Africa
Namibia
Vast and well run: Sossusvlei's dunes, Etosha, the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland on good gravel roads. Best by rental car or tour; public transport is thin and distances are long.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa55 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyNADUS$1 ≈ N$16.66Details
- Price level41%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType D, M220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 10111 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTreated tap water is safe in Windhoek and most towns; at remote lodges and campsites ask, and always carry several litres when driving.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalA 2024 High Court ruling struck down the colonial-era sodomy law (the state appealed).Details
- Internet18 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the leftLicences in English with a photo are accepted; otherwise bring an IDP. On gravel roads, keep under 80 km/h.
- Digital nomad visaYesNamibia Digital Nomad VisaDetails
Where to go in Namibia
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WindhoekCapital city | 4/5 | $1,020–1,680 | May–Oct | 73/100 |
| SwakopmundTown | 4/5 | $960–1,560 | Nov–Apr | 77/100 |
When to visit Namibia
May–October is dry and cool, best for wildlife (Etosha peaks August–October). November–April is hot with northern rains; the coast is cool and foggy year-round.
Good to know
Entry
- Since April 2025 many nationalities, including UK and US passports and many EU ones, need a visa: buy on arrival or apply online (N$1,600).
- Passport needs 6 months' validity and 3 blank pages; check your entry stamp shows the right length of stay.
- Children need full (unabridged) birth certificates, plus a consent affidavit if a parent is not travelling.
- Bring a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Driving off designated tracks in parks and protected desert areas is illegal and fined.
- Photographing State House or government and military sites can lead to detention.
- Buying or carrying ivory, rhino horn or other protected wildlife products is a serious crime.
Etiquette
- Greet people before asking questions or starting business
- Ask before photographing Himba people; agree any fee first
- Choose community-run village visits over drive-by photo stops
- Expect a relaxed pace; patience works better than pushing
Tipping
About 10% in restaurants; N$5–10 for fuel attendants and car guards; tip safari guides and lodge staff.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Namibia
- NIPDB: Namibia Digital Nomad Visa
- Ministry of Home Affairs: e-Visa on arrival
- Speedtest Global Index: Namibia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.