Namibia because crime is high. Avoid petty theft, especially in tourist and crowded areas, and take particular care in Windhoek, where muggings, burglaries and carjackings occur. Use official crossings along the Angola border because of banditry and poachers, watch for landmines between Katwitwi and Kongola, and prepare for dangerous roads, remote parks, wildlife and poorly organized desert treks.

Exercise caution throughout Namibia, especially in city centres at night, because foreign tourists face robbery and other crime. Drugs carry severe penalties, and LGBTQ travellers may face discrimination and aggression. From January to April, floods can make northern roads impassable, while wildfires, unsafe driving, poor roads and animals after dark add risks; avoid driving outside cities after sunset and take comprehensive insurance because healthcare is limited outside large cities.

Take extra caution because some parts of Namibia have safety restrictions. Avoid the Diamond Restricted Area between Lüderitz and Oranjemund, and obtain permission for some natural parks. The poorly marked Angolan border may lead to fines or imprisonment for even slight unauthorised crossings, while tourists in Windhoek and Swakopmund face theft and armed attacks. Avoid walking at night, keep valuables out of sight, and guard against malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

Exercise increased caution in Namibia because of crime and health-service limitations. Opportunistic crimes against foreigners, including pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from unoccupied vehicles, are common; home invasions and armed robberies are possible, and criminals most commonly use knives or machetes. Remote areas have few emergency and medical facilities, and basic medicine supplies may be inadequate, especially outside large cities.

Japan advises normal precautions for Namibia.

Australia advises normal precautions for Namibia.

Take normal precautions in Namibia; security is rated good. Pickpocketing and robbery are reported in Windhoek and Swakopmund, so avoid taxis with other passengers and guard against credit-card fraud. A visa is required; travellers aged one or over need vaccination proof when arriving directly from a yellow-fever endemic area. Observe food and water hygiene and use insect protection; take comprehensive travel insurance and be especially cautious on night-time overland journeys.

No advice against travel is in force, and travel can generally be made safely while observing specific safety precautions. Belgian citizens need a visa on arrival, which can be purchased on arrival or applied for before travelling.

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Namibia. As Estonia has no embassy there, consult other countries' travel advice and alerts. Estonian citizens need a visa, obtainable at the border, and tourists driving must hold a valid Estonian licence together with an international permit. Entry conditions may change without other countries being promptly notified.

Germany advises normal precautions for Namibia.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Namibia.

Hungary advises normal precautions for Namibia.

Irish citizens can travel to Namibia with normal precautions, but should guard against muggings, car theft and violent crime. The terrorism threat is low, but indiscriminate attacks could target civilians, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates. Anticipate flight delays, rerouting or cancellations linked to disruption in the Middle East, and comply with Namibian entry and visa requirements while following local authorities.

No advisory is in force for Namibia; drive on major roads, avoid highway stops, and prepare for breakdowns, animals, fog and flash floods at night. In remote areas, carry spare tyres and check doors are locked, as robbers use anti-jamming devices. A yellow-fever vaccination certificate may be required after travel to an affected region. Gemstone and wildlife-product laws are strict, and minors need documents, especially when transiting South Africa.

No warning is in force; entry rules require a passport valid for six months with three blank pages. Visas are required online or on arrival, with other categories for work, volunteering and longer stays. Yellow fever proof is needed from transmission risk countries, and overstaying can lead to detention, arrest or fines. Children need full birth certificates, while unaccompanied children or trips via South Africa have added document rules.