Namibia Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Namibia is operating normally overall, including international flights and major border crossings. However, travellers should check current visa requirements and be aware of a current polio travel-health notice.

International travel operating normally

Namibia remains open for tourism. International flights, airports and the principal overland routes are operating.

Visa rules changed

Namibia introduced new visa requirements on 1 April 2025 for travellers from a number of countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access. Travellers should check the rule applying specifically to their passport.

Visa on arrival

Eligible travellers can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at designated ports of entry, including Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport and major land-border crossings.

E-visa option

Eligible travellers can also apply online before travelling. Applying in advance can reduce delays at immigration.

Check your entry stamp

Travellers should make sure the immigration officer gives them the correct entry stamp and authorized period of stay. Overstaying can result in fines, detention or deportation.

Polio health notice

Namibia is currently included in a Level 2 polio travel-health notice. Travellers should make sure their routine polio vaccination is up to date before travelling.

Yellow fever certificate

Namibia does not have a yellow fever transmission risk, but proof of vaccination may be required if you arrive from or transit through a country where yellow fever occurs.

South Africa border

Road crossings between Namibia and South Africa are important tourist routes. Travellers should check the operating hours of their intended crossing before departure.

Botswana and Zambia borders

International crossings provide road access between Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, including important routes through the Zambezi Region.

Angola border

Official crossings with Angola operate, but travellers should exercise additional caution near the frontier because of crime, poaching and the possibility of residual unexploded ordnance in some areas.

Driving

Long distances, wildlife, poorly lit roads and animals wandering onto highways make driving after dark particularly risky outside urban areas.

Medical facilities

Good private medical facilities are available in Windhoek, but advanced medical care is much more limited in remote areas. Medical evacuation insurance is advisable for travellers heading into isolated regions.

Ordinary aviation operating normally

Namibia Airports Company continues to operate the country’s main airports and provides current flight tracking. No significant nationwide airport shutdown has been identified.

Walvis Bay disruption resolved

A recent outage affecting meteorological services at Walvis Bay International Airport caused flight diversions, but the service was restored in September and the airport returned to normal operations.

Current polio health notice

Namibia is included in Canada’s Level 2 polio travel-health notice, most recently updated on 9 September 2026.

U.S. advisory remains Level 2

The current U.S. State Department advisory rates Namibia Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution because of crime and health concerns.

Canada recommends increased caution

Current Canadian guidance recommends exercising a high degree of caution in Namibia because of crime.

Check your airline and flight status before departure.

Check whether your nationality requires a visa under Namibia’s current entry system.

If eligible for visa on arrival, consider applying online before travelling to reduce potential delays.

Make sure your polio vaccination is up to date and check whether your travel history means you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

If entering Namibia by road, check the operating hours of your intended border crossing before departure.

Avoid unnecessary long-distance driving after dark and carry sufficient water and emergency supplies when travelling through remote areas.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.