Below the new tourism policy as Namibia locks down from 1-15 July. A quick read suggests: a) pcr test before 7 days of arrival; b) insurance valid if hospitalized in Namibia for covid; fill out two covid-related health forms (can get online).

Trip to RSA/Namibia planned for 23 July.

Regards, Tim


Republic of Namibia

MINISTRY OF E NVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND TOURISM



Tel: 061 2842840 Private Bag 13306, Windhoek

Fax: 061 229936

Enquiries: S. C. Chicalu, Director of Tourism and Gaming


TOURISM GUIDLINES APPLICABLE FROM 1JULYTO 15 JULY 2021



01 July 2021

Issued For:

a) The Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Operators, Players and Stakeholders
b) International and Domestic Tourists




1. Definitions

"Accommodation establishments" mean facilities for overnight stay and the services commonly associated therewith, including facilities provided for on the premises where camping in caravans, tents or similar structures are allowed and are validly registered with the Namibia Tourism Board in accordance with the Namibia Tourism Board Act, 2000 (Act 21 of 2000).

"Tourism service providers" mean those businesses declared regulated in terms of section 23 of the Namibia Tourism Board Act, 2000 (Act 21 of 2000), and who are validly registered with the Namibia Tourism Board.

"Tourist" means for the purposes of these regulations foreign visitors traveling to Namibia away from his or her normal place of residence from outside the boundaries of Namibia, for recreational or business purposes.
2. Entry Requirements for Tourists into Namibia

2.1 Tourists must have:

(a) A valid negative SARS-COV-2 PCR Test not older than seven (7) days upon entry into Namibia through ports of entry designated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security; and
(b) Documentation with full travel itinerary including proof of confirmation of bookings, which must be presented on demand to authorised officials at ports of entry or roadblocks.

2.2 Tourists, travelling without a guide, will not be required to obtain a permit, provided points 2.1 a) and b) are complied with.


3. Transportation of Tourists


3.1. Tourists who travel in a group and have hired a vehicle for self-drive tour purposes are allowed to have the maximum number of permitted passengers as provided for in terms of the type of vehicle being used.

3.2. Tourists who are on a group tour in a vehicle (including light aircrafts) operated by a tourism service operator can carry the maximum allowable passenger numbers, provided that such

tourists as passengers wear masks and sanitizer is available on board the vehicle/ aircraft for regular use.

3.3. Only closed groups are allowed to travel in the same vehicle during the duration of that specific tour, provided that the loading capacity mentioned above is never exceeded, inclusive of the guide and the driver.

3.4. Converted tourist vehicles, aircrafts and boats, used for tourism activity operations, are permitted to transport tourists equal to the official carrying capacity of such vehicles, aircrafts or boats - provided all health protocols such as wearing of masks and provision of sanitisers are met - and in line with the Namibia Tourism Board toolkit guidelines. This is applicable to
hunting vehicles, game-viewing vehicles used at lodges, scenic flights, activity operators and
. .
marine crmses.


3.5. Shuttle operators are allowed to transport tourists from the same group at full passenger carrying capacity, provided that the tourists wear masks and sanitizer is available on board the vehicle for regular use.

4. Registration of Accommodation Establishments Requirements


4.1. Accommodation establishments, operating within town or settlement boundaries, are required to have a valid Namibia Tourism Board registration certificate and health fitness certificate issued by the local authority. If the accommodation establishment is operating in an area outside the jurisdiction of the local authority a health fitness certificate must be obtained from the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

5. Registration Requirement for Tourism Service Providers
5.1. Tourism service providers who conduct tours and guiding services must have a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
5.2. Foreign tour guides will be required to obtain the necessary permits to transit Namibia if the
tour is transnational.
5.3. Drivers and tour guides accompanying any tour must have a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism as provided for in the amended Regulations.

6. General Tourists Travel Requirements within Namibia
6.1. Tourists are allowed to travel along their planned journey if cleared at the port of entry into Namibia for the duration of their journey, including entry into and departure out of any restricted areas.

6.2. Tourists are not required to be retested for COVID-19 after the expiry of 7 days of the initial negative SARS-COV-2 PCR Test, unless the tourist presents symptoms during the course of their stay.

6.3. Any SARS-COV-2 PCR Test will be at the own cost of the tourists.


6.4. All arnvmg tourists are required to present a mobile number to be used to send and communicate with the tourists for his/her COVID-19 test results, contact tracing and related communication.

6.5. All tourists detected with symptoms will be subjected to further screening and may be required to remain in isolation until a repeat COVID-19 test is conducted at their own cost.

6.6. If the result is positive, the tourist will be taken to the MOHSS identified isolation facilities and treated at own cost and according to national case management guidelines.

6.7. Tourists must complete and submit a health declaration and health surveillance forms to Health Officials upon arrival.

6.8. Tourists will be subjected to screening by Health Officials upon arrival and departure.


6.9. All tourists must wear masks in vehicles, aircrafts and in public places at all times.


6.10. Tourists must acquire travel insurance that covers medical care ill the event of an unexpected extended stay in Namibia.

6.11. Tourists should ensure that they are tested before boarding airlines and or comply to the aviation industry requirements as per their chosen airline.

6.12. Tourists are permitted to use an y amibia Tourism Board registered tourism facilities. The list of registered tourism facilities can be found on www.na mibiato urism.com.na under registered businesses.

6.13. E ntry into amibia will be allowed at international airports and any land border posts open for entry into the country.

6.14. Tourists will further be subjected to other formal immigration processes.


6.15. All other general public health and safety protocols under the Government Gazette No. 256: Public Health Covid-19 General Regulations: Public and Environme ntal Health Act, 2015, and additional measures as announced on the 30 June 2021 are enforceable and applicable (wearing of mask, sanitizing, etc.).



MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND TOURISM
Kalurnbi Shangula, MP
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES