Entry requirements — yellow fever

Namibia requires a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) from travellers arriving from, or who have transited through, countries with yellow‑fever transmission; children and adults may be checked at ports of entry. The International Health Regulations require that a yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Check the Republic of Namibia Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration for route‑specific rules and carry your certificate if your itinerary includes a yellow‑fever risk country. Republic of Namibia — Ministry of Home Affairs (visa & health rules), World Health Organization — yellow fever/IHR.

Routine and widely recommended vaccines

Make sure routine vaccines are up to date before travel (MMR, diphtheria‑tetanus‑pertussis, polio, varicella, influenza). All eligible travellers should be current with COVID‑19 immunization. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are recommended for most travellers to Namibia. Polio vaccine: public‑health authorities advise travellers to be up to date because poliovirus has been identified in the region in the recent period. These recommendations are summarized by the U.S. CDC travel health guidance. CDC Travelers’ Health — Namibia (vaccines & medicines).

Vaccines for selected travellers

Consider these vaccines depending on itinerary, activities and medical history:

• Typhoid: recommended for most travellers, especially if you will eat food from street vendors or in areas with limited sanitation. CDC — Typhoid
• Rabies: pre‑exposure vaccination should be considered for travellers who will have prolonged contact with animals, work with animals, or go to remote areas where prompt post‑exposure treatment may be difficult. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately. CDC — Rabies
• Cholera vaccine: may be considered for travellers (adults and children) going to areas with active cholera transmission or who will have close contact with affected communities. Localised cholera activity has been reported in parts of Namibia. CDC — Cholera, WHO Regional Office for Africa — cholera surge

Malaria

Malaria transmission occurs in northern and northeastern regions (CDC lists Kavango East/West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi). For those travelling to these areas, CDC recommends antimalarial chemoprophylaxis (options include atovaquone‑proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine depending on medical suitability) plus strict mosquito‑bite prevention (repellent, bed nets, protective clothing). Many regions experienced a marked rise in malaria cases in 2026; if you are visiting northern or rural/safari areas plan prevention with a clinician. CDC — Malaria (regions and drug options), The Namibian — 2026 malaria surge report.

Diarrhoea, cholera and water safety

Acute diarrhoeal illness is the most common travel‑related infection. Avoid untreated water and uncooked food, practise hand hygiene, and use bottled or boiled water for drinking and tooth‑brushing where sanitation is uncertain. Localised cholera cases have been reported in parts of Namibia (Kunene and Otjozondjupa have been identified in recent surveillance); travellers to affected areas should follow local public‑health advice, follow safe water/food practices and consider cholera vaccination if recommended for your plans. CDC — Cholera and food/water safety, WHO Regional Office for Africa — regional cholera surge.

Animal and insect exposures

Dog bites and wildlife contact pose rabies risk; avoid contact with animals, seek immediate wound care and post‑exposure prophylaxis if bitten or scratched. Tick‑borne infections (including African tick‑bite fever) and sand‑fly exposure (leishmaniasis) occur; use insect repellent, permethrin‑treated clothing or bed nets and check for ticks after outdoor activities. CDC — Rabies, tick‑borne and sand‑fly risks.

Health system access, injuries and environmental risks

Medical facilities are unevenly distributed; emergency care and advanced diagnostics are concentrated in Windhoek and regional centers. Road traffic collisions and vehicle‑related injuries are a leading travel hazard—drive defensively, avoid night driving outside towns, and ensure first‑aid and evacuation plans. Namibia’s sun, heat and desert conditions increase risks of dehydration, sunburn and heat injury—carry water, sun protection and a basic first‑aid kit. Purchase travel health and medical‑evacuation insurance. Visit Namibia — health & insurance advice, CDC — travel safety and packing list.

2026 malaria increases in several regions

Namibia reported a sharp rise in malaria cases in 2026 with clusters affecting multiple northern regions; public‑health response measures (indoor residual spraying campaigns, strengthened surveillance) have been active. Travellers to northern or riverside regions should use antimalarial prophylaxis and bite‑avoidance measures. The Namibian — malaria surge report (2026), CDC — malaria guidance by region.

Localised cholera activity

WHO and regional surveillance reported increased cholera activity across parts of southern Africa in 2026; Namibia has reported localized cases in some regions. Check local public‑health notices if your itinerary includes affected districts and follow strict food and water precautions. WHO Regional Office for Africa — cholera surge (2026), CDC — cholera (localized regions).

Vaccine‑preventable disease vigilance

Poliovirus and measles appear in regional surveillance and the CDC advises travellers to be fully vaccinated; ensure MMR and polio immunity are current before international travel. CDC — measles & polio notices, WHO AFRO — measles surveillance (2025).