Overview
Namibia reads north to south. The north-east (Zambezi, the Caprivi Strip, Kavango) carries a high malaria risk all year, the northern third including Etosha a seasonal one, while Windhoek, the coast and the Namib desert are malaria-free. No vaccine is required to enter from Belgium; yellow fever is only asked for if you have been in certain countries in the six days before arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
In the north-east and the northern third, bite protection and preventive tablets are advised; further south bite protection is usually enough. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Malaria risk is regional, concentrated in the areas detailed below.
The Zambezi region and Caprivi Strip, eastern Kavango East, northern Kavango West and eastern Ohangwena: high risk year-round, with bite protection and preventive tablets advised.
The northern third of the country, including Etosha, most of Kunene and the towns of Grootfontein, Okakarara, Ondangwa, Outapi and Tsumeb: a seasonal risk, highest from September to May, with tablets also advised there from June to August.
Western Kunene: a moderate risk year-round, bite protection, sometimes combined with tablets for higher-risk travellers.
The rest of the country: a lower risk, where bite protection is enough.
Central Windhoek, the coastal strip, the Namib desert and the regions south of Mariental.
In the northern third the risk peaks from September to May; the north-east stays high-risk all year.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Namibia?
No vaccine is required if you arrive directly from Belgium. Yellow fever is only asked for if you come from (or transit through) a country where it circulates.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: high risk depending on the region. In the northern third the risk peaks from September to May; the north-east stays high-risk all year. In the north-east and the northern third, bite protection and preventive tablets are advised; further south bite protection is usually enough. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.