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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Namibia?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, but the compliance burden is high, often with firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people want.
Tier 2: Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
NA
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Namibia is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationUnclear
Age rule18+
PossessionVariable
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportCased
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
- Air rifles of .177 calibre and up and non-toy air pistols are 'arms' under the Arms and Ammunition Act 1996, and possession without a police licence is an offence.
The rules in detail
Classification
Unclear
Arms and Ammunition Act 7 of 1996, s. 1: 'arm' includes an air pistol (other than a toy pistol) and a gas or air rifle of .177 calibre or larger. These airguns are licensed like firearms.
Age rule
18+
18+ for a licence to possess an arm (s. 3(1)).
Possession
Variable
Licence from the Inspector-General of Police required to possess any non-toy air pistol or .177+ air rifle (s. 2); arms must be locked away in a safe when not carried (s. 3(8)).
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Through licensed dealers.
Transport
Cased
Cased.
Authority
National statute
National statute.
Hunting with an airgun
Active hunting tourism market; airguns used for small game and pest control.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Africa's easiest process: free temporary import permits issued at the airport with no advance application. Fill out POL-573 in front of police officer. Bring passport, proof of ownership, and return ticket. No handguns or semi-automatic rifles.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.