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Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Namibia due to the high level of crime.
Namibia
Namibia’s desert coast and plateau cities blend English, German, and indigenous languages in a landscape of striking contrasts.
Overview
Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay offer urban anchors amid vast desert and savanna, with regional travel shaped by long distances and diverse cultures. The country’s history is reflected in its languages and cityscapes, while the north’s wildlife and parks add another layer to daily possibilities.
At a glance
Languages
- Afrikaans(Official)
- English(Official)
- German(Official)
Population2,533,794
CurrencyNamibian Dollar (NAD)
1 NAD = 0.0613 USD
1 USD = 16.3080 NAD
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerWeaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyLimitedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Tourist / Visa Waiver, Business Visitor, Work (Employer-Sponsored), and 1 more.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Holiday Visa
Online holiday visa for temporary visits to Namibia. The official page lists a fee of NAD 1,200 for African Union countries and NAD 1,600 for others.
- 3 months
- No work rights
- Visa on Arrival / E-Visa
Visitor visa-on-arrival route available through Namibia's MHAISS e-services portal for listed eligible countries, with applications up to 90 days.
- 90 days
- No work rights
Business Visitor
- MICE Visa
Online visitor visa route for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events in Namibia.
- No work rights
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Short Term Employment Permit (Work Visa)
Short-term employment permit for work in Namibia up to six months, supported by an employer motivation letter and work-purpose documentation.
- 6 months
- Employer-sponsored only
Languages
- Afrikaans(Official)263,200 speakers
- English(Official)64,400 speakers
- German(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Namibia.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Namibia. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Namibia due to crime and health. Crime Non-violent crimes of opportunity are common. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing, and smash and grabs from unoccupied parked vehicles. Potentially violent crimes are possible, including home invasions and armed robberies. Weapons most commonly used by criminals are knives and machetes. Health Namibia is sparsely populated. Many visitors travel to remote areas far from emergency services and medical facilities. Health facilities are limited and may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of large cities.
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