In an easing of travel restrictions, travellers to Namibia now only need a negative PCR test. This comes after the country opened to all international travel via Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek on September 1.

In a briefing on October 21, Namibian President, Dr Hage G. Geingob, announced new health and safety measures for travel that will be implemented from today (October 22) until midnight on November 30.

They include the withdrawal of the mandatory re-taking of the PCR test after five days in the country. Now travellers only need to present a negative PCR test that is not older than 72 hours and no further testing is required.

Travellers who arrive with a negative test that is older than 72 hours but not older than seven days will be allowed to enter but must undergo a seven-day supervised quarantine at home or at a tourism facility.

“In the event that these environments do not fulfil quarantine requirements, the travellers will be placed under mandatory Government quarantine facilities at their own cost,” said Geingob.

The changes are good news for the Namibian tourism industry, which has been advocating for more practical regulations.

Hotel group, The Gondwana Collection’s Public Relations Officer, Inke Stoldt, told Tourism Update that the removal of the re-testing regulation was a relief. “We believe that the constant feeling of having to undergo another test had a negative effect on travellers who want to come to Namibia.”

The group created the #SOSTourism movement to raise awareness for the impact of the regulations on the tourism industry.

“These first relaxations of the regulations for international travellers are already a great step in the right direction and we are very grateful that action has been taken. Now all stakeholders have to work together to rebuild international trust in Namibia as a safe travel destination,” said Stoldt.

Namibia has recently been removed from the restricted lists of Germany, Switzerland and Austria.