Namibia: Authorities ease COVID-19-related restrictions as of April 6 /update 17

Event

Authorities in Namibia have eased several COVID-19 restrictions and measures as of April 6. The nationwide 22:00-04:00 curfew remains in place until further notice; however, measures related to gatherings have been eased, with both indoor and outdoor locations permitted to host 100 people, provided social distancing protocols are in place. Several other restrictions remain in place, including the following:

Domestic Restrictions:

• The sale of alcohol is only permitted 09:00-22:00 Monday through Saturday, excluding public holidays.

• The use of facemasks covering the nose and mouth is compulsory in all public spaces; children under the age of five are exempt when in school.

• All forms of public transport are permitted to operate at maximum capacity, with trips concluded by 21:00.

• All nonessential businesses are permitted to operate provided they maintain sanitization and social distancing protocols.

International Travel:

• International passenger flights are operating at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). All non-Namibian travelers must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no longer than seven days before arrival.

• Returning citizens and permanent residents that have a certified de-isolation from the government of the country of departure will not be subject to quarantine, despite the status of COVID-19 test results.

• Namibian citizens can enter the country without a test result. Travelers who arrived without a test result or with a result outside the outlined period will be subject to a seven-day quarantine and a test at personal expense.

• Frequent travelers returning to Namibia within three days of departure are permitted to use the same positive COVID-19 test results upon reentry. Travelers who exceed the three-day period will be required to present a new COVID-19 test. Travelers who fail to do so will be required to quarantine for a period of seven days.

• The Katima Mulilo, Ariamsvlei, and Noordoewer border posts, and Walvis Bay Harbor are the only access points for tourists intending to travel via land or sea.

Officials could amend restrictions at short notice. Security forces have deployed to ensure compliance. Authorities will issue fines to persons not complying with the COVID-19-related measures.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Before departing for Namibia, confirm with local authorities or diplomatic missions on the status of quarantine and or other restrictive measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Ministry of Health and Social Services
Guidelines for Stages