Namibia customs rules & duty-free allowances
Namibia enforces strict biosecurity and cash declaration rules. All food, plant, and animal products from outside SACU require permits. Cash over NAD 100,000 must be declared or risks seizure and fines. Drones and controlled medications need pre-approval.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without a permit)
- Firearms and ammunition without a permit from the Namibian Police
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Endangered species and products (CITES) without a permit
- Pornographic materials
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (require a prescription and a permit from the Ministry of Health)
- Plants, seeds, and live animals (require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture)
- Drones and unmanned aircraft (require a permit from the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority)
- Satellite phones and encryption devices (require a licence from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia)
- Cultural artefacts and antiques (require an export permit from the National Heritage Council)
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting luggage, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare or goods within duty-free limits. Use the red channel if you have goods to declare, cash over NAD 100,000, or restricted items. You may be asked to fill in a Customs Declaration Form (C1) if you have something to declare.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Tourists can claim a 15% VAT refund on purchases over NAD 500 from a single store. Look for 'Tax-Free Shopping' signs. Get the VAT refund form at the store and present it with your goods at the airport customs office before check-in. Refund is paid at the airport or via bank transfer.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without a prescription. For longer courses or controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam), carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition. Some common cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are restricted; check with the Namibian Medicines Control Council.
Food, plants & animal products
No fresh meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, or plants from outside SACU (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini) without a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and packaged foods (e.g., canned goods, chocolates) are generally allowed. Declare any food items at the red channel.
Rules worth knowing
SACU vs non-SACU goods
Goods bought in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, or Eswatini (SACU) are treated as local for duty purposes. Only goods from outside SACU count towards your duty-free allowance. Keep receipts to prove origin.
Currency declaration is mandatory
If you carry NAD 100,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency), you must declare it on a C1 form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine of up to 100% of the amount.
Hunting trophies and game meat
If you are bringing in hunting trophies or game meat, you need a CITES permit (for endangered species) and a veterinary health certificate. Non-commercial quantities of cooked meat may be allowed, but declare it.
Temporary import of vehicles
If you arrive with a vehicle (car, motorcycle, caravan), you must complete a Temporary Importation (T1) form. A cash deposit or bank guarantee equal to the duty may be required. The vehicle must leave Namibia within 90 days.