Namibia’s latest COVID-19 restrictions on travel within that country have been extended through the end of July. Readers will remember SCI’s news alert regarding tightened restrictions designed to stem a third wave of COVID-19 infections in that country. President of Namibia Dr. Hage G. Geingob had announced a lockdown on travel between regions of Namibia and a curfew from 9 pm to 4 am. Initially the measures were effective through July 15 but have been extended until the end of July and are likely to be extended into August, if infections do not come under control.
Fortunately, the exemptions that were previously provided to tourists going to Namibia are still in place. Tourists may travel between regions of the country, if they follow the requirements listed below
Entry Requirements
- All tourists arriving in Namibia, whether vaccinated or not, must have a valid negative PCR test for COVID-19 taken at least seven days before arrival. Note that Antigen Rapid Diagnostic tests are no longer accepted.
- Arriving tourists must provide a mobile phone number for authorities to communicate with them regarding COVID-19 test results, contact tracing and other related communications.
- Tourists must complete and submit a health declaration and health surveillance forms to officials upon arrival.
- Tourists must also acquire travel insurance that covers medical care in the event of an expected stay in Namibia.
Internal Travel Requirements
- Documentation with a full travel itinerary, including proof of confirmation of bookings, must be presented on demand to authorized officials at ports of entry and roadblocks. Drivers and guides accompanying tourists must have the required permits to travel across regions.
- Tourists traveling without a guide, do not require a permit if they have the required PCR test and travel itinerary in hand.
Capacity Restrictions
- While public transportation services in Namibia must operate at half capacity, tourist groups traveling together and driving themselves may have the maximum number of passengers the vehicle is designed to carry.
- Also, tourism operators may take the maximum number of passengers a vehicle or craft is designed to accommodate.
- Tourists on group tours conducted by a tourism service operator must wear masks and have access to hand sanitizer on board any vehicle or aircraft, including hunting vehicles, game-viewing vehicles used at lodges, scenic flights, activity operators and marine cruises.
- Only closed tourist groups may travel together in the same vehicle during that specific tour, provided loading capacities are not exceeded, including the guide and driver.
- Shuttle operators may transport tourists from the same group at full passenger carrying capacity, but tourists must wear masks and have access to hand sanitizers.
Operator Permit Requirements
- Tourism service providers conducting tours and guiding services must have a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
- Accommodation establishments operating within town or settlement boundaries are required to have a valid Namibia Tourism Board registration certificate and health fitness certificate issued by the local authority.
- Establishments operating in areas outside a local authority’s jurisdiction must have a health fitness certificate from the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
- For a list of registered tourism facilities, go to www.namibiatourism.com.na under registered businesses.
For more information on travel affected by COVID-19, SCI members may contact SCI’s Hunter Information Service at www.safariclub.org/contact.
