Hello, we are Maé and Oré @travelburners, and we have been travelling extensively across the African continent aboard our Land Rover Defender. During this long journey, Namibia has become particularly close to our hearts, and we would like to share some tips with you. Today it's all about the bureaucratic approach to an enjoyable Namibian adventure.
Namibia is one of the African countries where travelling is quite easy. Upon arrival in Namibia, you will receive a stamp in your passport allowing you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. Currently, no visa is required for European Union citizens, but the visa requirements might change from 1 April 2025.
If you plan to drive a vehicle during your trip in Namibia, you will need an international driving permit (in France, it is free but there is a wait of 4 to 6 months). If your vehicle is from a rental agency, we strongly recommend getting insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents or damage to the vehicle – a chip in your windshield or a flat tire can happen quickly.
Lastly, there is no requirement to provide health insurance for travelling to Namibia. However, as full-time travellers, we strongly recommend being covered to fully enjoy your trip and travel with peace of mind. If you are travelling to the northern and northeastern regions (malaria zones), insurance is - in our opinion - not optional. Travel risks are unpredictable, and healthcare costs in Namibia (or abroad in general) can quickly escalate.
It is common for travellers to combine a trip to Namibia with one or more neighbouring countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, or Angola. After more than a year of travelling between these countries entirely by road, we had the opportunity to cross several border posts. In Namibia, border crossings are very straightforward, and local authorities are generally very welcoming and helpful.
If you enter Namibia by road, make sure to have:
- Your passport
- Your return flight ticket (if travelling by air)
- An address in Namibia (lodge, campsite, or other)
- A circulation permit for your rental vehicle (provided by your rental agency)
- Your Carnet de Passage for your own vehicle
- Your credit card (or cash) to pay the road tax (445 NAD as of July 2024)
If you leave Namibia by road, make sure to have:
- Your passport
- Your Carnet de Passage if travelling with your own vehicle
- A circulation permit if you rented a vehicle (provided by your rental agency)
Lastly, note that local authorities (customs, police, military) mostly communicate in English. Therefore, we recommend having some basic knowledge of English to facilitate your interactions on-site.
Conclusion
As you can see, Namibia is a unique destination offering breathtaking landscapes, impressive wildlife, and captivating cultural richness. To fully enjoy this adventure, proper preparation is essential. As seasoned travellers, we emphasise the importance of a few key points: choosing the right vehicle, adapting your driving to local conditions, and, most importantly, respecting the environment and its inhabitants.
By following these tips, you'll be ready to explore the wonders of Namibia safely and serenely. The country will then offer you all its magic, from its endless dunes to its wildlife filled nature reserves, and unforgettable starry nights. You will surely return with memorable experiences and a desire to return as soon as possible...
This is the last article of the series “Overland Namibia” with valuable travel tips:
05/12/2024 Choosing your Vehicle | Plan your Itinerary
19/12/2024 Safety and Preparation | Driving Gravel Roads
02/01/2025 Off-Road Driving | Adjusting the Tire Pressure
16/01/2025 Respect for the Environment and Communities | Health and Hygiene
30/01/2025 Documents and Assurance | Land Border Crossings
Article series written by Manon Glasberg for Gondwana Collection Namibia
Page Instagram: @travelburners
Website: www.travelburners.com