Exercise Increased Caution
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Fri, 15 May 2026
Full advisory →Is Namibia safe? 🇳🇦
Africa · Updated
As of September 2026, Namibia scores 55/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. The U.S. State Department rates Namibia Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Of the 3 Namibia destinations assessed, Swakopmund scores highest (69/100), while Windhoek scores lowest (59/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Namibia 🇳🇦
Namibia · Assessed 30 September 2026
55
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~48% of countries
What drives this score
Crime43/100CautionCrime index 63.6 / 100
Sentiment66/100FairMostly positive
Advisories72Good
Stability73Good
Health71Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2025-12-10T13:15:46Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Namibia: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.8511633-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Homicide rate
11.2 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Namibia11.2Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
42
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed robbery is rare but possible in isolated areas and near tourist sites; vehicle break-ins occur in Windhoek and Swakopmund
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in markets, on public transport, and near attractions in Windhoek and Swakopmund
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
66/100
Reported feel65Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors feel safe during the day and on organized tours, but express concern about nighttime safety and vehicle security in remote areas.
Namibia is moderately safe for travelers, with crime risks concentrated in urban areas and road safety being the primary concern.
Namibia scores 51/100 on the composite safety index, reflecting moderate overall safety. While violent crime against tourists is relatively rare, opportunistic theft, pickpocketing, and vehicle break-ins occur in Windhoek and Swakopmund, especially in crowded areas and near ATMs. The U.S. and Canadian advisories urge increased caution due to crime, while the UK FCDO maintains no advisory against travel. Road conditions, wildlife encounters, and extreme heat pose greater risks than crime for most visitors.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026RansomHouse cyberattack targets Namibia's defense establishment— The Register
- Jun 2026Namibia removed from financial crime watchdog's 'grey list' after improvements in anti-money laundering controls— CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE
- May 2026U.S. Embassy issues security alert for crime prevention during high tourist season— U.S. Embassy Windhoek, Namibia
- Jun 2026Namibia records lowest rhino poaching in over a decade, indicating improved security in conservation areas— World Wildlife Fund
Common scams
- Independence Avenue Palm-Nut Name Carving scam in Windhoek
- Windhoek 4x4 Rental Gravel-Excess Trap
- Taxi overcharging and fake tour operators in Windhoek
- ATM skimming and distraction thefts in shopping areas
- Fake accommodation and restaurant bookings targeting tourists
Full briefing
Namibia presents a moderate safety profile for travelers, with crime being a manageable risk when precautions are taken. The country scores 51/100 on the composite safety index, placing it safer than about 42% of nations globally. While the homicide rate is elevated at 11.2 per 100,000, violent crime against tourists is relatively uncommon. Instead, opportunistic theft—particularly pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and vehicle break-ins—is the most frequent issue reported by visitors, especially in Windhoek’s downtown areas, markets, and near ATMs. The U.S. State Department and Canadian government both advise exercising increased or high caution due to crime, while the UK FCDO maintains no advisory against travel, reflecting confidence in overall stability.
Recent reports confirm that scams targeting tourists remain active in urban centers. In Windhoek, travelers should be wary of the Independence Avenue Palm-Nut Name Carving scam, where individuals offer unsolicited "services" and then demand payment, and the Windhoek 4x4 Rental Gravel-Excess Trap, involving false damage claims after rental returns. Taxi overcharging, fake tour operators, and distraction thefts near ATMs are also documented. These incidents tend to occur in crowded tourist zones and are typically non-violent, re
06 · Destinations
Namibia destinations by safety score
#1🇳🇦SwakopmundSafe · updated 29 July 202669#2🇳🇦Walvis BaySafe · updated 29 July 202669#3🇳🇦WindhoekModerate · updated 5 September 202659
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07 · Questions
Namibia safety FAQ
Is Namibia safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Namibia Level 2 of 4 — Exercise Increased Caution. On our composite index Namibia scores 55/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 30 September 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Namibia?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Swakopmund currently scores highest at 69/100 (Safe). Windhoek scores lowest at 59/100.
Where does this Namibia safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.