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Southern Africa

🇳🇦 Vaccines for Namibia

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Namibia

Namibia requires Yellow Fever proof if arriving from an endemic country, and malaria prevention is essential for the northern regions — Etosha National Park, the Caprivi Strip, and areas near the Angolan and Zambian borders — while Windhoek, the central highlands, and the south, including the iconic Sossusvlei dunes, carry no malaria risk. This north-south distinction is the key thing to understand when planning a Namibia trip, as many itineraries combine both zones. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are also recommended. Namibia's appeal centres on dramatic desert landscapes, wildlife safaris, and some of the world's best stargazing given its low population density and clear skies. Healthcare in Windhoek is reasonable; remote areas, which form much of the country, have very limited facilities.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk in rural areas.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (northern strip — Kunene, Kavango, Zambezi regions — seasonal)
  • ⚠Schistosomiasis (Kavango/Zambezi rivers)
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€204
(~$222)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
South AfricaMozambiqueZimbabweZambia
Common questions
Do I need malaria tablets for Namibia?
It depends on your itinerary, and this is the key planning question for Namibia. Etosha National Park, the Caprivi Strip, and northern border areas carry malaria risk and antimalarials are recommended. Windhoek, the central highlands, and the south including Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert carry no malaria risk. Many Namibia itineraries combine both zones, so discuss your full route with a travel clinic.
Do I need vaccines for Namibia?
Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from an endemic country. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Malaria prevention depends on whether your itinerary includes the northern regions — see the malaria question for the north-south distinction that matters for Namibia specifically.
Is tap water safe in Namibia?
Tap water in Windhoek and main towns is generally safe to drink. In rural areas and at remote safari lodges, water quality varies — check with your accommodation, and bottled water is a sensible default.
What is the main health risk for safari in Namibia?
Malaria for northern itineraries (Etosha, Caprivi Strip) is the main infectious disease consideration — see the specific malaria question for the north-south split. Beyond this, sun exposure and dehydration in Namibia's desert environments are significant practical concerns, particularly for activities like dune climbing at Sossusvlei. No other significant infectious disease risks for standard Namibia itineraries.