Traveller information
Local laws and conventions: Drug taking and smuggling is illegal, and penalties for all drug offences are severe. Visitors must not photograph military sites or government buildings and should always seek permission before photographing local people or their property.
Diamonds and other protected resources should be purchased from licensed shops. Those convicted of illegal dealings in diamonds may face large fines or prison sentences. The purchase and export of other protected resources, such as elephant ivory, may be subject to restrictions.
Handguns are strictly prohibited in Namibia.
Visitors should dress conservatively. If visiting rural settlements, travellers should always follow the advice of a local guide.
Lightweight suits are the norm for business meetings. Prior appointments are always necessary. The best times for visiting on business are February to May and September to November. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1700.
Immigration and customs: Passports must be valid for six months after the intended departure date, and visas are required by all except those from Australasia, North America, most of Europe, and some African and Asian countries. Return tickets are essential.
Visitors are advised to make a copy of the relevant pages of their passport and keep it on them at all times for ID purposes.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required by all those arriving from infected countries.
Hunting rifles need a permit, issued by customs when entering the country.
Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left, and car hire is available at the international airport, in Windhoek and in Walvis Bay. An international driving permit is required.
The speed limit is 60–80kph in urban areas, 80–90kph on gravel roads and 120kph on tar roads.
Flying is the most efficient way to travel the country. Eros Airport (Windhoek) is linked to all major towns via Air Namibia. Chartered flights are also available.
A luxury bus service connects all major cities from North Namibia to South Africa. Travel within Windhoek is limited and it is advisable to use a taxi service.
Rail services are generally slow and most trains run overnight. There are two dedicated luxury train services – one connecting with Upington in South Africa, and the other a weekly connection between Windhoek and Swakopmund that crosses the Namib Desert.
Travel health: Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and all current vaccination requirements should be checked well before travel. Polio vaccinations need to be up to date.
Malaria is endemic in northern Namibia. Visitors will need protection against malaria, and should take insect repellent and suitable loose-fitting clothing to discourage mosquito bites. There is a risk of rabies; bilharzia is present. Cholera cases occur in rural northern Namibia.
Tap water is normally chlorinated. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Mains water in rural areas should be boiled or sterilised before use.
Money: American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and Cirrus cards can be used at most businesses and at some cash machines, though some may not be accepted at petrol stations. Taking travellers cheques in South African rand or US dollars will avoid extra exchange rate charges. The South African rand may also be used as currency. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1530 and Sat 0900–1100.
There were 695,000 tourist arrivals in 2003.