Travelling to Namibia, foreigners will be stimulated by the sights and sounds. The country boasts of a broad geographical range from seaside wonders, jagged mountains to unrestrained wildlife and colonial memories. Although the apartheid system once gripped the country, which left an oppressive mark in the culture, the country has found a way to break through that ugly past and open up to the world. If you’re heading out to bond with this fascinating country here are some valuable information we’ve put together to help you settle in.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
International Women's Association Namibia (IWAN)
A social organisation for women living in Namibia, mainly in the capital of Windhoek. It is a non-profit, non-religious, apolitical association, which aims to support and welcome all new arrivals to Namibia and to help various charitable groups. Women of all nationalities are eligible to join the Association, including, of course, our host country nationals!
Address: P.O. Box 81220, Windhoek, Namibia
Website: www.iwan.com.na
Widhoek International School
Windhoek International School is one of a small number of private and independent schools in Namibia. WIS is a coeducational day school, which offers educational programs from Toddlers through to Year 13.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Address: Scheppmann Street, Pioneerspark, Private Bag 16007, Windhoek , Namibia
Tel: +264 61 232468, +264 61 232468
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.wis.edu.na
The International School of Walvis Bay ISWB
ISWB is an independent, international school with a strong academic ethos combined with a commitment to ‘educating for life’, and a proud record of achievements. The School is home to 310 students, Pre-Primary to IGCSE and AS level (ages 3 to 18), who all enjoy the benefits of a remarkable school premises in the heart of Walvis Bay, Namibia. The School is a very busy place because it offers a diversity of activities.
Curriculum: IGCSE, AS
Address: 86 Hage Geingob Street, Walvis Bay, Namibia
Tel: +264 64 204789
Mobile: +264 81 306 4557
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.iswb.edu.na
As English is an official language in Namibia many of the newspapers are also delivered in the English language. Here are a few of the most popular ones.
The Namibian
The Namibian aims to grow its position as the largest national daily newspaper, to maintain and develop its tradition of editorial independence, and serve the Namibian people through high quality news and information.
Website: www.namibian.com.na
The Namibia Economist
The Namibia Economist enjoys wide popularity as a specialist business publication. In the local market it is firmly entrenched as the leading public source of business intelligence.
Website: www.economist.com.na
Namibian Sun
This is the newspaper that tells it all.
Website: sun.com.na
Location: Africa
Capital City: Windhoek
Currency: Namibian dollar
Language: English, afrikáans
Calling Code: +264
Internet TLD: .na
Electricity: The country runs on 220V 50Hz. NamPower supplies most of the electricity for the country.
Address: NamPower Center 15 Luther Street, Windhoek, PO Box 2864, Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: +264 (61) 205 4111
Fax: +264 (61) 232 805
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.na mpower.com.na
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 10 111
Fire: 10 111
Police: 10 111
Looking for your local embassy in Namibia? We found this website really helpful, it has a list of all the embassies in the country.
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/namibia
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Nationals from certain countries, including the US and the UK may enter and stay in Namibia visa free for up to 90 days. The Nambian embassy in the US has listed countries where this exemption applies:
Countries not in the list must apply for a visa at a Namibian embassy or consulate in their home or host country.
Documents required:
- A duly filled and signed application form [PDF]
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry and at least 3 or more blank pages
- Two (2) colour 2 x 2 passport photographs (should be identical);
- Self-addressed, pre-paid envelope (should have a tracking no.) for the return of your passport
- Cash, money order or certified United States bank check (personal checks will not be accepted) payable to the Embassy of Namibia (fees below). Payments must be in US Dollars;
- Business letter stating nature of visit (if applicable);
- Round trip ticket;
- Copy of legal residence in the countries accredited to the Embassy of the Republic of Namibia in Washington, DC(list below);
- Hotel reservations or tour/safari confirmation;
- Proof of adequate funds for the duration of stay;
- Proof that they will be supported by a person who is a permanent resident of Namibia or is Namibian if such a case applies; provide a signed letter of invitation, passport copy, copy of work permit/residence permit (if applicable)
Foreigners intending to stay in Namibia for an extended period more than 90 days must apply for a temporary or permanent residency. Expats normally apply for a temporary residency which is applicable if they are going to work in the country. Applications are done through the Ministry of Home Affairs
Documents required from expat:
- Copy of marriage/divorce certificate (par.6) if married to a Namibian citizen, proof of citizenship
- Copy of travel document or passport (only those pages reflecting the particulars of the passport/applicant) (par.8).
- Two passport type photos of each applicant.
- Copy of educational and/or training certificate ( par. 18b)
- Copies of certificates of service (par. 18d)
- Medical certificate and radiological report
- Police clearance certificate
Documents required from Namibian employer/sponsor:
- Work offer (representation by employer) (Directives must be carefully followed).
- Motivational letter from prospective employer.
- Deed of Surety (see instruction for completion at bottom of document).
- Proof of advertisement of vacancy in local newspaper/s.
- If applicant is applying for a vacancy in the Government Service a letter of recommendation signed by the Permanent Secretary of that Ministry is required.
- A handling fee of N$80-00 must accompany your application.
- If applicant is a medical officer, proof of registration with the Medical Board of Namibia.
- If applicant is an engineer, proof of registration with the Namibia Engineering Council.
For more information please visit the Namibia High Commission >>
1 bedroom apartment rentals in Namibia cost between $350 to $490 per month. The capital, Windhoek is the most popular with expats. English is the dominant language used, generally in most of Namibia, which makes it ideal for foreigners in getting around and communicating with the locals. It is divided into suburbs. Hochland Park, one of the suburbs in Windoek, used to be a designated area for Western foreigners, now Hochland Park is home to upper middle class citizens and expatriates. Greenwell Matongo is another residential suburb, mostly known for shebeens and bars. Windhoek Central houses both residential and business infrastructures. Government and administrative buildings are also found in this suburb.
Expats may use their domestic license and an international driving license in Namibia to drive legally. Foreigners also have the option of exchanging their domestic license for a Namibian one, which is recommended for those intending to stay for an extended period. This can be done through the Roads Authority. The domestic license must be valid, generally not expired. It has to be in English or officially translated into the English language. A photo and accompanying signature must also be present on the license.
Namibians or permanent resident holders who obtained foreign driving licenses have a twelve (12) months grace period to convert their foreign driving licenses to Namibian driving licenses. Failure to convert within the prescribed period will nullify the driving licenses.
Roads Authority Namibia
Toll Free: 0 800 309 231
Website; www.ra.org.na
Public and private facilities are available in the country; these are concentrated in the capital Windhoek. They are capable in delivering emergency and routine procedures. The general standard is adequate. Malaria is prevalent in certain parts of the country, mostly the north; expats are advised to take precautionary vaccination or medication against it. Upfront cash payment should be expected.
Insurance Companies
Welwitschia Insurance Brokers
WIB has grown into one of the leading short-term insurance brokers with a wide branch network of 11 branches across Namibia, bringing service to the doorsteps of current and prospective clients.
Address: 49 Rehobother Street, P.O. Box 3441, Windhoek, NAMIBIA
Tel: +264 (0)61 24 83 111
Fax: +264 (0)61 24 83 237
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.welwitschia.com.na
Hospitals
Mediclinic Namibia
Mediclinic Windhoek in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, offers Namibian and international patients a broad spectrum of professional medical services, including; professional consultations, quality medical care and well-equipped operating theatres staffed by highly trained and professional nursing, medical and other personnel.
Address: PO Box 9819 Eros, Heliodoor Street, Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: +264 61 222 687
Fax: +264 61 220 027
Website: www.mediclinic.co.za
Roman Catholic Hospital
The Roman Catholic Hospital in Windhoek is a private hospital operated by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing since 1933. The Mission is to provide Christian based quality nursing care to all.
Address: Karl Werner List Street 92, P.O. Box 157. Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: +264 61 234 951
Fax: +264 61 234 951
Website: www.rcchurch.na/?page_id=93
Rhino Park Private Hospital
This is a Private Hospital situated in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. They offer a full hospital service, which include:
· State of the art Theatres
· A High Care & ICU
· Private overnight Wards
· Pediatric Wards
· A Pharmacy
Address: P.O.Box 8177, Bachbrecht, Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: 0926461 375000
Fax: 0926461 375002
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hospital.com.na
