What is the current situation in Namibia?

Namibia is welcoming travellers with open arms.

There are travel restrictions from some countries for travellers returning from Namibia.

Namibia is on the "green list" of:

• Austria
• France
• Germany
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

These countries have few entry restrictions for travellers coming from Namibia.

Note : Some of these countries (e.g. Austria) do not have defined Green and Red lists. However, according to the extent of their regulations, we classify them into either.

[Source: German Embassy, Windhoek]

What documentation do I need to enter Namibia?

You do not need any documentation to enter Namibia.

Do I need to quarantine when I get to Namibia?

No

[Source: Ministry of Health and Social Services, Republic of Namibia]

Can I return to Germany from Namibia?

YES, you are allowed to re-enter Germany from Namibia.

What documentation do I need to re-enter Germany from Namibia?

You do not need any documentation to re-enter Germany.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter Germany from Namibia?

No, there is NO quarantine requirement for people arriving in Germany at present.

[Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community]

[Source: Federal Ministry of Health]

Can I return to Switzerland from Namibia?

You are allowed to reenter Switzerland from Namibia if you are a:

• Swiss citizen or resident permit holder.
• EU/EFTA citizen (and some of your family members).

What documentation do I need to re-enter Switzerland from Namibia?

You do not need any documentation to re-enter Switzerland.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter Switzerland from Namibia?

No, there is NO quarantine requirement for people arriving in Switzerland at present.

[Source: Federal Office of Public Health, Swiss Confederation ]

Can I return to Austria from Namibia?

YES, you are allowed to re-enter Austria from Namibia.

What documentation do I need to re-enter Austria from Namibia?

You do not need any documentation to re-enter Austria.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter Austria from Namibia?

No, there is NO quarantine requirement for people arriving in Austria at present.

Can I return to the United Kingdom from Namibia?

Yes, you are allowed to travel to the UK from Namibia.

What documentation do I need to re-enter the United Kingdom from Namibia ?

When you travel to England from abroad you do not need any documentation.

• no COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
• no UK passenger locator form This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

It includes people who are transiting through England

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter the United Kingdom from Namibia ?

You do not need to quarantine.

[Source: The United Kingdom Government]

Can I leave France to go to Namibia?

• You are allowed to leave France without needing a compelling reason.

What documentation do I need to re-enter France from Namibia?

• Evidence of your vaccination status

OR

• A negative PCR taken less than 72 hours or an antigen test taken less than 48 hours prior to departure (departure of first flight in case of connecting flights)

OR

• A certificate of recovery (positive result of a PCR or antigen test carried out more than eleven days and less than six months previously

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter France from Namibia?

No, you do not need to quarantine

[Source: French Minister of Interior]

Can I return to the United States from Namibia?

Yes, you are allowed to travel to the United States from Namibia.

What documentation do I need to re-enter the United States from Namibia ?

When you travel to theUnited States from abroad you do not need any documentation.

• no COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
• no UK passenger locator form This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter the United States from Namibia ?

You do not need to quarantine.

[Source: The United States Government]

Can I return to South Africa from Namibia?

You are allowed to re-enter South Africa from Namibia.

What documentation do I need to renter South Africa from Namibia?

You do not need any documentation to enter South Africa.

Do I need to enter quarantine when I re-enter South Africa from Namibia?

No

[Source: South African Government]

Can I have a Covid-19 test done in Namibia?

Yes

You can do both PCR and rapid antigen tests with PathCare laboratories in Namibia. You can book to have your PCR/Rapid Antigen test done at a PathCare facility in Windhoek Central, Windhoek Eros, Ongwediva, Otjiwarongo, Tsumeb, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. See all details below.

How do I book a Covid-19 test with PathCare in Namibia?

You will need to do an online booking on the PathCare booking website in advance. This booking platform allows you to select your desired test, date, time and location. Payments will need to be made upfront. The result is watermarked and stamped and sent to you via email.

Cost of tests

A Covid-19 PCR test will cost N$850.00 (roughly 50 Euro) and results will take up to 48 hours.

The WHO approved Rapid Antigen test will cost N$500.00 (roughly 30 Euro) and results will take less than 5 hours.

IMPORTANT:

What to take with you to do your test:

• The electronically completed PathCare Travel Request Form
• MoHSS Case Investigation Form (CIF)
• Copy of your passport (needs to be captured on the report). You also need to present your original passport at each facility.

When should I book to get my Covid-19 test at PathCare prior to departure?

You are likely required to have proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours OR or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours before arrival in the country you are returning to (make sure to check country-specific requirements).

PCR Tests

You will have to go to a PathCare testing facility 2 days (48 hours) prior to your departure date to do a PCR test, as the approximate turnaround time for results is between 30 - 48 hours.

IMPORTANT: Do not do a PCR test if the country you are returning to requires tests to be done within 48 hours (i.e. Denmark)

An example:

Monday: Do your prebooked PCR test at a PathCare facility at 10 am.

Tuesday: Wait for/receive result.

Wednesday: Receive result before or at 10 am (given the 48 hour turnaround time) OR do a rapid antigen test before 10 am (you will receive the result within 5 hours) and fly out from Windhoek at 6 pm in the afternoon.

Thursday: Arrive in Frankfurt at 5 am (67 hours since your PCR test or 19 hours since your antigen test).

How likely is it that I will get Covid-19 on my trip to Namibia?

Not likely

Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. You will spend most (if not all) of your trip exploring vast, remote and relatively empty attractions, avoiding towns.

Follow these precautions set out by the Namibian government:

• Do not leave your accommodation between the hours of 9 pm and 4 am as there is a national curfew in place.

• Wear a face mask at all times in public places and on public transport.

• Maintain social distancing of at least 2 m.

• Avoid crowded places.

• You will have to sanitise, sign in and have your temperature taken at various establishments.

What happens if I get Covid-19 whilst on my trip?

If you suspect that you might have Covid, don’t panic. Isolate yourself and seek medical attention if you are unwell. Check what the Covid-19 procedure is at your hotel/lodge and follow their guidelines.

Will I be able to find a doctor and hospital?

Access to healthcare in Namibia is generally very good. There are both private and public hospitals, with larger hospitals equipped to handle emergencies primarily found in cities. Keep the emergency numbers provided by your travel insurer ready at all times. Alternatively, E-Med is a Namibian emergency rescue company that services the whole country ([+264] 61 411 600).

Is healthcare in Namibia good?

Good quality private hospitals are found in all Namibian cities and all are on par with international standards. You will have access to great support and levels of care at these facilities.

Who covers the cost of a medical emergency?

If you have taken out comprehensive travel insurance, your insurer will cover the costs for usual medical treatment. Check the details of your insurance before you leave and if faced with an emergency situation while travelling.