Staff Reporter
CANADA has issued an updated travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Namibia, citing concerns about crime and financial fraud, particularly in the capital city, Windhoek, even as the country experiences a strong post-pandemic tourism rebound.
In guidance published in late December and highlighted at the start of the New Year, Canadian authorities warned of muggings, burglaries and carjackings, with most incidents involving visitors reported in and around the capital. The advisory also flags a rise in financial scams targeting tourists, including credit card cloning at some hotels and lodges, as well as theft and distraction tactics at ATMs.
While stopping short of advising against travel, Ottawa urged travellers to remain vigilant, monitor their surroundings closely and take extra care when making card payments or withdrawing cash.
The advisory comes at a sensitive time for Namibia’s tourism sector, which has rebounded strongly since the Covid-19 pandemic. Official figures for 2024 show between 1.25 million and 1.26 million tourist arrivals, about 79 percent of pre-pandemic levels and roughly 45 percent higher than in 2023. Tourism authorities have described the recovery as the strongest since the onset of the pandemic.
Local tourism operators acknowledge that crime, particularly in urban areas, remains a concern but stress that most visits are trouble-free when travellers follow basic safety precautions. They note that popular safari and desert tourism routes are generally considered safer than city centres, and that hotels and tour companies increasingly provide safety briefings, secure transport and guidance on avoiding fraud.
Most visitors continue to come from the region, with South Africa accounting for the largest share, while Germany remains the leading long-haul source market. North America, including Canada, is among the markets Namibia is actively targeting as part of its growth strategy.
Namibian authorities have previously said they are working to improve visitor safety through closer coordination between police and the tourism industry, increased visibility in key areas and efforts to address financial crime.
As Namibia continues to promote itself internationally as a nature-based and adventure destination, officials face the challenge of balancing reassurance to potential visitors with addressing the urban crime and fraud issues highlighted in foreign travel advisories.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Contributed
The post Canada urges caution for travellers to Namibia amid crime and fraud concerns appeared first on Informanté.
