A Guide to Travelling to Namibia During Covid

The global Covid-19 pandemic that first emerged in the early part of 2020 has caused significant travel disruption over the last couple of years. However, owing to vaccination rollouts and various health and safety measures that have been implemented across the entire African continent, life has been gradually returning to normal and the spread of Covid-19 throughout Africa has greatly reduced.

In fact, despite dire warnings and predictions about the ongoing spread of Covid-19 in Africa, countries like South Africa, which was one of the worst African nations affected by the pandemic, have witnessed an 84% drop in infections from their December 2021 high and over 50% of the population are now vaccinated, compared to 62% in the USA.

In Namibia, over 800,000 vaccination doses have now been administered and infection rates rank amongst the lowest on the planet.

If you’re thinking of booking a Namibia safari adventure and you’re looking to find out more about Covid travel requirements and safety procedures, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on below to find out everything you need to know about entry requirements for vaccinated/unvaccinated visitors and more.

Can I travel to Namibia if I am unvaccinated?

The good news is that Namibia, as well as a whole host of other African nations, have significantly relaxed Covid entry requirements over the last few months. For fully vaccinated travellers, no PCR or antigen test is needed to enter the country, but proof of vaccination must be uploaded to globalhaven.org and you will receive a QR code before you travel.

It’s also worth noting that to be considered fully vaccinated visitors must have received all of their required doses more than 14 days before arrival.

For unvaccinated travellers, you are still welcome to enter Namibia, but you must produce a negative PCR test on arrival that has been taken within the last 7 days.

Visitors to Namibia do not have to quarantine for any period of time, just be sure that you abide by the vaccinated/unvaccinated entry requirements listed above.

Do I need to take a test to return home?

Depending on where you’re travelling from some countries still require you to take either an antigen or PCR test before you return home. If you’re travelling from the USA an antigen test taken within 1 calendar day of your departure to the USA is required. However, these tests can be conducted at most safari lodges, camps, hotels, and airports-and they are generally cheap.

If you’re travelling from European countries such as the UK, no antigen or PCR test is required before you travel home. However, for specific Covid travel advice for your departure country it’s worth checking in with your embassy or government website before you book.

Namibia Covid Safety Measures

Namibia is one of the friendliest and most hospitable nations on the entire African continent and over the last two years local businesses, tour operators and residents have all come together to implement a number of Covid measures aimed at keeping visitors safe.

Whether you’re at a lodge, airport or hotel it’s commonplace to find hand sanitiser stations everywhere whilst mask wearing is a normal practise and temperature checks are also in place at certain busy establishments.

By definition, a safari is an open-air adventure with plenty of space, so social distancing is easy to abide by. During the pandemic interest in safari travel experiences have grown considerably with families, couples, solo travellers and small groups attracted to the freedom that only a safari can offer.

Please note that Covid restrictions and travel guidance could change so it’s always worth checking the latest advice before you book. Please get in touch with a member of the SecretNamibia team if you have any Namibia Covid-travel related questions and to view our stunning Namibia holiday packages for 2022 please click here.