1. Entry & Visa Since April 1, 2025, citizens of many countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK and the USA, have required a visa for tourist stays in Namibia. This is usually issued as an e-visa before travel or as a visa on arrival at the airport. The official link to apply is eservices.mhaiss.gov.na. The maximum period of validity is generally up to 90 days per calendar year. When entering the country, a visa for 30 days is usually granted. An extension of up to 90 days is possible at the immigration authorities in Windhoek. A tourist visa costs around 1,800 NAD (around 90 euros) for adults from non-African countries. Children between 6 and 11 years pay half price, under 6 years the visa is free. If you apply for the visa on site, you will pay an additional processing fee of around NAD 400. We therefore recommend applying online to save time and money. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry and contain at least 2 to 3 free pages for stamps. You will usually also need to bring a return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial resources and valid health insurance. 2. Health & Vaccinations There are no compulsory vaccinations for travelers from Europe, except for those arriving from yellow fever areas. Standard vaccinations such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio and measles-mumps-rubella as well as individual malaria advice are recommended. In northern and northeastern Namibia there is a seasonal risk of malaria from September to April. The southern regions and the coast are considered malaria-free. Mosquito repellent and a well-equipped first aid kit are advisable. 3. Safety & Behavior Namibia is a comparatively safe travel country. However, in cities and tourist centers there is a risk of theft and break-ins. Valuables should be kept safe. Avoid certain neighborhoods at night and keep a low profile. Avoid demonstrations as unexpected riots can occur. Don't pick up hitchhikers on lonely roads, only stop at official police checkpoints and always have emergency numbers ready. 4. Driving & Self-Driving Namibia is a classic self-drive country with well-developed main roads and long gravel roads. Accidents often occur due to excessive speed on gravel. Drive with foresight, reduce your speed significantly and avoid driving in the dark. Rental car companies often monitor vehicles using GPS. Accidents caused by excessive speed can lead to problems with insurance coverage. The national driving license from Germany, Austria or Switzerland is usually accepted for tourists. However, many rental car companies recommend an international driving license to prevent misunderstandings during checks. One or two full-size spare wheels, tools, sufficient drinking water, fuel reserves and offline or paper maps are essential. Pay particular attention to the movement of wild animals and livestock in the dark. 5. Climate, best time to travel & clothing Namibia has a dry climate with large temperature differences between day and night. The best time for safaris and wildlife viewing is the dry winter from May to October. The coast is cool all year round and often foggy. Pack light, breathable clothing for daytime wear and warm layers for chilly nights. Sun hat, sunscreen, closed shoes and a light windbreaker should be brought with you. 6. Money, payment & refueling The official national currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand. Both currencies are accepted. There are many ATMs in cities and card payments are common. In the country you should always carry enough cash with you. Gas stations are far apart on remote routes. Refuel early and take a spare canister with you on long journeys. Please also note the customs regulations for cash and goods in advance. 7. Accommodations & Reservations The offer ranges from campsites to guest houses and exclusive lodges. During the peak travel season, accommodation, especially in national parks, should be booked well in advance. The journey to remote lodges can take time, so it is advisable to arrive before dark. 8. Nature, national parks & respect Strict rules apply in national parks such as Etosha or Namib-Naukluft: only leave the vehicle in designated places, do not feed or disturb animals, avoid litter and use water sparingly. 9. Culture, communication & legal matters The official language is English, Afrikaans and many local languages are also spoken. Only photograph people with their express consent. Taking photos of military installations, police or official buildings is strictly prohibited. Drink driving, drugs, Possession, poaching, and the collection of protected species are criminal offenses and are strictly punished. 10. Mobile Phones & Communication The two major mobile phone providers are MTC and TN Mobile. MTC offers the best network coverage, especially in cities, tourist centers, and along main roads. In remote areas, there is often no network. For extremely remote routes, a satellite phone or an emergency GPS device is recommended. SIM cards are available cheaply for approximately 7 NAD directly at the airport. Global eSIMs often do not work reliably in Namibia due to the infrastructure. A local physical SIM card is the safest option. 11. Pre-trip Checklist * Passport valid for at least 6 months and apply for an e-visa in advance. * Purchase travel health insurance including repatriation coverage, and check your vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. * Book a rental car with spare tires, tools, and sufficient fuel and water supplies well in advance. * Plan stages realistically, avoid driving at night, and use offline or paper maps. * Make copies of documents and save emergency contacts. * Obtain a local physical SIM card on site.