The Namibian government is tightening its measures against the spread of the corona virus. They are initially valid until June 30th. However, tourists can still enter and drive through the country.
General measures
The greater Windhoek area, a hotspot with more than half of the new infections, will be cordoned off. It extends from Okahandja to Rehoboth and also includes the international airport.
The upper limit for gatherings will be halved from 100 to 50, the sale of alcohol will be restricted and the stay in bars and shebeens will be banned. Otherwise, a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. and general rules such as wearing a mask, frequent sanitising and social distancing continue to apply.
Regulations for tourists
Tourists are still allowed to enter. A negative PCR test not older than 7 days is mandatory, also for vaccinated persons. In addition, one has to fill in two health forms, prove that you have travel health insurance, also covering Covid treatment, and present a pre-booked travel programme. The Greater Windhoek area may only be driven through. Tourist status must be proven at the checkpoints.
Government’s vaccination campaign
The vaccination of the Namibians (around 2.5 million) is rather slow. Of 194,000 doses of vaccine (100,000 Sinopharm, 94,000 AstraZeneca), only around 105,000 doses could be inoculated between the end of March and now. The rate of first vaccinations is 4.1% and that of full vaccinations is just under 0.8%.
The travel industry supports the government’s vaccination campaign. Companies advise their employees to be vaccinated, while lodges provide transport to the nearest vaccination center.
Here is a list of links to the current status of the Corona situation and travel regulations.