Official Import Rules
Namibia requires an ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).
Cats travelling from South Africa do not require a full DVS import permit. Instead, only a health certificate or inter-territorial movement permit issued by an official South African veterinarian is required. A full import permit from the DVS is required for all other countries of origin.
Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days of travel is required.
Before departing, you must send a copy of the completed import permit, the cat's vaccination records, and required test results to the local Namibian state veterinarian via vet.permits@mawlr.gov.na for verification. The Namibian authority then issues a landing permission that must be obtained before travel. This is a separate required step from having a government-endorsed health certificate from the origin country.
Arrival through Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) Windhoek.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel)
Apply for import permit from DVS (not required if travelling from South Africa)
Internal/external parasite treatment
Health certificate within 10 days of travel
Government endorsement
Send import permit, vaccination records, and test results to Namibian state veterinarian (vet.permits@mawlr.gov.na) and obtain landing permission
Arrive at Hosea Kutako Airport (WDH)
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Tips
Windhoek is the main city with adequate infrastructure. Swakopmund has a small expat community. Namibia is sparsely populated with excellent wildlife areas. Pet culture exists mainly among the expat and farming communities.
Vets & Common Parasites
Adequate vet care in Windhoek with several clinics. Outside the capital, vet services are very limited. The arid climate is generally healthy for cats. Tick-borne diseases are a concern in rural areas — year-round prevention recommended.
Find Vets in NamibiaExit Rules — Leaving Namibia
Exit requires a health certificate from a DVS-approved vet and an export permit. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes for indoor/outdoor cats in urban areas. The dry climate is healthy. Windhoek has adequate vet care. Rural areas are very remote with wildlife risks.
Yes. Jackals, caracals, and large raptors pose risks in rural areas. Urban Windhoek is much safer. Keep cats supervised.
Moderate. Windhoek vet costs are comparable to South Africa. Outside Windhoek, options are very limited.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Namibia with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.