Namibia
Outbreaks
- There has been a malaria outbreak following heavy rain in northern Namibia, and the weather forecasts predict further rain. For this reason, taking preventive malaria tablets is also recommended during June, July and August in areas subject to seasonal recommendations, including Etosha National Park, Ondangwa Province and Waterberg Park.
- There is a measles outbreak.
- There has been an outbreak of malaria in northern Namibia as a result of heavy rainfall. Taking preventive malaria tablets is also recommended in Etosha National Park, Ondangwa Province and Waterberg Park.
This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.
Register your trip and read the information about security, healthcare and other practical aspects on the FPS Foreign Affairs website.
Important health risks
Malaria risk areas
- High whole year round in the north and northeast of the country in Zambezi province and Caprivi Strip; eastern part of Kavango East Province; northern part of Kavango West Province; eastern part of Ohangwena Province.
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures and malaria tablets.
- Seasonal in the remaining parts of the northern third of the country, including Etosha National Park and most parts of Kunene Province; the cities of Grootfontein, Okakarara, Ondangwa, Outapi, and Tsumeb.
- Prevention:
- From September to May: mosquito-repellent measures and malaria tablets.
- From June to August: Changed recommendations due to the malaria outbreak: mosquito-repellent measures in combination wih preventive malaria tablets.
- From September to May: mosquito-repellent measures and malaria tablets.
- Prevention:
- Moderate whole year round in some western parts of the province of Kunene.
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures sometimes in combination wih preventive malaria tablets for people with an increased risk.
- Low in the rest of the country:
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures.
- None in Windhoek (city center), coastal region, Namib desert as well as regions south of Mariental.
In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Other insect-borne diseases
Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and leishmaniasis.
Protect yourself against insects.
Tick-borne diseases
Ticks can transmit diseases such as African tick bite fever.
Rabies
Dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies.
Schistosomiasis
There is a risk of infection with schistosomiasis when swimming or bathing in lakes and rivers.
Altitude sickness
You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.
COVID-19
Take a look at the general preventive measures related to COVID-19.
- Carefully read the entry conditions and local measures of this country.
Other possible infections
Other frequent health risks while travelling
Read these tips before you leave.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
Update of basic vaccinations
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis
- Polio
- Measles-mumps-rubella:
- Check your vaccination status. Early measles vaccination is recommended for some young children.
Polio
A single booster of polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Asia or Africa aged 16 years or older.
Other vaccinations
Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you:
Yellow fever vaccination is not necessary if you are travelling from Belgium.
Vaccination is exceptionally compulsory if you have been in certain countries in the past six days from the age of nine months. This also applies to transit through an airport that takes more than twelve hours.
This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.