{"slug":"namibia","title":"Namibia travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-10T13:15:46+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-10T13:15:46Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/namibia","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Namibia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Namibia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.namibiahc.org.uk/\">Namibian High Commission in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Namibia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least 3 blank pages. If you’re travelling to Namibia through South Africa read the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa\">South Africa travel advice</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>From 1 April 2025 you will need a visa to visit Namibia. The Namibian authorities have launched a visa on arrival scheme, which is extended to UK passport holders.</p>\n\n<p>You can either apply for a visa on arrival when you arrive at a Port of Entry for Namibia, or you can apply online before you travel for an e-visa. For either route, the cost is 1,600 Namibian dollars for travellers over 11 years old.  Children between the ages of 11 to 6 will will be charged 800 Namibian dollars. Children under the age of 6 will not be charged a fee for a visa on arrival. When granted a visa on arrival, you will receive a multiple entry visa valid for the period that you have requested.</p>\n\n<p>If you plan to work or volunteer, or if you want to stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa. These categories are not covered by the visa on arrival process.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"applying-for-a-visa-on-arrival\">Applying for a visa on arrival</h3>\n\n<p>Full details on how to apply for the online e-Visa for Visa on Arrival, including the online application form, can be found at <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival\">Visa On Arrival</a>. </p>\n\n<p>This link also includes information on the process for the application and the documentation required.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"applying-for-other-visa-categories\">Applying for other visa categories</h3>\n\n<p>Apply through the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.namibiahc.org.uk/services-for-foreign-nationals.php\">Namibian High Commission in the UK</a>. </p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\">\n<p>Make sure you get your passport stamped. </p>\n</div>\n\n<p>Make sure the date on your entry stamp and the amount of time you have been given to stay is correct. Immigration officials will check these details when you leave Namibia.  </p>\n\n<p>The Namibian authorities could detain, arrest or fine you if you overstay or have an incorrect or missing entry stamp in your passport. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"travelling-with-children-aged-17-and-under\">Travelling with children aged 17 and under</h2>\n\n<p>If you’re a parent travelling with children aged 17 and under, you must carry their:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>valid passport</li>\n  <li>full birth certificate with both parents’ details (original or certified copy)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Namibian immigration officials will not accept an abridged (short) birth certificate. If your child was born in the UK, you can <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate\">order a full unabridged birth certificate online</a>.</p>\n\n<p>If you’re a legal guardian and your name is not on the birth certificate, you will need to have documentation to prove it.</p>\n\n<p>If you’re not a parent or legal guardian of children you’re travelling with, you must have an affidavit from their parents or guardians giving consent.</p>\n\n<p>If a child is travelling with one parent or legal guardian, the other parent or legal guardian should give consent for travel in an affidavit.</p>\n\n<p>Unaccompanied children must carry:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>a valid passport</li>\n  <li>proof of consent from a parent or legal guardian in an affidavit</li>\n  <li>a letter from their host giving the address where they’ll be staying</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.namibiahc.org.uk/\">Namibian High Commission in the UK</a> for more information.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"travelling-with-children-through-a-south-african-airport\">Travelling with children through a South African airport</h3>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling with children through a South African airport, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements\">South Africa travel advice</a> for information about the documents you must carry.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Namibia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/157/namibia#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Namibia guide</a>.   </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.namra.org.na/customs-excise/page/customs-procedure-travellers-guide-information\">goods you can take into or out of Namibia</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-namibia\">Terrorism in Namibia</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Namibia, attacks cannot be ruled out.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Muggers often target tourists in Windhoek. Attacks may be violent and can take place at any time of day and in busy city-centre locations. To reduce your personal risk:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark</li>\n  <li>keep your valuables and cash out of sight or use a hotel safe</li>\n  <li>do not change large sums of money in busy public areas</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"vehicle-crime\">Vehicle crime</h3>\n\n<p>Gangs sometimes try to enter vehicles at busy intersections in Windhoek. Theft from vehicles, particularly at service stations, is common. To reduce the risks:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>do not leave your vehicle unattended at fuel stops</li>\n  <li>keep car doors locked and windows shut, especially in heavy traffic</li>\n  <li>keep valuables off the seats and out of sight</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>To reduce the risk of robberies from taxis:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>do not hail taxis from the street, particularly in Windhoek</li>\n  <li>ask your hotel, guest house or tour operator to recommend a reputable taxi company</li>\n  <li>do not enter townships at night, unless you are with someone with local knowledge</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"credit-card-skimming\">Credit card skimming</h3>\n\n<p>There have been cases of credit card skimming at some hotels and lodges. Always keep your card in sight when paying and check your statement.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>Always carry UK photo ID. You may need to show ID at police checkpoints in Windhoek and other major towns and cities. Keep copies of the photo page of your passport and important documents separately in a safe place.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Namibia. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal, but generally not prosecuted. There are no laws against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Conservative attitudes towards LGBT+ individuals remain, especially in rural regions. Showing affection in public may result in unwanted attention.</p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-and-prison-sentences\">Illegal drugs and prison sentences</h3>\n\n<p>Penalties for using or smuggling illegal drugs can be severe. Penalties include large fines and imprisonment.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"wildlife-animal-products-and-souvenirs\">Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs</h3>\n\n<p>It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. You will be prosecuted and could get a fine or prison sentence for buying or trafficking these goods, including ivory and rhino horn.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"using-cameras-in-secure-areas\">Using cameras in secure areas</h3>\n\n<p>Police have detained people for taking pictures of the President’s official residence. Check before taking photographs of government buildings or in secure areas.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism</h2>\n\n<p>Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any adventure activities you plan to do, like quad biking, dune boarding or hot air ballooning.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Namibia, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>. </p>\n\n<p>You’ll need to have your valid UK photocard driving licence with you in the car.</p>\n\n<p>Take out comprehensive insurance as accidents are common on gravel and dirt roads. If you’re planning to hire a car, check what insurance cover is provided. Most policies will not cover accidents that do not involve other vehicles or animals.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"driving-standards\">Driving standards</h3>\n\n<p>During the rainy season from January to April, many gravel roads deteriorate. You should:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>not go faster than 80 km/h</li>\n  <li>carry 2 spare tyres for punctures</li>\n  <li>carry plenty of water</li>\n  <li>check the road conditions before setting off</li>\n  <li>avoid driving at night outside towns, as wildlife and livestock are serious hazards</li>\n</ul>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","keep your valuables and cash out of sight or use a hotel safe","Keep copies of the photo page of your passport and important documents separately in a safe place.","You will be prosecuted and could get a fine or prison sentence for buying or trafficking these goods, including ivory and rhino horn."]}
