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About Namibia – general info

Capital: Windhoek
Currency: Namibian Dollar (1 NAD = ca 0.56 HKD)
Official language: english
Time Difference to HKG: -7
Country phone  code: +264

Entry requirements

See Namibian Embassy for visa requirements. Passports must have at least six months of visa validity remaining (in practice of planned departure from Namibia). Crossing the border at the airport, a return ticket must be shown.
If required visa must be obtained before traveling. Next to the Namibian dollar, South Africa Rand is an accepted currency (Namibian dollar is not accepted in South Africa).

In order to assist travellers to meet requirements of the laws of some countries of destination, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration strongly advises travelers as follows regarding travelling with children under the age of 18:

  1. Travellers should at all times carry unabridged (full) birth certificates of the children, in addition to the children’s passports;
  2. Adults travelling with children that are not their biological children should be in possession of an affidavit (sworn statement deposed to before a commissioner of oaths) from the child’s parents consent that the child may travel with the particular traveller;
  3. When a child is travelling with anyone other than his or her own parents, the traveller should have copies of the identity documents / passports of the parents or legal guardian/s of the child. Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child should also be at hand.
  4. If a child is travelling with only one parent, the other parent should, by way of affidavit, provide consent for the child to travel with the other parent.
  5. Where applicable, travelers should be in possession of a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate.
  6. Any unaccompanied minor may be required to produce:
  7. Proof of consent from one or or both his or her parents or legal guardian, as the case may be, in the form of an affidavit for the child to travel,
  8. Letter from the person who is to receive the child, containing his or her residential address and contact details where the child will be residing;
  9. A copy of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the child; and
  10. The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.

SAFETY

Contrary to our opinion based on many years experience Namibia is a safe country. Places where caution should be exercised is a center of Windhuk and Rundu (we will not reach it). However please remember – we will be in an african country. Car insurance will not be valid in case of night driving or excessive speed. During visits in national parks and places where wildlife occurs, please strictly follow the instructions of the Tour Leader. Don’t leave the vehicle in Etosha Park unattended.

VACCINATIONS, HEALTH CARE

In Namibia there are epidemiological risks of AIDS, malaria (in the northern part of the country), local cholera outbreaks occur. Health care is relatively well developed, mainly in the capital. There is an efficient air ambulance network, eg SOS International, Medrescue. The costs of medical care are comparable to those in South Africa (like Western Europe), but access to it, especially in the depths of the country, is much more difficult. From travelers arriving in Namibia from countries with a high spread of yellow fever virus, it is required to show at the border confirmation of vaccination against yellow fever.Expedition participants are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO PURCHASE A TRAVEL INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS NAMIBIA EVACUATION AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
The WHO announces that the travelers going to Namibia are not subject to compulsory vaccination, however medical services reccomend certain vaccinations related to travel and antimalarial prevention (Malarone).
Actual information you could receive in your local authority.

DRIVING IN NAMIBIA

The driving licence requirements in Namibia state that you must have a full driving licence that is valid in your country of residence. An international driver’s licence is also required if your driving licence is not in English. You will find here relatively well-developed road network, good marking, however, when traveling on gravel roads many accidents happen (drive too close to the roadside, before the expedition starts the pilot will provide the necessary instructions). Remember! Driving in Namibia is on the left hand side of the road!

According to the offer rental cars are insured, however, have reduction franchise, it means own share. There is a possibility to reduce your own share and purchase additional windows and tires insurance. See the FAQ for details! Many local roads during the wet season are impassable. There is a risk of collisions with animals while traveling at night (not recommended as it does not cover this insurance).

DUTY

Foreigners leaving Namibia can only export – within the 12 months after entry – the same amount of currency they have declared at the entrance (in practice, this is not checked). Possession and import of drugs is punishable. There is a ban on the import of weapons without permission and restrictions on the import of other goods (perfumes, cigarettes, alcohol).