The Southern African country is the latest of a growing number on the continent that are discontinuing the practice of requiring travelers to present a negative PCR test result at their airports and other points of entry.
Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula made the announcement during the 41st COVID-19 update.
He said, “Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to produce a negative Covid-19 test result upon arrival at a Namibian Points of Entry, but instead required to present an authentic, valid vaccination card.”
Other restrictions eased include the upward adjustment of the number of people at public gatherings has been from 500 to 1000.
Shangula added that although masks are not mandatory, they remain effective to curb the spread of the virus; hence, people are encouraged to still wear them.
He said Namibia has a track record of overcoming pandemics and is therefore sure the country can overcome Covid-19.
The Health Minister said the new measures are valid from March 16 to April 15 but remain amendable if the situation changes.
In welcoming the latest development, the Director of Tourism and Gaming at Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Sebulon said it is a sigh of relief to both leisure and business travellers to Namibia as they can now travel without being worried of cost of Covid-19 tests and validity of negative test results.
‘’This announcement came at the right time when the country prepares for the upcoming tourism high season, as from May onwards. This message brings a sigh of relief to both leisure and business travellers to Namibia as they can now travel without being worried of the cost of Covid-19 tests and the validity of negative test results. ‘’ Sebulon said.