Namibia Border Posts Crossing Guide

When you are traveling from South Africa and crossing a Namibia border post, it doesn’t have to cause a headache, whether you’re driving with a rented 4×4 or just taking your own trusted sedan.

Above: Spitzkoppe in Namibia.

If you have all the essential paperwork with you, you can confidently turn the ignition key with a smile after you’ve dealt with the officials quickly and efficiently. Here is some essential Namibia border posts information to keep in mind.

Namibia border posts information: Where and what times?

Traveling from South Africa? Here is vital information. Namibia border posts are strategically placed at crossing points for maximum accessibility.

How to cross Namibian border posts: Your checklist

□ Valid passport

Your passport has to be valid for at least six months from the exact date you leave South Africa.

□ Drivers license

Your South African driver’s license is valid in Namibia and will be accepted at the border.

□ Cash

The road users’ fee is R220 for a normal car with an additional amount of R140 for a trailer or a camper. You can pay with South African rands, Namibian dollars or a credit card. We do, however, strongly advise that you take cash in case the card machines are offline.

□ ZA Sticker

You can get a ZA sticker at any AA Accredited Sales Agent store for about R20, or at outdoor retailers like Safari Centre.

□ The vehicle’s papers

If your vehicle documents are not in order you will not be able to cross through Namibian border posts. You have to have proof of ownership of the vehicle owner or rental company; your driving license, as well as a police clearance certificate.

The chassis, engine number, trailer number, and license details will be checked by the police at the border posts. Your vehicle license papers have to be accompanied with a letter from the bank giving you authorization to take the vehicle across the border, including dates.

Above: Lion walking amongst a variety of prey animals, Namibia.

Both the bank letter and license papers should be signed by a commissioner of oaths. You should also consult your insurers and make sure you have adequate cover for your vehicle before starting your journey to Namibia.

□ Letter of authority

If you travel in a rented car or 4×4 in Namibia, you have to have a letter from the rental company giving you permission to take the vehicle out of the country. You do not need police clearance for this.

□ Carnet de Passage

Cars registered in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana do not need to obtain a Carnet de Passage unless your car is being shipped to Namibia.

Above: Battle between two male oryxes, Namibia.

If staying in Namibia for longer than 90 days and on a working permit, the permit must be shown on the passport and on the letter from the company in Namibia confirming that you will be working for them.

Keep a close watch

On the first Sunday in April, Namibians set their watches back by an hour for winter. So, if it’s 09:00 am in South Africa, it’s 08:00 am in Namibia. In summer, from the first Sunday in September, the time is the same.

Above: Roaming cheetah in Namibia.

With this Namibia border posts information in mind, you can cross that border with ease, drive around and discover the many fascinating offerings of this country. Who knows, you might bump into seasoned travelers like Stan Rogers! Here’s an account of his Southern Namibia experience.

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