Namibia

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, particularly in urban centres. This can include:

• pickpocketing
• bag-snatching
• theft from motor vehicles

Mobile phones are particularly targeted by pickpockets. 

Criminals use distraction techniques, such as offering help, to steal money and valuables.

Car break-ins are common, especially in major urban centres such as:

• Windhoek
• Swakopmund
• Walvis Bay

Violent crime

Violent crime against foreigners includes muggings and robberies. Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are hotspots. The use of diversion tactics to distract possible victims is common. 

Tourists have been robbed after stopping for hitchhikers or to help people.

Namibian Police Tourist Protection Unit is responsible for visitor concerns or enquiries. Tourists can attend any police station to seek assistance in Namibia.

Crime increases at night.

To protect yourself from crime:

• avoid walking alone in large towns, particularly at night
• keep car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• don't leave valuables in your car
• don't offer strangers lifts in your vehicle
• be alert at ATMs and at fuel stations.

HIV/AIDS is common in Namibia. If you're a victim/survivor of violent crime, including sexual assault, seek immediate medical assistance.

Taxi safety

Taxi drivers have robbed travellers.

Risks are highest with unmarked taxis and those hailed on the street.

Use taxis with the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association logo or organised through your hotel or a taxi company.

Don't hail unmarked taxis on the street.

Alternative options for transport are ride-hailing apps such as Yango and Lefa.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning 

Credit card fraud

Credit card skimming has been reported at some hotels and lodges.

Don't let your credit card out of your sight.

Check your statements often for fraudulent payments.

Cyber Security 

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and demonstrations can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the news for planned or possible unrest
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

More information:

• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators don't always follow recommended safety or maintenance standards.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check operators' credentials and safety equipment before booking
• use reputable, registered tour operators
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as helmets, life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Flooding may occur in the rainy season from November to April.

Roads can become blocked.

To protect yourself if a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• consider moving to higher ground
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Namibia is high.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to a risk of infection.

Mpox

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa as a global public health emergency. Mpox has spread across a number of countries in Africa, including Namibia.

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.

Symptoms include:

• rash
• fever
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle aches
• back pain
• low energy
• swollen lymph nodes

Get professional medical advice on Mpox vaccines.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has Mpox.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any Mpox symptoms.

Yellow fever

If you're travelling from a country where yellow fever is widespread, you'll need a valid yellow fever certificate to enter Namibia. This does not apply to a child aged under 9 months. 

You will need to present your vaccination certificate on arrival. If you can't show proof of vaccination, authorities may not let you enter Namibia. You can't get vaccinated on arrival. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Cholera

Cholera can occur, mainly in rural areas. More serious outbreaks can happen from time to time.

To protect yourself against cholera:

• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• be strict with your hygiene habits, especially if you travel in rural areas
• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

Tap water in major cities is generally safe to drink.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is common in northern Namibia.

Other insect-borne diseases include:

• filariasis
• leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• meningitis
• tuberculosis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water
• always check with local authorities before swimming in waters
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities are limited outside major urban centres.

Private hospitals in major urban centres are better equipped.

You'll need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you. Your insurer may be able to repay you later if you're covered.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to South Africa or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

If you're detained or arrested, Namibian authorities may not contact the Australian Government straight away.

Ask officials to call the Australian High Commission in South Africa, or the Australian Consulate in Windhoek.

Police resources are varied throughout Namibia.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other crimes

In Namibia, it's illegal to:

• take photos of government and military infrastructure. Ask local officials if in doubt
• trade in endangered wildlife products such as ivory and rhino horn

Penalties are severe for illegal trading in diamonds and precious stones. Only buy diamonds and precious stones from licensed shops.

More information:

• Wildlife trade

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal in Namibia, but not widely accepted. Public displays of affection may cause offence. Some sexual relations between men are criminalised, but generally not enforced. 

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

You need to apply for a visa on arrival in Namibia or submit an online application prior to travel. Fees apply. Visas are valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact a consulate-general of Namibia or the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Make sure the correct visa and entry period is stamped in your passport, even if you're transiting.

Check your visa before leaving the immigration counter. 

You may be detained or fined if you don't follow visa or immigration requirements.

Border measures

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Namibia if you're arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 252KB)

Other formalities

To prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease (EVD), passengers travelling from EVD-affected countries are screened on arrival.

Travel via South Africa

If you're travelling through South Africa, you must meet South African entry and transit requirements.

More information:

• Travel advice for South Africa

Travel with children

If you're travelling with children you must carry:

• a full birth certificate that identifies their parents (original or certified)
• an affidavit from any absent parents giving consent for the child to travel (unless both parents are accompanying the child)

The affidavit must be less than 3 months old and include:

• the signatures of both parents
• full names, addresses, phone numbers and passport details of the child and both parents (as listed on the birth certificate)
• travel destinations of the parent and children
• a certified copy of any absent parent's passport.

If you don't have valid documents, authorities may deport you or stop you boarding your flight.

Check your documents meet these requirements with the nearest Namibian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate.

Validity

To enter Namibia, you'll need one blank page in your passport. If you're travelling from Namibia to South Africa, you'll need another two blank pages.

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD).

You can also use South African rand (ZAR).

Declare amounts more than NAD50,000 when you arrive and leave Namibia. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

In major centres, credit cards are accepted and ATMs are available. This may not be the case in remote areas. Ask your bank if your ATM card will work in Namibia.

Landmines

Unexploded landmines and remnants of war are a danger in the northern regions bordering Angola.

Use main routes in these regions and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Driving permit

To drive in Namibia, you need a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).

Though not mandatory you may be requested to show a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous in Namibia.

Hazards include:

• poor local driving practices
• poor street lighting
• poorly maintained vehicles
• pedestrians, wild animals and livestock on roads

Roads between main urban centres are good, but they're usually unsealed in rural areas.

Gravel and sandy roads, flash flooding and water-damaged roads are driving hazards.

Tourists have had accidents because they were driving too fast on unfamiliar roads.

Most vehicle insurance policies only cover accidents involving other vehicles or animals.

Check your insurance policy covers you for accidents on unsealed roads and single-vehicle accidents.

To reduce your risks while driving:

• check local traffic laws and practices
• be aware of animals and pedestrians on roads
• travel with sufficient fuel, water and emergency provisions in desert areas
• follow speed limits

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis, preferably arranged through your hotel.

To protect yourself if you need to take a taxi:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street
• don't share taxis with strangers
• always sit in the back seat

Public transport

Avoid public transport where possible.

Vehicles are often poorly maintained.

Local buses don't always follow permanent routes.

Alternative options for transport are ride-hailing apps such as Yango and Lefa.

Air travel

Check Namibia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call (+264) 112 from a mobile.

Call (+264) 61 211 111 from a landline.

Medical emergencies

Call (+264) 112 from a mobile.

Call (+264) 61 211 111 from a landline.

Go to the nearest hospital.

Police

Call (+264) 112 from a mobile.

Call (+264) 61 211 111 from a landline.

Visit the nearest police station or a Tourist Protection Unit.

• Windhoek Main Police Station, phone: (+264) 61 209 4345
• Swakopmund, phone: (+264) 64 405 558

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Namibia. It provides limited consular and passport services.

You can also get full consular and passport help from the Australian High Commission in South Africa.

Australian Consulate, Windhoek

56 Chalcedoon Street
PO Box 86491, Eros
Windhoek, Namibia
Phone: (+264) 61 300 194
Mobile: (+264) 81 283 4629
Email: australian.consulate.namibia@gmail.com

Australian High Commission, Pretoria

292 Orient Street
Pretoria
Republic of South Africa
Phone: (+27) 12 423 6000
Fax: (+27) 12 342 8442
Email: pretoria.info@dfat.gov.au
Website: southafrica.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission in South Africa
X: @AuHCSouthAfrica

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• (+61) 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia