Rules for overlanding in Namibia
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 23 February 2026.
Which licence you need
- All vehicles — You need either an International Driving Permit or an Italian or EU licence with an English translation authenticated by an embassy or consulate. Check what applies to the licence you hold.
An International Driving Permit states the categories it covers: check yours covers what you will actually drive. A car licence does not cover a motorcycle, and a heavy camper or a truck can need a higher category.
At the wheel
- Carnet de passages — A carnet de passages en douane is required for a vehicle imported temporarily.
- Driving someone else's vehicle — Carry a letter of authority from the owner with the signature authenticated.
- Left-hand traffic — Namibia drives on the left.
- Gravel roads and speed — Unpaved roads are the real hazard and the ministry says not to exceed 60-70 km/h on them: the surface is loose sand and grit, small quartz stones cause blowouts, and animals cross without warning. Drive in daylight only, and be extra careful in the rainy season.
- Tyres, fuel and water — Check the condition of every tyre including the spare. Watch your fuel level, because the gaps between filling stations are long, and always travel with a supply of water.
- Headlights — Headlights are compulsory in daytime in fog and whenever visibility drops because of dust thrown up on gravel tracks.
- Alcohol — The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
- Helmets, belts, seats — Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists. Seatbelts and child seats are compulsory, and the ministry urges belts even at moderate speed.
What catches travellers out
- Visa at listed posts — Since 1 April 2025 a visa is compulsory and can be issued on arrival for N$1,600, but only at listed entry points. For overland arrivals those are the Oshikango, Trans Kalahari, Oranjemund, Noordoewer, Katima Mulilo, Impalila Island, Ngoma and Mahembo border posts.
- Renting a 4x4 — Hiring a 4x4, with or without a driver, is the usual way to move around the country. Use only the large, well-known rental companies: small local outfits are often unreliable.
- Hunting rifles — Bringing a hunting rifle in temporarily needs a permit, issued by customs when you enter.
- Diamonds and ivory — The ministry advises against buying diamonds, ivory and similar items.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 23 February 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Namibia before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 23 February 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.