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Namibia

Standard Coverage

Southern Africa • NAM

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Namibia is a vast and sparsely populated country renowned for its surreal desert landscapes, towering sand dunes, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. It offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, perfect for travelers seeking raw natural beauty and remote wilderness experiences.

Visa Requirements

Visa-Free for Many Nationalities

Citizens from many Western countries, including the US, UK, and EU member states, can enter Namibia for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.

Typically Required Documents

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
  • Return or onward travel ticket
  • At least two blank pages in the passport

Popular Attractions

1

Sossusvlei features iconic red sand dunes that surround a striking white salt pan, making it one of the most photographed locations in the world.

2

Etosha National Park is a premier safari destination known for its massive salt pan and abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos gathering at waterholes.

3

The Skeleton Coast is a hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline where the Atlantic Ocean meets the desert, famous for its numerous shipwrecks and dramatic landscapes.

4

Fish River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views and challenging hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

5

Deadvlei is famous for its skeletal, 900-year-old camel thorn trees set against a stark white clay pan and deep orange dunes.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially in rural or traditional communities.

It is customary to shake hands firmly when greeting someone, and showing respect to elders is highly valued in Namibian culture.

When visiting traditional villages, it is polite to bring a small gift or seek guidance from a local guide on appropriate interactions.

Namibians generally appreciate a relaxed pace of life, so remain patient and polite when dealing with service providers.

Dress modestly when visiting rural areas or religious sites to show respect for local cultural norms.

Safety Tips

Ensure you carry plenty of water and fuel when traveling between remote towns, as services can be hundreds of kilometers apart.

Avoid driving at night due to the high risk of encountering wildlife crossing the roads, which can be dangerous.

Use reputable tour operators for activities and safaris, and always inform someone of your planned route and expected arrival time.

Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle and ensure it is locked whenever you step away, even for a short time.

Be cautious when swimming in the ocean, as currents can be extremely strong and cold along the Namibian coast.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 9 months or older arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.

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Polio

Source: CDC

Required

Adults traveling to Namibia who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an accelerated vaccination schedule.

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Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Source: CDC

Required

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

Certificate required for travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever.

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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.

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Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date on all routine vaccinations before travel.

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Routine Vaccines

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot before travel.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases.

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Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure vaccination is up-to-date before travel.

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Cholera vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider for travelers to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera is rare in travelers; vaccination may be considered for children and adults traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

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Rabies pre-exposure vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider if engaging in activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals or if access to post-exposure prophylaxis may be difficult.

Rabies is present in dogs and some wildlife species in Namibia.

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Typhoid vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid fever vaccines licensed in the U.S.

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Hepatitis B vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Namibia.

Sexual transmission is a significant risk; vaccination is advised.

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Hepatitis A vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Namibia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

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Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)

Source: CDC

adult

Boosters should be kept up to date before travel.

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Routine vaccines: MMR, Tdap, etc.

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.

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For Most Travelers

Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne or tick-borne diseases.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets in malaria-endemic areas.

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Food and water precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent foodborne and waterborne diseases by choosing safe food and water.

Drink only bottled, sealed, or boiled/treated water and eat food that is fully cooked and served hot.

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Insect Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent bites to reduce risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Use EPA-registered insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

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Food and Water Safety

Source: CDC

All ages

Practice food and water precautions to avoid diarrheal diseases.

Drink only bottled or boiled water and eat food that is cooked and served hot.

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Routine vaccinations

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Contamination of food and water can occur.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through food or water.

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Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent diarrheal diseases and other foodborne illnesses.

Eat only properly prepared food and drink safe water (bottled or boiled).

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Itinerary-Specific

Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have medical procedures.

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Malaria prophylaxis

Source: CDC

All ages

Depending on the travel itinerary and areas to be visited.

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Malaria prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

In areas with malaria risk.

Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate malaria prophylaxis.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To reduce the risk of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

Use insect repellent containing DEET.

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Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.

Drink only bottled or boiled water.

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Meningococcal vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Especially for travelers visiting crowded locations or attending events.

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Malaria Information

Risk Area: Central and Southern regions including Windhoek

Chemoprophylaxis: None recommended

Seasonality: Low risk to no risk

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Risk Area: Northern regions, including Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati, Kunene, Kavango, and Zambezi.

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round, with increased transmission during rainy months (November-May)

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Risk Area: Northern regions including Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and Zambezi regions

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: High risk during rainy season, November-May

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Risk Area: Central and Southern regions

Chemoprophylaxis: None

Seasonality: No malaria risk in these areas

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Risk Area: Northern regions (including Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and Zambezi)

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

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Risk Area: No malaria risk

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Risk Area: Kavango (East and West), Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi regions

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine

Seasonality: Year-round

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Official Sources

Authoritative Resources:

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