Namibia - Travel Information
Here you will find important travel information for your next tour.
1. Entry & Visa
Since April 1, 2025, citizens of many countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA, require 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.
Official link to the Namibian government visa application: https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrivaleservices.mhaiss
The maximum validity period of a tourist visa is generally up to 90 days per calendar year. However, a 30-day visa is usually granted upon arrival. An extension to up to 90 days is possible at the immigration authorities in Windhoek.
The cost of a tourist visa is approximately 1600 NAD (about 80–90 euros) for adults from non-African countries. Children between 6 and 11 years old pay half price, and the visa is free for children under 6. Those who apply for the visa upon arrival at the point of entry often pay an additional processing fee of around 400 NAD. Therefore, applying online is recommended to save time and money.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry and have at least two to three blank pages for entry and exit stamps. In addition, documents such as a return flight ticket, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and valid health insurance are often required.
2. Health & Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations are required for travelers from Europe, except for those arriving from yellow fever areas (in which case a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory). Standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles-mumps-rubella) are recommended, as well as individual advice on malaria depending on your travel itinerary.
There is a seasonal risk of malaria in northern and northeastern Namibia (mainly from September to April). The southern regions and the coast are considered malaria-free. Mosquito repellent and a well-stocked first-aid kit are recommended.
3. Safety & Behavior
Namibia is a relatively safe travel destination; however, there is a risk of theft and burglary, particularly in cities and tourist centers. Valuables should be kept secure, certain areas should be avoided at night, and inconspicuous behavior is recommended.
Demonstrations should be avoided, as unexpected violence can break out. Do not pick up hitchhikers on deserted roads; only stop at official police checkpoints and always have emergency numbers readily available.
4. Driving & Self-driving
Namibia is a classic self-drive country with well-maintained main roads and often longer stretches of gravel. Accidents frequently occur due to excessive speed on gravel. It is recommended to significantly reduce your speed, drive defensively, and avoid driving at night. Rental car companies monitor their vehicles using GPS, so accidents caused by excessive speed can lead to problems with your insurance.
An international driving permit is not mandatory in Namibia – national driving licenses from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland are generally accepted for tourists. However, many car rental companies recommend an international driving permit (IDP) to avoid problems during checks.
Emergency equipment such as one (or preferably two) full-size spare wheel(s), tools, sufficient drinking water and fuel reserves, as well as offline or paper maps are essential, especially on remote routes. Wildlife and livestock on the road increase the danger 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 to travel for safaris and wildlife viewing is during the dry winter months (May to October). The coast is cool and often foggy year-round.
Travelers should pack both light, breathable clothing for daytime and warm layers for cool nights. A sun hat, sunscreen, closed shoes, and a light windbreaker are also recommended.
6. Money, Payment & Refueling
The official currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (both are accepted). ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist centers, and card payments are common; however, it's advisable to carry cash in rural areas.
Gas stations can be far apart on remote routes. It is advisable to fill up early and to carry spare fuel canisters for longer journeys. Customs regulations for cash and goods should be checked in advance.
7. Accommodation & Reservations
Accommodation options range from campsites and guesthouses to exclusive lodges. During peak season, accommodation, especially in national parks, should be booked well in advance.
The journey to remote accommodations can be long; therefore, arriving before nightfall is advisable.
8. Nature, National Parks & Respect
Strict rules apply in the national parks (e.g. Etosha, Namib-Naukluft): vehicles may only be left in designated places, no animals may be fed or disturbed, waste may be avoided and water conservation measures may be observed.
9. Culture, Communication & Legal Affairs
The official language is English, along with Afrikaans and many local languages. Photographing people is only permitted with their consent. Military installations, police stations, and official buildings may not be photographed without permission.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs, poaching or collecting protected species are punishable offenses and will be strictly prosecuted.
10. Mobile Phones & Mobile Communications
Namibia has two major mobile network operators: MTC and TN Mobile. MTC offers the best network coverage, especially along main roads, in cities and tourist centers.
Mobile phone coverage is good in cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund, and major tourist areas, but it is often limited or nonexistent in remote parts of the country. For very remote areas, a satellite phone or special emergency devices are recommended.
SIM cards are inexpensive (around 7 NAD for a SIM) and prepaid plans are widely available. SIM cards can easily be purchased at the airport. Global eSIMs are virtually unusable in Namibia due to the unreliable telecom infrastructure and limited provider availability – local physical SIMs are the safest option.
11. Pre-trip checklist (short version)
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, visa ideally applied for online (30-day stay, extension possible).
Check travel health insurance with repatriation, necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
Book rental cars with spare wheel, tools, fuel and water supplies well in advance.
Plan routes without being too ambitious, avoid night driving, use offline maps (paper or digital).
Carry backups with you, save emergency contacts.
Obtain a local physical SIM card (e-SIMs are unreliable).
This treatise is based on the latest available official information and tips for travelers to Namibia in 2025.
