The rapid spread of the respiratory disease COVID-19 through many countries around the world, has led to severe restrictions on the movements of people to slowdown the rate of transmission of the virus through reduced social contact and exposure to the virus. These measures include increased entry controls, health checks via thermo scans and/or entry bans.

Due to the positive confirmation of two COVID-19 cases on Namibian soil, the Namibian government declared a National Emergency as well as additional measures to strengthen Namibia’s preparedness and response to the COVID-19 outbreak with immediate effect as from the 17th March 2020. These measures include:

• The suspension of the issuance of visa on arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and the implementation of a travel ban for foreign nationals (by air and sea) from affected countries, namely Schengen States, China, Iran, Korea, United Kingdom, United States of America and Japan. The travel ban to be reviewed regularly.
• A temporary travel suspension for 30 days for Namibians or Permanent Residents functionaries except for special cases with prior authorization with Ministry of Health and Social Services and Home Affairs and Immigration. Exceptional cases will include, persons seeking medical treatment, essential services like humanitarian assistance, truck drivers bringing food and other essential commodities, Namibians returning among others. Compulsory screening will be conducted for verification and quarantine imposed were necessary.
• All leisure, business and social travel like tourists is suspended, and Namibians who are residents in other countries considering to visit Namibia to postpone such visits.

Please click here to read the full text of the Travel Advisory #18-03-2020