Namibia Travel Guide for Cricket World Cup 2027

Namibia is a large, sparsely populated country on the south-western coast of Africa, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Zambia. Its capital, Windhoek, sits centrally and is the main international gateway through Hosea Kutako International Airport. English is the official language and is widely used in travel and business settings.

Namibia is known for dramatic landscapes such as the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park. Distances between destinations are long, so trips here reward careful planning. This guide focuses on the practical basics rather than bookings; for confirmed tournament detail, rely on official ICC announcements.

The ICC has confirmed that the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa is set to stage the majority of matches, with Zimbabwe and Namibia sharing the remaining fixtures. Note that, unlike the automatically qualified hosts, Namibia's participation as a competing team is subject to the standard qualification pathway.

Visa requirements for Namibia are nationality-specific and have changed recently. Since April 2025, visitors from a number of previously exempt countries have been required to hold a visa, which eligible travellers can obtain on arrival at designated ports of entry or apply for in advance through the official online portal.

Requirements commonly include a passport valid for at least six months with sufficient blank pages, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation and adequate funds. Fees and conditions vary by nationality.

Namibia's currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD), which is pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. The rand is also widely accepted within Namibia, so both currencies circulate in practice.

Card payments are common in Windhoek and larger towns, but carrying some cash is useful for smaller establishments, fuel stops and remote areas where card facilities may be unreliable.

Windhoek is served by Hosea Kutako International Airport, with regional connections including routes via Johannesburg. Within Namibia, self-driving is a popular way to cover the country's long distances, alongside domestic flights, transfers and organised tours.

Namibia drives on the left. Many routes involve long stretches and gravel roads, so plan journeys carefully, carry an International Driving Permit with your national licence, and confirm the appropriate vehicle type and current road conditions with your rental provider.

Health requirements and recommendations are personal and can depend on your route and medical history. Some travellers may need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from, or transiting, a country where yellow fever is a risk.

Consult a travel-health professional or an official public-health source such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or your national travel-health service well before departure for current vaccination and malaria guidance. Given long distances between towns, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advisable.

Conditions can vary by location and over time, so this guide does not make blanket safety claims. Before and during your trip, consult your own government's official travel advisory for Namibia, which is kept current and tailored to your nationality.

Take normal precautions, keep copies of key documents, carry sufficient water and fuel on long drives, and follow local guidance and official announcements.

The 2027 tournament is provisionally scheduled for October and November. Namibia's climate is generally dry, with large temperature swings between day and night and significant regional variation. Pack layers, strong sun protection and plenty of water for travel days, and check a reliable forecast close to your dates rather than relying on general seasonal assumptions.

Local SIM cards and eSIM options are generally available for visitors. Mobile coverage is typically strongest in Windhoek and larger towns and can be limited or absent across Namibia's remote and desert regions. If you plan to travel off main routes, confirm current coverage with providers and prepare a backup for navigation and emergencies.