Namibia
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Warnings and insurance
New visa on arrival scheme for UK nationals
From 1 April there will be a new visa on arrival scheme for UK nationals visiting Namibia. Visas will be available to purchase on arrival at Namibian entry points, or can be applied for via a new online portal before travel to Namibia. See Entry requirements page.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Â
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full 바카라 사이트˜British citizen바카라 사이트™ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government바카라 사이트™s understanding of Namibia바카라 사이트™s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Namibia set and enforce entry rules. If you바카라 사이트™re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .
Passport validity requirements
To enter Namibia, your passport must have an 바카라 사이트˜expiry date바카라 사이트™ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least 3 blank pages. If you바카라 사이트™re travelling to Namibia through South Africa read the South Africa travel advice.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
From 1 April 2025 you will need a visa to visit Namibia. The Namibian authorities have launched a visa on arrival scheme, which is extended to UK passport holders.
You can either apply for a visa on arrival when you arrive at a Port of Entry for Namibia, or you can apply online before you travel for an e-visa. For either route, the cost is 1,600 Namibian dollars for travellers over 11 years old. Children between the ages of 11 to 6 will will be charged 800 Namibian dollars. Children under the age of 6 will not be charged a fee for a visa on arrival. When granted a visa on arrival, you will receive a multiple entry visa valid for the period that you have requested.
If you plan to work or volunteer, or if you want to stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa. These categories are not covered by the visa on arrival process.
Applying for a visa on arrival
Full details on how to apply for the online e-Visa for Visa on Arrival, including the online application form, can be found at .Â
This link also includes information on the process for the application and the documentation required.
Applying for other visa categories
Apply through the .Â
Make sure you get your passport stamped.Â
Make sure the date on your entry stamp and the amount of time you have been given to stay is correct. Immigration officials will check these details when you leave Namibia. Â
The Namibian authorities could detain, arrest or fine you if you overstay or have an incorrect or missing entry stamp in your passport.Â
Travelling with children aged 17 and under
If you바카라 사이트™re a parent travelling with children aged 17 and under, you must carry their:
- valid passport
- full birth certificate with both parents바카라 사이트™ details (original or certified copy)
Namibian immigration officials will not accept an abridged (short) birth certificate. If your child was born in the UK, you can order a full unabridged birth certificate online.
If you바카라 사이트™re a legal guardian and your name is not on the birth certificate, you will need to have documentation to prove it.
If you바카라 사이트™re not a parent or legal guardian of children you바카라 사이트™re travelling with, you must have an affidavit from their parents or guardians giving consent.
If a child is travelling with one parent or legal guardian, the other parent or legal guardian should give consent for travel in an affidavit.
Unaccompanied children must carry:
- a valid passport
- proof of consent from a parent or legal guardian in an affidavit
- a letter from their host giving the address where they바카라 사이트™ll be staying
Contact the for more information.
Travelling with children through a South African airport
If you바카라 사이트™re travelling with children through a South African airport, see South Africa travel advice for information about the documents you must carry.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Namibia, you must have a certificate to prove you바카라 사이트™ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you바카라 사이트™re coming from a .
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see . Â Â
Customs rules
There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   Â
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Namibia
Although there바카라 사이트™s no recent history of terrorism in Namibia, attacks cannot be ruled out. Â
Crime
Protecting yourself and your belongings
Muggers often target tourists in Windhoek. Attacks may be violent and can take place at any time of day and in busy city-centre locations. To reduce your personal risk:
- be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark
- keep your valuables and cash out of sight or use a hotel safe
- do not change large sums of money in busy public areas
Vehicle crime
Gangs sometimes try to enter vehicles at busy intersections in Windhoek. Theft from vehicles, particularly at service stations, is common. To reduce the risks:
- do not leave your vehicle unattended at fuel stops
- keep car doors locked and windows shut, especially in heavy traffic
- keep valuables off the seats and out of sight
To reduce the risk of robberies from taxis:
- do not hail taxis from the street, particularly in Windhoek
- ask your hotel, guest house or tour operator to recommend a reputable taxi company
- do not enter townships at night, unless you are with someone with local knowledge
Credit card skimming
There have been cases of credit card skimming at some hotels and lodges. Always keep your card in sight when paying and check your statement.
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID
Always carry UK photo ID. You may need to show IDÂ at police checkpoints in Windhoek and other major towns and cities. Keep copies of the photo page of your passport and important documents separately in a safe place.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Namibia. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal, but generally not prosecuted. There are no laws against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Conservative attitudes towards LGBT+ individuals remain, especially in rural regions. Showing affection in public may result in unwanted attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Penalties for using or smuggling illegal drugs can be severe. Penalties include large fines and imprisonment.
Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs
It바카라 사이트™s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. You will be prosecuted and could get a fine or prison sentence for buying or trafficking these goods, including ivory and rhino horn.
Using cameras in secure areas
Police have detained people for taking pictures of the President바카라 사이트™s official residence. Check before taking photographs of government buildings or in secure areas.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any adventure activities you plan to do, like quad biking, dune boarding or hot air ballooning.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Namibia, see information on driving abroad.Â
You바카라 사이트™ll need to have your valid UK photocard driving licence with you in the car.
Take out comprehensive insurance as accidents are common on gravel and dirt roads. If you바카라 사이트™re planning to hire a car, check what insurance cover is provided. Most policies will not cover accidents that do not involve other vehicles or animals.
Driving standards
During the rainy season from January to April, many gravel roads deteriorate. You should:
- not go faster than 80 km/h
- carry 2 spare tyres for punctures
- carry plenty of water
- check the road conditions before setting off
- avoid driving at night outside towns, as wildlife and livestock are serious hazards
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 211111 (in Windhoek) or 10111 (everywhere else) and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you바카라 사이트™re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the
See .
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Namibia. Read more about .
Namibia바카라 사이트™s hot and dry climate can cause skin problems and dehydration. Make sure you carry a good supply of drinkable water.
Namibia has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV in the world. In 2021 the UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 210,000 adults aged 15 or over were living with HIV. This was around 11.8% of the adult population, compared to around 0.2% of adults in the UK. Take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read .
Healthcare in Namibia
There are good medical facilities in Windhoek. Private hospitals may insist on payment before starting treatment even if you have comprehensive travel insurance. They may ask you to pay and reclaim from your insurer later. Some travel insurance policies are not recognised by some Namibian hospitals. Check if your product is accepted in Namibia before you travel and get alternative coverage, if needed.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Namibia where some staff speak English.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .
Getting help
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Namibia
Telephone: 10111, 999, 112 (ambulance, fire, police) Â
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding English-speaking and Â
- being arrested or imprisoned in Namibia
- getting help if you바카라 사이트™re a victim of crime
- what to do if you바카라 사이트™re in hospital
- if you바카라 사이트™re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDOÂ
Help abroad바카라 사이트¯Â
See  including in an emergency.Â
Help in the UKÂ Â
You can call바카라 사이트¯FCDO바카라 사이트¯in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.바카라 사이트¯Â
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)바카라 사이트¯Â
Get travel advice updates바카라 사이트¯Â
Sign up to바카라 사이트¯get email notifications바카라 사이트¯when this travel advice is updated.바카라 사이트¯Â
Follow FCDO:바카라 사이트¯
Risk information for British companies
The바카라 사이트¯Overseas Business Risk service바카라 사이트¯offers information and advice for British companies operating in Namibia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.