Namibia has been listed among several countries for which Germany and Canada have issued updated travel advisories, urging their citizens to exercise heightened caution in 2026 due to security, crime and fraud concerns.

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office recently expanded its travel warnings for several destinations worldwide, including Namibia, citing rising public safety risks, crime trends and the need for travellers to remain alert. Other countries mentioned in Germany’s advisory include the Netherlands, Turkey, France, Sweden and Thai-land, reflecting broader global security pressures rather than instability unique to Namibia. While Namibia’s political environment remains stable, urban crime, particularly in Windhoek, has drawn increasing attention from foreign governments.

In a separate advisory issued in late December, the Canadian government urged its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Namibia, pointing specifically to crime and financial fraud concerns in the capital. According to Canada’s guidance, reported incidents include:  Muggings and robberies; Burglaries and car-jackings; Credit card cloning at some hotels and lodges; Distraction thefts and scams at ATMs. Most cases involving tourists have been reported in and around Windhoek. Canadian authorities stopped short of advising against travel, but encouraged travellers to remain vigilant, monitor their surroundings closely and take extra care when withdrawing cash or making card payments. The advisories come at a time when Namibia’s tourism sector is experiencing its strongest recovery since the Covid-19 pandemic. Official figures for 2024 indicate between 1.25 million and 1.26 million tourist arrivals, around 79 percent of pre-pandemic levels and approximately 45 percent higher than in 2023. Tourism authorities have welcomed the rebound, noting strong interest from regional travellers, with South Africa remaining the largest source market.

Germany continues to be Namibia’s leading long-haul market, while North America, including Canada, is viewed as a key growth area. Local tourism operators stress that the majority of visits to Namibia remain trouble-free, particularly along established safari, desert and coastal tourism routes. They note that crime concerns are more concentrated in urban centres and that many lodges, hotels and tour operators have strengthened safety briefings, secure transport arrangements and fraud-prevention measures. Germany’s advisory does not single Namibia out as unsafe, but forms part of a broader warning to travellers globally to stay informed through official channels; Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark; Be cautious with valuables and documents; Register with foreign office crisis preparedness systems.

The German government has highlighted that passport issues, border delays and security incidents worldwide have become more frequent, requiring travellers to plan carefully and remain alert. Namibian authorities have previously stated that efforts are underway to improve visitor safety through closer cooperation between police and the tourism industry, increased visibility in key urban areas and stronger action against financial crime. Tourism stakeholders emphasise that basic safety awareness, common-sense precautions and informed travel planning remain the most effective tools for visitors to enjoy Namibia safely.

By Eileen van der Schyff

Sources: Travel and Tour World,Government of Canada Travel Advisory (December 2025)Namibia Tourism Industry Reports, German Federal Foreign Office Travel Advisories