German authorities abated the hopes of the Namibian travel industry for a restart of tourism in mid-June. The country was declared a virus variant area with effect from June 20. They did not disclose the name of the Corona virus variant. So far, only isolated cases of the beta variant, which was first discovered in South Africa, have been confirmed in Namibia.
Due to the new status every traveller who has been in Namibia up to ten days before his or her return trip to Germany must submit a negative PCR test before boarding the plane and be quarantined for 14 days after arrival. It is not possible to shorten it by testing. This applies even to those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered.
Namibia is currently experiencing a third wave of infections with a 7-day incidence of over 300. Experts expect the values to decline in early July.
The booking numbers for the high season from July to November looked encouraging. However, after the classification as a virus variant area, accommodations as well as tour operators in Namibia and Europe again reported a wave of cancellations.
This report was published, in a slightly modified form, with further news stories on travel and nature in Namibia, in the column “Reise Aktuell” in the print edition of Namibiamagazin no. 2/2021 (in German only).
Here is a list of links to the current status of the Corona situation and travel regulations.