Namibia reopened its borders on Monday, August 3 to welcome tourists again for the first time since lockdown. The borders will only remain open until September 17 and will allow visitors from certain low-risk countries to enter.
This will serve as a trial period before deciding on the way forward, according to Tourism Update.
Namibia is one of Africa’s most popular international tourist destinations.
‘The modalities have been carefully negotiated and agreed upon, so as to achieve the dual objective of stimulating our tourism sector and safeguarding public health. Continuous assessments will be conducted throughout this trial, which will inform and strengthen preparations for the imminent reopening of points of entry under stage five,’ said president Hage Geingob.
The visitors will have to present a 72-hour negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test Result upon arrival, but will not have to quarantine the usual 14 days. Instead, tourists will have to isolate for seven days at a registered and government approved location.
‘It is encouraging to see property owners already advertising their services, offering a seven-day stay, filled with activities, relaxation and exquisite Namibian cuisine, while offering guests the freedom to enjoy Namibia’s blue sky, sunshine in abundance and our wide-open spaces. This first step does wonders for the spirit and morale among the Namibian tourism players and we hope that all apply their minds and responsibility to make it work,’ Hospitality Association of Namibia CEO Giita Paetzold told All Africa.
Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek is the only international airport that will be operating during the trial period.
The countries from which tourists will be accepted have not been listed.
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