GoNamibia Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa Notice

Chinese citizens need to hold valid passports and visas to enter the country (residents of Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions who hold valid passports and round-trip or connecting tickets can stay in Namibia for 30 days without a visa). To travel or conduct business investigations in China, it is necessary to apply for a tourist or business visa in advance at the Embassy of China; If you want to work in Na, you need to apply for a work visa. If one illegally overstays their visa or engages in an industry that does not match their visa, they will be detained and deported by the immigration department.

Since January 4, 2016, there is no need to apply for a transit visa to travel to six neighboring countries (Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Mozambique) via Otambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, Sharkawang International Airport in Durban and Lasseria International Airport in Johannesburg without leaving the airport for 24 hours, or apply for an entry visa to South Africa if it exceeds 24 hours.

For specific matters, please consult the Embassy of China at+86-10-65324810/1165322211 or fax 65324549.

2、 Entry Notice

When entering the country, it is necessary to fill out an entry registration card and hold a valid passport and visa for immigration inspection before being released. After the immigration office verifies the identity, the customs may inspect the luggage.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Namibian customs have a limit on the items carried by passengers and require them to truthfully declare and conduct spot checks. Customs officials often inspect the luggage of Chinese citizens. The following items are eligible for tax-free customs clearance (individuals under 18 years old do not enjoy tax-free tobacco or alcohol quotas):

200 cigarettes;

20 cigars;

250 grams of tobacco or cut tobacco;

2 liters of wine;

1 liter Baijiu or other alcoholic beverages;

50ml perfume;

250ml eau de toilette;

If the value of the above-mentioned items exceeds 5000 Naiyuan but is less than 20000 Naiyuan brought in from outside the Southern African Customs Union area, they shall be taxed at a fixed rate of 20%;

Each person is allowed to bring in newly purchased goods with a total value not exceeding 1250 Naiyuan.

The provisions concerning the entry and exit of foreigners with cash mainly include:

There are relatively strict foreign exchange controls, and currency and monetary instruments (including coins and banknotes from various countries in circulation, traveler's checks, cash drafts, and negotiable securities) carried in or out of the country with an amount exceeding 100000 na yuan (including 100000 na yuan, recommended not to exceed 5000 US dollars for individuals or families traveling together) should be declared to customs proactively. Departing within 12 months of entry, the maximum amount of foreign currency and traveler's checks declared at the time of entry can be carried.

Customs contact information: 00264-61-2099111; Fax: 00264-61-239278.

matters needing attention:

Please strictly adhere to the limit of 100000 Naiyuan. Failure to truthfully declare may result in legal liability, with a maximum fine of 100 million Naiyuan or imprisonment for 30 years or both, and confiscation of currency and monetary instruments held. There have been multiple cases of Chinese citizens carrying excess US dollar cash entering and leaving the country being seized by customs. Please do not bring cash exceeding the prescribed limit into or out of the country.

In recent years, there have been multiple incidents of Chinese citizens illegally carrying wild animal products such as ivory and rhino horn into and out of the country, and being lawfully detained and sentenced to imprisonment, fixed-term imprisonment, or huge fines by law enforcement agencies. Special reminder once again that buying and selling wildlife products such as ivory and rhinoceros horn is explicitly prohibited by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the laws of most countries, including China. All countries have severely cracked down on and punished them. Overseas Chinese citizens must strictly abide by relevant laws and regulations, and not let their individuals and families pay a heavy price due to lucky mentality and illegal behavior, which will damage the image of the country and enterprises.

Residency and Naturalization

Foreigners engaged in trade and employment in Namibia must obtain a work visa, work permit, or permanent residency.

1、 Work visa: Those who are dispatched and need to work for a short period of time can apply for a work visa, which is generally valid for 3-6 months. It takes 7-14 days to obtain after submitting the application and can be renewed 1-2 times. Generally, applicants are required to obtain a work visa approval letter from the host country (issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs) before going abroad. In some cases, they may also apply for a business or conference visa at the immigration office of the host country after entering the country.

2、 Work permit: When long-term work is required, a work permit must be applied for, valid for 1-2 years. It usually takes 1-3 months for approval to be processed by the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior. We need to provide a notarized and certified criminal record, passport copy, 2 photos, good standing tax payment certificate, employer certificate and application report, personal education or technical title certificate, health certificate, social security certificate, etc. If employed by a company in the country, the company needs to apply for a work visa or work permit at the immigration office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs before going abroad, otherwise it is illegal to start working after arrival. The renewal of work permit also requires the provision of the above information, which takes 1-3 months for approval; Changing work units requires re approval and a letter of consent from the previous work unit.

3、 Permanent residency: To obtain permanent residency, the following two conditions must be met: first, having real estate in Namibia, working legally for 5 consecutive years, and being able to provide proof of tax payment; The second is to invest more than 2 million na yuan, hire more than 10 local workers for a long time and purchase social insurance for them, hold a valid work permit for 2 years in na, and own property. To apply for a permanent residence permit, it is also necessary to provide bank asset certificates for personal accounts and company accounts, as well as at least 6 months of bank statements.

4、 Nationality: Foreign citizens who are married to Namibian citizens and hold a valid work permit or permanent residence permit, and have worked or resided in Namibia for more than 2 years, are eligible to apply. Foreign citizen couples whose children were born in Namibia can apply for Namibian citizenship if both parties have obtained permanent residency permits. In principle, dual nationality is not recognized, but there are exceptions for citizens born within the country.

Contact information for the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Interior: 00264-61-2922111; Fax: 00264-61-2922185.

matters needing attention:Short term travel visas and visitor visas cannot be converted into work visas in principle.

Namibia's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

Overall, Namibia's political situation is stable and social security is generally acceptable. However, in recent years, due to slow economic development and rising unemployment rates, the public security situation has deteriorated, and incidents of armed robbery have occurred from time to time. Overseas Chinese have experienced an increase in burglary and robbery cases compared to before. There are no large-scale anti-government armed groups in Namibia, and the possibility of terrorist attacks is relatively low. Local residents are allowed to hold firearms with a valid gun license.

matters needing attention:When traveling, be careful not to carry large amounts of cash and valuable items to prevent loss or theft. It is advisable to travel together as much as possible and avoid traveling at night.

Capital Police Station telephone: 00264-61-2093111; Fax: 00264-61-220621.

natural disaster

The common natural disasters in Namibia are floods caused by excessive rainfall during the rainy season (September to April) in the northern and northeastern regions.

matters needing attention:Namibia has frequent car accidents, with a high traffic accident mortality rate in the world. Every year, there are several cases of Chinese citizens dying in car accidents. When driving, please comply with traffic rules, fasten your seat belt, and strictly prohibit speeding and drunk driving.

FDA

The food hygiene of formal restaurants in Namibia meets the standards and can be consumed with confidence. Unless otherwise specified, tap water in Windhoek can be consumed directly, but it is best to boil it before drinking. Especially during the COVID-19, please avoid eating raw and cold food or tap water that has not been boiled.

matters needing attention:In recent years, Namibia has experienced an outbreak of hepatitis E in areas with poor sanitation conditions such as suburban areas. We remind all Chinese citizens who come to Namibia to wash their hands frequently and pay attention to hygiene.

Urgent Help

The legal system in Namibia is relatively sound, and Chinese enterprises and citizens who encounter difficulties in tourism and business can actively seek local protection: firstly, they can report to the local police station as soon as possible; Secondly, professional institutions and individuals (such as lawyers and accountants) can be hired locally to assist in dealing with difficulties encountered in investment and trade; Thirdly, if necessary, one can seek judicial protection by appealing to the local court. In addition, consular assistance volunteers among overseas Chinese in various regions can also provide necessary assistance nearby.

If the police stop the inspection, cooperate calmly with them and do not argue with them. Even if you think it makes sense or the police's attitude is not friendly, you still need to maintain maximum self-control in your demeanor, especially avoiding any physical contact with the police, otherwise you may be suspected of "obstructing official duties" and detained. If a fine is imposed, it must be paid at the location designated by the police. Under no circumstances should you tip the law enforcement personnel of the receiving party, otherwise they may be charged for being seen as bribery by the other party. In case of individual law enforcement officers forcibly demanding bribes or tips, as well as the subsequent difficult behavior, please try to retain on-site video recordings, audio recordings, photos and other materials, and record the names, police numbers and other information of the parties involved, along with the time, location and process of the incident, and report to the Chinese Embassy in Na.

Common emergency rescue phone numbers in Namibia:

Police hotline: 10111.

Ambulance and fire alarm: 211111.

SOS: 230505.

Windhoek City Patrol Telephone: 00264-61-302302.

Namibia High Court telephone: 00264-61-2921266.

The emergency contact number for consular protection of the Chinese Embassy in Namibia is 00264-81-1228200.

air traffic

There is no direct flight between China and Namibia. The more common route to Ghana is to depart from cities such as Beijing or Guangzhou, transit through Hong Kong or Dubai to Johannesburg, and then transfer to Windhoek, or depart from China and transit through Frankfurt, Addis Ababa, or Doha to Windhoek. Starting from January 2019, Air China's original direct flight from Beijing to Johannesburg stopped in Shenzhen, and passengers can also transfer to a South African Airways flight via Johannesburg to reach Namibia.

There are airports in all major cities in China, with 27 registered airports and 360 small airports. There are two international airports in the country, namely Hosea Kutako International Airport located in the capital and Walvis Bay Airport located in the port city of Walvis Bay (Whale Bay). Hosea Kutako International Airport is capable of landing large passenger and cargo aircraft.

From there, you can fly directly to many cities in sub Saharan Africa, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, Luanda in Angola, Gaborone in Botswana, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In addition, there are regular international routes from Windhoek to Frankfurt, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, and Doha. Affected by the COVID-19, some flights were interrupted.

There is no public transportation from the international airport located in the capital to the city center, and only car rental, self driving, or taxi rides are available.

South African Airways: 00264-61-273340;

Ethiopian Airlines: 00264-61-256601;

Qatar Airways: 00264-61-445200.

land transport

The total length of roads in Namibia is approximately 45000 kilometers, including 5450 kilometers of B-grade asphalt roads, 20000 kilometers of gravel roads, and 10000 kilometers of dirt roads.

Drive with right-hand drive and left-hand drive. Turning is not allowed at red lights. All passengers in the car must fasten their seat belts. Driving a motorcycle requires wearing a helmet. The quality of the main roads is good, but there are many gravel roads in the countryside, and the speed limit is not more than 80 kilometers per hour. When driving on the highway during the day, turn on the headlights. Wild animals often appear on the highway, especially at night.

Chinese driver's license cannot be directly used in China. In 2011, the Namibian Transport Authority notified that it had stopped accepting driver's license translation notaries issued by foreign embassies in Namibia and would no longer use them to replace Namibian driver's licenses for foreign citizens. The Chinese Embassy in Namibia does not handle the notarization of translated Chinese driver's licenses.

Chinese citizens can apply for a local driver's license. Currently, driver's licenses from South African Development Community (SADC) countries can be used in Nigeria. Chinese citizens who wish to purchase a private car in China must first bring their passport and a copy to the local police station for stamping, and then apply for a traffic number with a copy of their passport stamped by the police station.

The car rental industry is standardized, with Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Avis and other chain car rental companies operating at international airports and within the city. When renting a car, a valid driver's license and credit card are required.

Attention: Due to the vast area and sparse population, many places do not have mobile phone signals. Please inform your family and friends of your travel plans and arrangements in advance to avoid unnecessary worries. Try to use the "Voluntary Registration for Chinese Citizens Going Abroad and Overseas" system as much as possible（ http://ocnr.mfa.gov.cn/expa/ ）Register and file for record.

water communication

Namibia does not have inland waterway transportation. The coastline is 1600 kilometers long and has two ports, Wolves Bay (Whale Bay) and L ü deritz. Wolves Bay Port is relatively large, with 9 berths, a length of 500 meters, and a maximum draft of 14.5 meters; There are terminals for bulk cargo, containers, oil tankers, and fishing boats, with complete loading and unloading and warehousing facilities, and an annual throughput of 2 million tons. The container terminal has been renovated, with a designed annual throughput capacity of 700000 TEUs.

Urban transportation

Public transportation in various cities in Namibia is outdated. The taxi is in poor condition and lacks a meter. Generally, fixed rates are implemented according to regional divisions, which can accommodate several unfamiliar passengers at the same time.

major city

Windhoek CityThe capital, with an area of 63000 hectares and a population of about 400000 (including about 70000 white people), is the political, economic, cultural center and transportation hub of the country. Wen City is located in the central plateau of Naxi, surrounded by mountains on the south, north, and west sides, with an altitude of 1720 meters. The air is dry, with a 17% oxygen deficiency compared to coastal areas. The buildings in the city are mostly built along the mountains, arranged in a row and staggered manner. The city is clean, peaceful, and has a beautiful environment, making it a picturesque mountain city. The market in Wenzhou is relatively prosperous, with industries mainly focused on food, leather, beer, and gemstone processing. The service industry facilities are also relatively complete.

swakopmundFamous seaside city. To the west lies the vast Atlantic Ocean, to the east lies the thousand mile long Namib Desert, 370 kilometers from the capital, with a population of nearly 60000, one-third of whom are of German descent. The city is clean and cool, with thriving commercial and tourism industries. The annual temperature ranges from 14-20 degrees Celsius, making it one of the famous summer resorts in Na.

WALVIS BAY(also known as Walvis Bay), the largest deep-water port, can accommodate ships of up to 10000 tons and has a population of approximately 120000. The Benguela Current from Antarctica carries a wide variety of plankton and fish and shrimp to Whale Bay, attracting numerous foraging whale populations, hence the name. Whale Bay is a major sea passage, mainly producing mineral and fish products.

Other important cities includeChumeibu is a mining and smelting center in the north, rich in copper, gold, lead, zinc, etc. It has convenient transportation and complete facilities for entertainment and sports. L ü deritz Port is a major fishing port on the southwest coast, a famous tourist attraction, and a diamond mining area. Kalibibu is a semi precious stone and industrial ore base in the central and western regions, with a developed livestock industry. Ochivalongo is an agricultural and pastoral center in the central and northern regions, with convenient transportation and the second largest wildlife park in Africa, Etosha, nearby. Kitmanshup is a major transportation hub and breeding center for purple lambs in the southern region. Orange Mond is a diamond processing center. Oshakati is a commercial and transportation hub on the northern border.

Commodity prices

Namibia has relatively abundant daily necessities, and basic necessities are generally available for sale in supermarkets. The price level is relatively high, with prices about 3-5 times higher than domestic prices in China. The Chinese have established large-scale Chinatown and Chinavillage in Windhoek, the capital, and Oshkango, the northern border city, to sell small commodities imported from China.

Currency and exchange rate:The Namibian Dollar is the currency in circulation in Namibia. The South African rand can circulate at an equivalent value in Ghana. At present, the exchange rate of Na Yuan is equivalent to that of Lant, and the trend is completely dependent on the trend of Lant, with significant fluctuations in the exchange rate. The Chinese yuan cannot be directly settled with the Chinese yuan.

Financial Services:The Bank of Namibia is the central bank of Namibia. There are four commercial banks in Namibia: First National Bank of Namibia Limited, Standard Bank Namibia Limited, Nedbank Bank Namibia Limited, and Bank Windhoek Limited. The first three banks are all subsidiaries of South African banks in Namibia.

Credit cards are widely used in Namibia, especially in the capital city, where major supermarkets and shopping malls generally accept credit cards. Visa and Master cards are both accepted, in addition to American Express and Diners' Club. Major commercial banks issue credit cards. However, there have been reports of credit card fraud recently, so please pay attention to safety when using it. In remote areas, cash is generally only accepted.

matters needing attention:Pay attention to exchange rate risks and do not trade foreign exchange privately.

Insurance Medical

At the beginning of independence, the Namibian government reformed the medical and social service institutions during the colonial period, with a focus on establishing the Primary Health Care system. The annual health budget accounts for about 15% of the total national budget expenditure. There are over 40 hospitals, 280 clinics, and 38 medical centers across the country. Hospitals are divided into two types: public and private. Due to government financial constraints, some hospitals suffer from a severe shortage of medical staff and medication.

The Chinese government's aid medical team has been carrying out tasks since 1996, with each batch serving a term of 1.5 to 2 years, consisting of 2 doctors and 2 nurses each.

At present, it is the 15th batch of medical aid teams that will arrive and work in March 2023. According to the agreement between the Chinese and Namibian governments, the medical team mainly engages in acupuncture and moxibustion and massage work in the National Katutura Hospital of Namibia to promote traditional Chinese medicine culture. The contact phone number for the Katutula Hospital, where the aid medical team is located, is 00264-61-2034155.

The rainy season in Namibia (September to April of the following year) is a high-risk period for malaria, and the epidemic areas are mainly in the northern regions. If going to the north of Na, it is recommended to prepare some anti malaria drugs appropriately. AIDS infection rate is high. There have been occasional reports of cases of 'Congo fever'. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of hepatitis E, and personal hygiene should be emphasized. The medical conditions are acceptable, and the medical facilities in some large towns outside the capital are not much different from those in the capital, but the medical facilities in small towns are poor. The supply of drugs can basically meet the demand, but the prices are relatively high. Public and private hospitals and clinics in the capital Windhoek can provide emergency and routine medical services (ambulance hotline: 00264-61-211111/2032270; church hospital hotline: 00264-61-237237; MEDI-CLINIC telephone: 00264-61-222687). The private hospital of the First Lady of Bohamba has better medical equipment and environment, but the fees are higher. Telephone: 00264-083-3359000. Those with formal employment generally purchase medical insurance.

Customs taboos

Namibian statutory holidays include: New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (March 21), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter (Monday after the full moon of the Spring Equinox, between March 21 and April 25), International Labour Day (May 1), Kassinga Day (May 4), Africa Day (May 25), Ascension Day (40th day after Easter, between May 1 and June 4), Heroes' Day (August 26, commemorating the start of armed struggle by the human group in 1966), Human Rights Day (December 10), Christmas Day (December 25), Family Day (December 12) On the 26th of the month.

Implement a 5-day workweek with weekends off. On weekends and holidays, businesses and shops have shorter business hours, usually only open for half a day on Sundays.

Among the residents, 88% are black, while 5% are white and 7% are mixed race. More than 90% of the population believes in Christianity, while the rest believes in fetishism. The customs and habits have both prominent African characteristics and distinct European colors.

People pay attention to politeness and etiquette, believing that appropriate titles are a reflection of knowledge, culture, and cultivation. In social interaction activities, Na people attach great importance to meeting etiquette, pay attention to dressing for social interaction activities, and promote the trend of "respecting the elderly and elders" and "ladies first". When invited to a friend's house as a guest, one should attend the appointment according to the agreed time, which is a form of respect for the host.

Communications Power

The power outlet in Namibia is 220 volts, 50 hertz. The socket is a large South African standard three round head.

Namibia has a relatively advanced telephone network and is connected to more than 200 countries around the world. The fixed telephone service provider is Namibia Telecommunications Company (TN), and the mobile communication service providers are MTC and NT companies. The mobile data coverage rate of 3G and 4G is as high as 80%, and communication satellite connections and mobile voice have spread throughout the country. The main towns and tourist attractions have telephone, fax, and mobile data networks.

The local mobile network standard is compatible with Chinese mobile phones, and the local SIM card can be inserted into Chinese mobile phones for normal use. China Mobile users and China Unicom postpaid users' mobile phones can roam internationally locally. China Mobile has launched a discounted roaming fee of "30 yuan for daily data, 0.99 yuan per minute for voice" locally. The daily data data data fee is capped at 30 yuan, and the fees for voice calls to mainland China, local calls, and local answering are all 0.99 yuan per minute.

Telephone and Internet charges are expensive. The cost of making domestic calls with MTC mobile card is 1.2 yuan per minute, and international long-distance calls are 8.4 yuan per minute; The TN (Telecom Namibia) SIM card charges are 1.45 and 9.9 na yuan respectively. Broadband Internet charges vary from N $800 to N $7000 per month according to different traffic standards, and wireless network card charges vary from N $400 to N $2000 per month according to different traffic standards. The monthly fee for 19 GB data plans for MTC wireless network cards is 1060 Na yuan. Foreign citizens who wish to apply must pay a deposit of 5000 Na yuan and sign a two-year usage contract.

contact information

Contact information for some government departments and related institutions in Namibia