Not only the travel industry has taken note of the recent warnings from Canada and Germany regarding crime in Namibia with surprise. The government also felt compelled to clarify that Namibia is a peaceful, politically stable and safe country.
Canada has been warning travellers about an increased level of crime since mid-December. This includes robberies, burglaries, and credit card fraud. The travel portal TravelAndTourWorld.com reported additionally that Germany also tightened its warnings at the beginning of January.
Namibian.org has asked the German Embassy in Windhoek for information on what prompted the German Foreign Office to raise the travel risk assessment. A response is expected from Monday.
The peak travel season for tourists from Europe had actually ended in November. From the beginning of December to mid-January, Namibia experiences its summer holidays. As a result, burglaries in vacant houses in Windhoek are on the rise, as they are every year.
The Namibian government reaffirmed yesterday that everything is being done to ensure the safety of citizens and visitors. There is even a dedicated Tourist Protection Unit, the Tourism and Home Affairs Ministries emphasised in a joint statement. With the involvement of the travel industry and other relevant stakeholders, the unit is ensuring a safe environment, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
Namibia appears in light green on the 'Risk Map 2026' by the companies Safeture and Riskline. The color represents 'low risk'. Graphic: Safeture & Riskline
Namibia has long been considered a safe travel destination. This was confirmed again in mid-November by the latest global risk analysis conducted by the companies Safeture and Riskline. The analysis rates Namibia as being as safe as France, Sweden, or Argentina for 2026 (see the report from Namibian.org).
As in any country, tourists are often a favorite target for opportunistic thieves. Therefore, general precautions should be taken. Keep a close eye on your luggage at all times and don't leave valuables openly visible in your car. Namibian.org provides more background information on its page on crime in its 'Travel Advice' section.
Incidentally, the same travel portal, TravelAndTourWorld.com, touted Namibia as THE travel destination of 2026. The portal published this article only four days after reporting on the travel risks.
"In 2026, Namibia is set to take the travel world by storm," the article states. "Known for its dramatic deserts, towering sand dunes, and unique wildlife, Namibia presents itself as a perfect alternative to the often crowded destinations in South Africa."