Travelling to and in Namibia

[mary_l]

I'm planning a trip to you beautiful country next year and I'm a UK citizen. Can anyone tell me whether I need any VISAS, or health certificates or any other paperwork to come for about 3 months? Thanks!

[Elizabeth Jonas]

Hi Mary,

YOu dont need a Visa to visit Namibia or any country thats part of the coommwealth. you will have 90 days to be in the country. if yo are planning to stay longer than that than you should apply for a visa. its a beautifull country and right now the weather is perfect. have fun on your trip.

[mary_l]

Thanks for the info Elizabeth - very helpful!

[Oneword]

I fully agree with Elizabeth, but, depending where you want to go, I would recommend taking Malaria medication/pills. We are getting a bit of rain and that means the mosquitos are going to get busy. They happen to like UK blood ... actually, they like any blood!

[Ar.]

I'm not worried about malaria, rather AIDS. Is it really a problem and if it is, for us as potential visitors, are there any threads to be aware of, like people with needles in disco's or in the seats of the cinemas and other horror stories. Sorry, do not see this as an offense, just curious as my visit time to Namibia are closer then ever before

[Oneword]

Ar.

If you keep to normally acceptable social and moral behaviour there is absolutely no reason to be afraid of HIV/AIDS

Needles in discos? In the seats of cinemas? Get real!!!!

[Comrade_007]

Wherever you go, keep your eyes open and use common sense! The chances of finding a needle lying about in public spaces in Namibian towns and cities - like you would in any major European or American city - are close to 0. If you do see one lying about in a public space, safely discard it as a common courtesy, and make sure you don't prick yourself with it! When sitting down in a cinema - whether in the US, Europe or Namibia - check the seat if you are really worried! If there is indeed a needle sticking out of it, don't sit down but go to the cinema management and report it. If they don't remove it immediately - which I doubt - choose another seat or don't go to the cinema.

As far as HIV/Aids is concerned I'd advise the same common sense that you would apply for another other sexually transmitted disease: The only way you know whether your sexual partner is carrying a STD is if you are in a trusting, stable, loving relationship. If you are not in a trusting, loving and stable relationship and intend to be promiscuous and sleep around while travelling, wear a condom - as you would when going to any major town/city in the world - I hope. Needless to say that HIV/Aids poses a huge challenge to our society, and is indeed a "problem". There is no point denying that.

As far as the "horror stories" that you hear are concerned, rmemebr that the soup is never eaten as hot as it is cooked - we human beings are great story tellers, but that does not mean all the stories are always good and right.