Namibia - CountryWatch

Social Overview Travel Information
prescription drugs. One should also learn about local cultural standards for women, including norms of
dressing. Be aware that it is simply inappropriate and unsafe for women to travel alone in some countries,
and take the necessary precautions to avoid risk-filled situations.
12. If one is traveling with small children, one should pack extra supplies, make arrangements with the
travel carrier for proper seating that would adequately accommodate children, infants or toddlers. Note
also that whether one is male of female, traveling with children means that one's hands are thus not
free to carry luggage and bags. Be especially aware that this makes one vulnerable to pickpockets,
thieves and other sorts of crime.
13. Make proper arrangements for accommodations, well in advance of one's arrival at a destination.
Some countries have limited accommodation, while others may have culturally distinctive facilities.
Learning about these practicalities before one travels will greatly aid the enjoyment of one's trip.
14. Travel with different forms of currency and money (cash, traveler's checks and credit cards) in
anticipation that venues may not accept one or another form of money. Also, ensuring that one's financial
resources are not contained in one location, or by one person (if one is traveling with others) can
be a useful measure, in the event that one loses a wallet or purse.
15. Find out about transportation in the destination country. In some places, it might be advisable to
hire a local driver or taxi guide for safety reasons, while in other countries, enjoying one's travel experience
may well be enhanced by renting a vehicle and seeing the local sights and culture independently.
Costs may also be prohibitive for either of these choices, so again, prior planning is suggested.
Tips for Travelers
A passport and visa are normally required. Travelers coming for work, whether paid or voluntary, must
obtain their visas prior to entering Namibia. Travelers should obtain the latest information from the
nearest Embassy of Namibia.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at
entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission
for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on
hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Avoid all travel to the Kavango and Caprivi regions of northeast Namibia due to the uncertain security
situation. Fighting between the armed forces of Angola and the National Union for the Total Independence
of Angola (UNITA) has spilled over into Namibia. UNITA has staged violent cross-border raids
and planted land mines. Many local Namibian citizens have been injured or killed by land mines
planted in the Kavango region bordering Angola. Foreign tourists have been attacked and killed by
men in military uniform on the Trans-Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo.
Be alert to the potential for the Angolan civil war to affect regions along the Namibia-Angola border.
On April 19, 2001, an anti-tank mine exploded approximately 35 km. east of Oshikango and approxi-
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