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Safety and Security

U.S. citizens wishing to cross into neighboring countries (Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia) from Namibia should do so only at official border crossing areas and should consult the State Department's Country Specific Information for information about entrance requirements for these countries.

Though street demonstrations are rare in Namibia, U.S. citizens should avoid them when they occur. U.S. citizens traveling in Namibia are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy’s consular section in Windhoek for the latest safety and security information.

To stay connected:

CRIME: Crime is a serious concern in Namibia, but visitors who employ common-sense preventive measures normally enjoy an incident-free stay. Incidents of violent crime directed specifically against U.S. citizens or other foreigners are rare. The most common crimes are property-motivated crimes of opportunity, including pick-pocketing, purse snatching, vehicle theft, and vehicle break-ins. Such crimes most commonly occur in the central business districts of cities, or other areas frequently visited by foreign tourists, both at night and during the day. Residential break-ins are also prevalent in Namibia. Maintain security awareness in your residence and hotel room. Always secure doors and security gates, and use alarms when available.

Basic precautions remain the best deterrents against becoming a victim. Be alert to your surroundings, avoid dark or isolated areas, don’t leave valuables in parked cars, and keep car doors locked and windows up while driving. Physically lock vehicles rather than using the auto-lock function on remote keys. Safeguard purses, wallets, and cellular phones while in public. Drivers should also exercise caution at rest stops between towns; whenever possible, avoid driving or making rest stops by the road at night.

For security reasons, the U.S. Embassy strongly discourages the use of shared, public taxis for U.S. Government personnel assigned to or visiting Namibia and strongly advises all U.S. citizens against using shared, public taxis in Namibia. On the other hand, radio taxis and other pre-booked transportation are used regularly by U.S. Embassy personnel and generally are safe. Taxis hailed on the street will often pick up more than one passenger. Criminals posing as public taxi drivers have occasionally robbed passengers in the past. Generally, travelers are more likely to find a legitimate and safe taxi service if pre-booked through a hotel. Whatever your circumstance, be cautious and aware of your surroundings if utilizing car services; take note of the vehicle license and taxi registration numbers, as well as the name of your driver.

ATM and Credit Card Fraud is becoming more sophisticated and more common in Namibia. ATM users should be suspicious of any unknown person approaching while at an ATM, even if that person appears to be offering assistance. A variety of distraction schemes have been used to steal money or information from tourists at ATMs. Perpetrators may also use card-reading or card-trapping devices attached to ATMs to procure PIN codes or other important personal information. Carefully inspect an ATM before using it and, whenever possible, try to use ATMs which are enclosed and in highly trafficked areas. While most business establishments deal honestly, some may have individual employees who use card-reading machines to steal information when patrons pay with a credit card. This can be done with hand-held devices in a matter of seconds. Whenever possible, pay with cash. If you must use a credit card, it is best to observe the transaction closely as it is processed, and to ensure that the card is not taken out of your sight. Many banks and credit card companies have the capacity to send automatic “alerts” by e-mail or text message when a card has been used. Before traveling, inquire whether your bank or credit card issuer will provide such services.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Namibia is 112. Cell phone coverage in Namibia is generally good in areas near main roads. Mobile phone users may call 112 in an emergency and be connected to the appropriate service (e.g., police, hospital, etc.). It is not necessary to dial an area code when calling this number.

Tourist Protection Units (TPUs) are mandated to carefully monitor criminal activity in areas frequented by tourists and to assist tourists victimized by crime. TPUs exist in Windhoek and in Swakopmund. If you are a victim of crime in one of these cities, please contact:

Tourist Protection Unit – Windhoek (inside Windhoek Main Police Station)
061-209-4345

Tourist Protection Unit - Swakopmund
064-405-558

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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Population: 2,540,905


Total Land Area: 823,290 km2


Population/km2: 3.09