Namibia Vaccinations & Health Rules 2026 for South Africans

Quick answer: South African citizens travelling directly from South Africa to Namibia should not normally need a yellow fever vaccination certificate because Namibia’s entry rule applies to travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk, including qualifying airport transits through those countries. The rule is based on your itinerary and recent travel, not simply your citizenship.

Namibia has no yellow fever transmission risk itself, but travellers may still need an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (the WHO “yellow card”) when arriving from a risk country. Recommended travel-health measures can include routine-vaccine updates, hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria prevention and mosquito-bite precautions, depending on your route, accommodation, activities and health history.

Verification note: Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Vaccination requirements for South Africans entering Namibia

Namibia’s principal vaccine-related border requirement concerns yellow fever. The U.S. Embassy in Namibia states that travellers coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic must show their WHO immunization record, commonly called the yellow card.

For a direct South Africa–Namibia journey, the available official guidance does not identify a yellow fever certificate requirement. However, a South African citizen who has recently travelled through a yellow-fever-risk country may be treated differently from someone who has travelled only from South Africa. Check every flight and airport stop before departure.

Situation	What to expect
Travelling directly from South Africa	A yellow fever certificate is not normally indicated by the published risk-country rule, but confirm the current requirement for your exact itinerary.
Arriving after travel from a yellow-fever-risk country	Namibia may require proof of vaccination in the WHO yellow card.
Transit or layover in a risk country	The CDC says the requirement applies to travellers aged 9 months and older after airport transits or layovers of more than 12 hours in a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Medical contraindication	A clinician may issue a medical waiver in the appropriate yellow card section. The U.S. Embassy says the waiver should be supported by a signed, dated exemption letter on medical letterhead and validated by the yellow fever vaccination centre.

The full itinerary matters. A long connection can create a requirement even when South Africa was the first departure point, particularly if the traveller leaves the airport transit area or the connection exceeds the applicable threshold. The CDC advises considering transfers where a traveller might need to pass through immigration, for example to obtain accommodation during a long layover.

Yellow fever vaccination is not recommended solely because you are visiting Namibia, since there is no yellow fever risk in the country. It is an entry document requirement only when the preceding itinerary triggers it.

Recommended vaccinations for a Namibia trip

Namibia does not have one universal vaccine schedule for every visitor. A travel-health professional should assess your existing immunizations, age, pregnancy status, medical conditions, safari location, length of stay and likely contact with food, animals or rural communities. Canada’s travel advice lists routine protections such as measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, chickenpox, influenza and other vaccines for discussion with a healthcare professional.

Hepatitis A

The CDC recommends hepatitis A vaccination for unvaccinated travellers aged one year or older going to Namibia. Infants aged 6–11 months should also be vaccinated, although that dose does not count towards the routine two-dose series.

Hepatitis A protection is particularly relevant when travelling through places where food and water hygiene may vary. Your clinician can advise whether vaccination, a schedule adjustment or immune globulin is appropriate. The CDC notes that travellers allergic to a vaccine component may receive immune globulin, and that some travellers departing for a risk area in less than two weeks may receive an initial vaccine dose and immune globulin at the same appointment.

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccination is recommended by the CDC for most travellers to Namibia, especially people staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities and rural areas. The decision should reflect your food and water exposure, itinerary and accommodation rather than the fact that you are taking a safari.

Routine vaccines and measles protection

Before departure, ask a healthcare professional to review routine immunizations, including measles protection. Canada’s travel advice specifically identifies MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and varicella among vaccines that may be relevant to travellers. The supplied guidance does not identify these routine vaccines as general Namibia border-entry requirements.

Rabies and other itinerary-specific vaccines

Rabies vaccination may be considered for travellers whose activities increase the chance of animal contact or who may be far from prompt medical care. Discuss it if your trip involves remote camping, extended rural travel, animal handling or activities involving caves or wildlife. The final recommendation should come from a travel-health professional who knows your itinerary.

Do not self-prescribe additional vaccines solely because you are joining a safari. A clinic can distinguish between an entry requirement, a general recommendation and a vaccine that is only appropriate for a particular traveller.

When should South African travellers get vaccinated?

Book a travel-health consultation at least eight weeks before departure where possible. UK government travel advice recommends checking vaccine recommendations and health risks at least eight weeks before a Namibia trip.

• Eight weeks or more before departure: review routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid and any itinerary-specific protection with a clinician.
• Before a yellow fever-risk itinerary: arrange vaccination and the yellow card through an authorised provider if your route triggers Namibia’s certificate rule. The certificate must be available when required.
• Less than eight weeks before departure: still seek advice rather than abandoning the appointment. Some protection may be possible on a shortened schedule, but the correct timing depends on the vaccine and your medical circumstances.

If you have a medical contraindication to yellow fever vaccination, ask the clinician to complete the medical contraindications section of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis and provide the supporting exemption letter described by the U.S. Embassy.

Malaria in Namibia: risk areas and prevention

Malaria risk is concentrated in northern and northeastern Namibia, including the Kavango regions and Zambezi, with additional risk in parts of Kunene and Omaheke. The U.S. Embassy’s travel information identifies transmission in northern regions such as Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango East and West, Zambezi, parts of Kunene and portions of Omaheke.

Risk varies by location and season. HealthyTravel reports higher risk in high-risk areas from September to May and recommends mosquito-bite prevention and malaria chemoprophylaxis there; it also reports that prevention may be appropriate in some areas during June to August. Because recommendations depend on the exact region, ask a travel-medicine clinician whether you need prescription prophylaxis or standby emergency treatment.

Practical malaria prevention

• Use an effective insect repellent and follow the product instructions.
• Wear clothing that reduces exposed skin, particularly around dusk and after dark.
• Use screened or air-conditioned accommodation where available, and sleep under a mosquito net when advised.
• Ask about malaria tablets well before travel; the medicine, dose and start date depend on your health and destination.
• Seek medical care promptly for fever during or after travel and mention your Namibia itinerary.

There is no malaria vaccine routinely presented as a general entry requirement for South African visitors in the supplied Namibia guidance. Malaria prevention is instead based on personal protection and, where clinically appropriate, medication.

Health documents and travel insurance

Carry your yellow fever certificate if your itinerary requires one, together with copies of important prescriptions and medical information. If you have a yellow fever medical waiver, carry both the completed certificate and supporting exemption letter.

Travel insurance should cover treatment in Namibia and unexpected medical evacuation. UK government advice recommends appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or medical evacuation, especially for travellers with an existing health condition or who are pregnant.

Healthcare availability is better in Windhoek than in remote safari areas. The UK government reports good medical facilities in Windhoek and warns that private hospitals may require payment before treatment, even when a traveller has comprehensive insurance. It also notes that some policies may not be recognised by some Namibian hospitals.

Before leaving South Africa, confirm that your insurer accepts treatment in Namibia, understand its emergency-assistance process and check whether evacuation from a remote lodge or campsite is covered. This is particularly relevant for a Namibia self drive safari—but this link is not an available URL and therefore travellers should instead verify their policy directly before departure.

Medication rules and what to pack

The supplied official research does not provide a complete, current list of Namibian medicine-import rules, controlled substances or quantity limits. Do not rely on a generic online packing list for prescription medicines; confirm the current requirements with the Namibian diplomatic mission or relevant official authority before departure.

• Pack enough prescribed medication for the trip and unexpected delays, subject to the applicable import rules.
• Keep medicines in their labelled packaging and carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter.
• Store essential medicines in your hand luggage where practical, while following airline restrictions for liquids and temperature-sensitive products.
• Ask your doctor whether heat, dehydration, altitude, pregnancy or remote travel affects your medication plan.
• Pack reliable sun protection, insect repellent, a personal first-aid kit and enough safe drinking water for remote journeys.

Namibia’s hot and dry climate can contribute to dehydration and skin problems. UK travel advice recommends carrying a good supply of drinkable water and checking the health risks relevant to your destination.

Travellers planning a wildlife-focused itinerary may also want to read SafariFind’s guides to human–wildlife conflict in Namibia and responsible safari conduct. These are conservation resources, not substitutes for medical advice.

Health facilities and emergencies in Namibia

In an emergency, the UK government lists 211111 for an ambulance in Windhoek and 10111 elsewhere in Namibia. Save the number before travelling, but confirm local arrangements with your lodge, guide, vehicle provider or accommodation because remote safari areas may have longer response times than cities.

Windhoek has the country’s stronger concentration of medical facilities, while care options can become more limited in rural areas. Private hospitals may request payment before treatment, so contact your insurer quickly if you are referred to a facility and retain receipts and medical reports.

Plan your route with health logistics in mind. If you are comparing guided trips, fly-in lodges and self-drive options, you can compare SafariFind’s Namibia safari costs in 2026 alongside the level of support, remoteness and transport included in each package.

For entry planning beyond health documents, South African citizens should also check the current Namibia visa rules for South African citizens. Visa rules and health requirements are separate, and both can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do South African citizens need a yellow fever certificate for Namibia?

Not usually when travelling directly from South Africa, but a certificate may be required if your itinerary includes a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Namibia’s rule is based on the country or transit route you have come from, not only your citizenship.

Does a layover trigger Namibia’s yellow fever requirement?

Yes, a transit or layover of more than 12 hours in a country with yellow fever transmission risk can trigger the requirement for travellers aged 9 months and older. The CDC advises checking transfers that require leaving the transit area or passing immigration.

Is yellow fever vaccination recommended for Namibia itself?

No, yellow fever vaccination is not recommended solely for travel within Namibia because there is no yellow fever risk in the country. It may still be required as an entry document if you arrive from a risk country or qualifying transit.

Which vaccines are recommended for a Namibia safari?

Hepatitis A is recommended for unvaccinated travellers aged one year or older, and typhoid is recommended for most travellers, particularly those visiting rural areas or staying with friends or relatives. Routine vaccines and itinerary-specific options should be reviewed with a travel-health professional.

How early should I get Namibia travel vaccines?

Arrange a travel-health consultation at least eight weeks before departure where possible. If you have less time, still seek advice because the appropriate schedule depends on the vaccine, your medical history and your itinerary.

Do I need malaria tablets for Namibia?

You may need malaria prophylaxis if travelling to higher-risk northern, northeastern or other specified areas, but the decision depends on your exact route and season. A clinician should choose the medicine and advise on mosquito-bite prevention.

Which parts of Namibia have malaria risk?

Risk occurs mainly in northern and northeastern areas, including the Kavango regions and Zambezi, with additional risk in parts of Kunene and Omaheke. The exact risk varies by area and season, so confirm your itinerary with a travel-health professional.

What health insurance do I need for Namibia?

Choose insurance that covers medical treatment and unexpected evacuation, and confirm that Namibian hospitals accept the policy. Private hospitals may require payment before treatment, even when you are insured.

What is Namibia’s ambulance number?

The listed emergency numbers are 211111 in Windhoek and 10111 elsewhere in Namibia. Remote safari areas may have different practical response arrangements, so save your lodge or guide’s emergency contact as well.

Do I need a medical waiver if I cannot have the yellow fever vaccine?

If your itinerary triggers Namibia’s yellow fever certificate rule, ask an authorised clinician about a medical waiver. The U.S. Embassy says the medical contraindications section of the yellow card and a signed, dated exemption letter may be required.