Namibia paying even closer attention to tourist safety

Even false reports sometimes have their advantages. At the beginning of January, it was reported that Germany had raised the travel risk level for Namibia in its travel advisories. The German Embassy rejected this as false when asked by Namibian.org (see report from 15 January).

Nevertheless, the Namibian government stated that it was doing everything possible to ensure the safety of its visitors and would investigate the reports. Last week, even President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed concern.

This week, the Namibian Police (NamPol) responded. The existing Tourism Protection Unit will be reinforced, explained NamPol Inspector General Joseph Shikongo. The unit will be headed by an experienced officer who will report directly to him.

"By prioritising tourist safety, the unit contributes directly to national economic stability and the promotion of Namibia as a safe global travel destination,” Shikongo was quoted by the Namibian.

The Tourism Protection Unit is specifically active at locations frequented by tourists. It also collaborates with tour operators, car hire companies, accommodations, tour guides and local communities. As in countries worldwide, tourists are a preferred target for pickpockets and fraudsters.

The false report about Germany having intensified its travel risk warning for Namibia, appeared on the travel portal TravelAndTourWorld.com in early January.

This prompted astonished head-shaking in the travel industry. Namibia has always been considered a safe travel destination. Just last November, experts ranked Namibia in the same category as France, Sweden, or Argentina for 2026 (see report from Namibian.org).


Tourist safety in Namibia becoming a top priority: The Tourism Protection Unit now reports directly to the Inspector General.  Screenshot: Report by the Namibian news agency Nampa