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Before you go to Namibia: what to know

Must know

  • British visitors need a visa. Apply online in advance or use the visa-on-arrival scheme at an eligible port; confirm fees and the authorised stay before travel.
  • South African rand is also accepted. Cards and ATMs work in major centres; carry cash for remote areas and fuel stops.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: British visitors need a visa. Apply online in advance or use the visa-on-arrival scheme at an eligible port; confirm fees and the authorised stay before travel. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival; 3 blank pages.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • South African rand is also accepted. Cards and ATMs work in major centres; carry cash for remote areas and fuel stops.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Trading protected wildlife or its parts without a licence.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

Rain can damage gravel roads January–April. The tourism board identifies May–October as the dry wildlife-viewing season.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.

Best season: May–October for dry-season wildlife viewing; confirm conditions for your route.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, visitnamibia.com.na ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: 220–240 V; round three-pin, 15-amp sockets.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitnamibia.com.na ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.