Rudolf Gaiseb
The Namibian government maintains that the country remains one of the most peaceful and politically stable locations in the world.
In a joint statement last week, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security slapped back against recent travel advisories by the governments of Canada and Germany, painting Namibia as having high fraud and crime risks, shedding Namibia under negative light for tourists.
On 3 January 2025, Travel and Tour World e-magazine published that Germany, which has been issuing urgent travel advisories for several countries in 2026, warning its citizens to exercise “heightened caution due to rising border conflicts, terrorism threats, and security concerns,” has added more countries to the list, including Namibia.
It published that Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, has become a hotspot for crime, with incidents peaking on Sundays and public holidays when fewer people are out and about.
“Travellers have reported being followed from airports to accommodations, where they have been distracted and robbed,” the advisory reads.
Germany told its travellers that Namibia’s more remote regions, such as outlying areas in the north and rural tourist spots, have seen an increase in violent crimes and theft.
“German travellers are advised to avoid walking in remote areas or leaving valuables unattended. Security precautions should be a top priority, especially when travelling in isolated regions,” it urged.
Canada also warned its travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution in Namibia due to the high level of crime.”
However, the two ministries acknowledged that every country has some form of risk, but that Namibia is characterised by good governance, functional institutions and a high respect for the rule of law.
“These factors ensure a functional governance system that safeguards and protects residents and visitors. Rigorous law enforcement and judicial mechanisms are in place to ensure that perpetrators of criminal activities are brought to book,” the ministries’ executive directors, Sikongo Haihambo and Daniel Nghidinua wrote.
Tourism is a big sector in Namibia contributing towards the economy, and given the importance attached to tourists and visitors and to foster the sector’s growth, over the years, Namibia introduced a Tourist Protection Unit with law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders “working closely together to ensure a safe and secure environment with particular focus on tourism areas, urban centres and popular travel routes.”
“This demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to the safety and security of our visitors,” they stated.
The government noted that Namibia remains a welcoming destination, offering tourists breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
“The country continues to offer visitors memorable and rewarding travel experiences. The safety of our visitors is a priority to us but is also a shared responsibility with our visitors,” Haihambo and Nghidinua stated.
The government appealed to its visitors to support and reinforce Namibia’s safety measures by taking general safety precautions and adhering to information and regulations shared by official sources.
