Travel Report for Namibia

Country Profile for
Namibia

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: July 24, 2006 14:49 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:08 EST

Namibia

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

Although peace in

Angola

has improved the security situation along the Namibia-Angola border, Canadians should exercise caution when travelling to this area, including the region of Kavango in the northeast and the western half of the Caprivi region, due to the risk of banditry. If you intend to cross into

Angola

, only do so at official border crossing areas. Overland travel via the Trans Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo should be undertaken during daylight hours only. You should be aware of the presence of landmines in the border area from Katwitwi (a village on the Okavango River in western Kavango region) to Kongola town (Caprivi region). Canadians should contact the Consulate of Canada in Windhoek (see section 7 below) for the latest security information.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is prevalent. Muggings, vehicle theft and break-ins occur. Remain alert to your surroundings, ensure your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, and avoid the townships and remote areas after dark. Vehicle doors should be kept locked and windows shut to prevent carjackings and theft.

You should be alert when travelling in

Namibia

and should be cautious of persons ostensibly looking for assistance next to roads in remote areas. Unsuspecting tourists have been victims of armed attacks.

Demonstrations are rare and are concentrated in Windhoek. They can disrupt traffic and business. You should exercise caution and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Wild animals pose risks. Observe all local or park regulations and instructions given by tour guides. Potentially dangerous areas may lack fences and warning signs.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Careful driving is particularly important at night and on rural roads, many of which are gravel with sloping sand shoulders. Road conditions are generally good, but much of the country is desert and overland travel takes considerable time. Turning on a red traffic light is not permitted. Excessive speeds and animals on the roadway pose hazards. Emergency and roadside assistance is unreliable or non-existent outside Windhoek.

Buses and taxis operate in the capital. Use registered taxis only. Public transportation is limited outside Windhoek. Avoid hitchhiking, as drivers may be intoxicated or reckless, vehicles may be poorly maintained, and the incidence of single-vehicle rollover accidents is high.

Road travel to desert areas should be undertaken with sufficient water and fuel supplies and two spare tires. We recommend travel by convoy if you plan to go to the desert.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The dry season extends from March to October, and the rainy season extends from November to February. Unpaved roads may become impassable during the rainy season. You should follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Visitors should dress conservatively.

Diamonds and other protected resources should be purchased from licensed shops. If you are convicted of illegal dealings in diamonds, you could face stiff fines, up to US$20,000, or five years in prison. The purchase and export of other protected resources, such as elephant ivory, may be subject to restrictions.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Do not photograph military sites or government buildings. Ask permission before taking photographs.

It is prohibited to use a cellular telephone while driving or to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A charge of culpable homicide can be made against a driver involved in an accident resulting in death.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Namibia - WINDHOEK, Consulate of Canada
Address: Suite 1118, Sanlam Centre, Independence Ave, Windhoek, Namibia
Postal Address: Windhoek, Namibia
Tel.: 264 (61) 251 254
Fax: 264 (61) 251 686
E-mail: canada@mweb.com.na

The Consulate, which shares offices with British Airways, is open between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays, by appointment only.

The High Commission of Canada in Pretoria, South Africa, is accredited to and has consular responsibility for Namibia. The address is as follows:

South Africa - PRETORIA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 1103 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 0083, South Africa
Postal Address: P.O. Box Private Bag X13, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
Tel.: 27 (12) 422-3000
Fax: 27 (12) 422-3052
E-mail: pret@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.pretoria.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Pretoria, South Africa, listen to the full recorded message, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Namibian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 23, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Namibia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Namibia. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
Employment Visa: Required

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers arriving from infected areas.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD). The South African rand (ZAR) is also accepted. Major credit cards are accepted and most ATMs are linked to international networks.Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Namibia (capital: Windhoek) is located in southern Africa, bordered by Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean. Tourist facilities are satisfactory. The official language is English. Afrikaans is also spoken by most people.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are relatively modern, particularly in the capital. However, well-equipped facilities are rarely available in smaller towns.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Namibia is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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