Namibia has opened its borders to foreign tourists since September 1. This was reported on September 4 at the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR).
At the same time, the organization noted that the scheme of entry into this African country is rather complicated. So, you can enter there only through the main international airport in the capital of the country Windhoek and in the presence of a negative test for coronavirus (its shelf life should not exceed 72 hours). If, when passing thermometry at the airport, the traveler reveals any suspicious symptoms, he will be offered to take a paid test for COVID-19. In addition, a health questionnaire must be completed upon arrival.
It is also mandatory to have travel insurance that can cover medical treatment and unexpected hotel stays, and to purchase a local mobile phone number that will be monitored by the Namibian authorities.
“Tourists must travel directly from the airport to a hotel or accommodation approved by the Namibia Tourism Board and certified by the Ministry of Health. Foreigners cannot make stops on the way to the hotel. During the first seven days, tourists can only stay in one place. On the fifth day of their stay in Namibia, they must do a coronavirus test. If it is negative, then foreigners can continue to explore the country and move freely to other hotels and campgrounds, ”added ATOR.
The association also said that Namibia is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, but there has never been a direct flight between this country and Russia. In 2019, 11 Russians visited Namibia, according to the Border Guard Service of the FSB of Russia, compared with 63 a year earlier.
Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, Russia completely stopped international air traffic at the end of March, leaving only export flights, which the Russians used to return home. Flights to the UK, Turkey and Tanzania were resumed from August 1. Flights to Switzerland appeared on 15 August, but entry into the country is only allowed for holders of a residence permit.
On September 3, it became known about the resumption of flights with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives.