Post Covid-19 marker: Govt opens all borders

This is set to improve trade relations between neighbouring countries, said the ministry's executive director, Etienne Maritz.

The border posts – Mata Mata, Vioolsdrift, Sendelingsdrift and Klein Manase, which border Namibia and South Africa, opened over the weekend. Similarly the Dobe and Kasika border posts, which border Namibia with Botswana, also opened.

“The closing of border posts has resulted in reduced trade and significant socio-economic hardship for all countries. Their reopening is guided by the relaxation of health protocols governing the management of Covid-19, based on the decrease in Covid-19 case numbers,” said Maritz.

The dawn of Covid-19 in 2020 saw countries around the world closing their borders, fearing an increase in cases. Many nations have since revoked the closures, citing better containment and waning of the coronavirus.

In mid-July, the state announced that it had lifted all remaining national Covid-19-related restrictions, with a plan to switch from a containment approach to a mitigation strategy.

Nevertheless, foreign travellers are still required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test in order to enter Namibia.

Maritz said all travellers should adhere to active regulations in individual countries.

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