COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Namibia (20 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Namibia is open for international travellers.

• Anyone travelling to Namibia must notify the nearest Namibian Embassy or High Commission of their intent to travel no less than two weeks prior to departure.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Non-Namibian travellers arriving with a certificate for a COVID-19 test that is older than 7 days (168 hours) will be tested on the day of arrival. They will be in quarantine at their own expense until they receive a negative test result. This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 5 years.

• Namibians studying abroad will be exempt from paying for COVID-19 tests upon entry or departure. Proof to this effect must be provided.

• All travellers coming from or transiting through hotspot regions such as India, will need to go through a COVID-19 PCR test on the 7th day of their arrival.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• COVID-19 test certificates issued in another country are accepted and must be issued in English. Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test results are not accepted for entry into Namibia.

Test certificate required?

• Yes with exceptions

• All non-Namibian travellers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued no more than 7 days (168 hours) prior to arrival in Namibia. Non-Namibian travellers arriving with a negative result that is older than 7 days will be placed in quarantine and tested for COVID-19 on the same day at their own cost and will only be released if the results of this test return negative.

• Namibian citizens may enter with or without a test certificate. In the absence of a test certificate, they will be subject to a 7-day quarantine and testing at their own expense.

• COVID-19 vaccinated individuals will still need to show a negative COVID-19 test result.

• Children below five (5) years of age are exempt from this requirement.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Returning Namibian citizens or Permanent Residence Permit holders with a valid De-isolation Certificate from the Government of the country of departure will not be subjected to quarantine upon entry, despite the status of their results. Non Namibians must present a negative PCR test result.

• Arriving international tourists do not have to enter quarantine if they present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued no more than 7 days (168 hours) prior to arrival. However, non-Namibian travellers arriving with a negative result that is older than 7 days will be placed in quarantine and tested for COVID-19 on the day of arrival at their own cost. If the results of this test are negative, they will be released from quarantine. A test is not required for travellers over the age of 5 years.

• All travellers coming from or transiting through hotspot regions such as India are required to repeat the COVID-19 PCR test 7 days after arrival in Namibia.

• Permanent residents without a valid test certificate on arrival are required to enter quarantine for 7 days.

• Anyone with a positive test result will be required to enter isolation at a government-designated facility at their own expense.

• Based on the above restrictions, the travellers will be either exempted from quarantine or required to enter quarantine for up to 7 days.

Vaccination required?**

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• A COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance form must be completed by all incoming travellers prior to arrival and presented to the authorities upon arrival. The form is available here.

• Arrivals will also need to complete a Health Questionnaire form prior to arrival. The form is available here.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Commercial international flights are operating.

• Hosea Kutako International Airport has resumed operations.

• Domestic air travel remains suspended.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Air and sea borders are open.

• Most land borders have been closed for tourists. Only Katima Mulilo, Ariamsvlei, and Noordoewer border posts and Walvis Bay Harbor can be used for tourist entries by land and sea.

• Anyone travelling to Namibia for business, health, or education must inform their nearest Namibian High Commission or Embassy of their plans 14 days before their intended travel.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• A nationwide curfew between 21:00 to 04:00 (local time) is in effect until 31 July.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Face masks and keeping a distance of two meters with others are mandatory in public places. Anyone found violating the regulations will be fined or imprisoned.

• Public gatherings are limited to 10 people per event.

Internal travel restrictions

• Significant

• Inter-provincial travel, including domestic air travel remains prohibited until 31 July. Essential service providers, returning residents, and tourists may seek exemption from the ban on domestic travel.

• Public transport and private vehicles may operate at a limited capacity.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Non-essential shops are open.

• Salons, beauty parlours, hairdressers, pools, spas, gyms, studios, and fitness centers shall practice public health measures. Both the service providers and clients must wear masks, sanitize, and maintain social distancing.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Accommodations are open.

• Tourists are allowed to use only NTB-registered or health-certified tourism facilities.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• All food establishments are to serve food on a take-away basis only.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars are allowed to open from 09:00-18:00 (local time) from Monday to Thursday. No sale of alcohol is allowed on Saturday or Sundays and Public Holidays.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Places of worship are open.

Events allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• Gatherings at events should not exceed more than ten people. Indoor public gatherings should not last longer than 2 hours.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in public places.

• It is not mandatory for children ages 0 to 5 years to wear masks at school.

Other

• All sports are allowed without spectators; however, the number of persons attending a sports event shall not exceed 50.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.