The Namibia eServices Portal is the official online platform operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) for all electronic visa applications. Since April 2025, when Namibia revoked visa-free entry for over 30 countries, this portal has become the primary gateway for travellers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European nations to secure their visa before departure. This guide walks you through every feature of the portal, from creating an account to downloading your approved eVisa.
What Is the Namibia eServices Portal?
The eServices Portal (eservices.mhaiss.gov.na) is a web-based application system launched by MHAISS to digitise Namibia’s immigration services. Instead of visiting an embassy or queuing at the airport, travellers can submit their visa application, upload supporting documents, pay fees, and receive their approved visa entirely online.
The portal handles several types of applications:
- Visa on Arrival (eVoA) for tourism and short visits
- Status checks on submitted applications
- Document uploads and corrections
- Payment processing with a 3% online service fee
The system replaced the previous paper-based process and is now the recommended route for all eligible nationalities. According to the official MHAISS website at mha.gov.na, the portal is designed to reduce processing times and give applicants real-time visibility into their application status.
Who Should Use the eServices Portal?
Since 1 April 2025, nationals of the following countries must obtain a visa before entering Namibia and should use the eServices Portal:
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- All European Union member states (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and others)
- Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
- Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus
- Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Citizens of visa-exempt countries – including Angola, Botswana, Brazil, Cuba, Eswatini, Hong Kong (SAR), Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Macau (SAR), Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Russian Federation, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – do not need to use the portal for short visits under 90 days.
If you hold a passport from one of the newly visa-required countries, you have two options:
- Apply for an eVisa online through the portal before travelling (recommended)
- Obtain a Visa on Arrival at a Namibian port of entry
For a detailed comparison of both routes, see our guide on Namibia visa application online.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the eServices Portal
Step 1 – Access the Portal
Open your browser and navigate to eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival. The portal works on desktop and mobile devices. Use a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) for the best experience.
Step 2 – Create an Account
Click “Register” or “Sign Up” to create a new account. You will need:
- A valid email address (this becomes your login username)
- A secure password
- Your full name as it appears on your passport
After registration, check your email inbox for a verification link. Click the link to activate your account. If the email does not arrive within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.
Step 3 – Log In and Start a New Application
Once logged in, select “New Application” or “Apply for Visa” from the dashboard. Choose the visa type that matches your travel purpose:
- Tourism / Holiday
- Business visit
- Transit
Step 4 – Fill in the Application Form
The portal will ask for:
- Personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality, gender)
- Passport information (number, issue date, expiry date)
- Travel details (intended date of entry, port of entry, duration of stay)
- Accommodation details in Namibia
- Contact information
Ensure every field matches your passport exactly. Discrepancies between the application and your passport can cause delays or rejection at the border.
Step 5 – Upload Supporting Documents
You will need to upload digital copies of:
- Passport bio-data page (clear scan or photo)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Return flight ticket or itinerary
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter)
- For minors: full unabridged birth certificate and consent letter if travelling with one parent
Accepted formats are typically JPEG and PDF. Keep file sizes under the portal’s upload limit (usually 2 MB per file).
Step 6 – Pay the Visa Fee
The portal processes payments online. The standard visa fee is:
- NAD 1,600 for non-African nationals
- NAD 1,200 for African Union member state nationals
- Children aged 6-11: 50% of the adult fee
- Children under 6: free
A 3% online service fee is added to all eVisa payments made through the portal. Payment can be made by credit or debit card.
Step 7 – Submit and Note Your Reference Number
After payment, submit your application. The portal will generate a unique reference number. Save this number – you need it to check your status later. A confirmation email is also sent to your registered address.
How to Check Your Namibia eVisa Application Status
After submitting your application, you can track its progress at any time:
- Visit eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival
- Log in with your registered email and password
- Go to “My Applications” or the dashboard
- Find your application by reference number or submission date
- View the current status
The portal displays the following status indicators:
- Submitted – Your application is received and queued for review
- Under Review – An immigration officer is evaluating your documents
- Approved – Your visa is granted; download or print the approval letter
- Rejected – Application denied; a reason may be shown
- Pending Additional Documents – MHAISS needs more paperwork from you
- Expired – Application lapsed due to non-response or timeout
For a full breakdown of each status and what to do next, read our Namibia visa status check guide.
eServices Portal Processing Times
Standard processing takes 5 to 14 business days. Factors that affect timing include:
- Travel season – Applications submitted between June and October (peak tourism) may take longer
- Application completeness – Missing documents or unclear scans trigger requests for resubmission, adding days
- Nationality – Some nationalities require additional security checks
Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid last-minute issues. The portal does not offer expedited processing.
eServices Portal vs Visa on Arrival at the Airport
| Feature | eServices Portal (eVisa) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online, before travel | At Namibian port of entry |
| Processing time | 5-14 business days | Immediate (but queues possible) |
| Payment | Online (card) + 3% fee | Cash or card at the border |
| Risk of denial | Before departure | At the airport |
| Best for | Planned trips, families, business | Last-minute travel |
The eVisa is the recommended option because it eliminates uncertainty. You know your visa is secured before you board your flight. The Visa on Arrival route, while available at 15 entry points across Namibia, carries the risk of long queues and, in rare cases, denial at the border.
For the full list of entry points accepting Visa on Arrival, see our Namibia visa on arrival page.
Supported Ports of Entry
Namibia’s eVisa and Visa on Arrival are accepted at the following 15 entry points:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- Walvis Bay Harbour
- Lüderitz Airport
- Lüderitz Harbour
- Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa)
- Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia)
- Ngoma Border Post (Botswana)
- Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa)
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana)
- Oshikango Border Post (Angola)
- Oranjemund Border Post
- Impalila Island Border Post
- Mohembo Border Post
- Ruacana Border Post (Angola)
If you are entering Namibia through a border post not on this list, you must arrange your visa in advance through a Namibian embassy or high commission.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Portal Not Loading
The eServices portal is protected by a security firewall (SafeLine WAF). If you see a “Confirm You Are Human” prompt, complete the verification. If the site is slow, try during off-peak hours (early morning Namibian time, GMT+2).
Forgotten Password
Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. A reset link is sent to your registered email. If you no longer have access to that email, contact MHAISS directly at their switchboard: 081 951 1000.
Application Stuck on “Submitted”
If your application has been on “Submitted” for more than 14 business days, it may be in a backlog. Wait a few more days, then contact MHAISS if there is no change. Do not submit a duplicate application.
Payment Failed
If your card payment is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to authorise the transaction. Some international banks block payments to Namibian government portals by default. The 3% service fee is non-refundable even if the payment fails initially.
Document Upload Errors
Reduce file sizes to under 2 MB and use JPEG or PDF format. If the portal rejects a file, try renaming it without special characters or spaces.
Tips for a Smooth eVisa Application
- Apply early – Submit at least 3-4 weeks before travel
- Use a desktop browser – The portal is easier to navigate on a larger screen
- Double-check passport details – Your application must match your passport exactly
- Keep your reference number safe – You need it for status checks and at the border
- Print your approval – Carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter; digital copies on your phone may not be accepted at all entry points
- Check passport validity – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and have at least 3 blank pages
- Yellow fever certificate – Required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; carry the original certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Namibia eServices Portal the official government site?
Yes. The portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na is operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) of the Government of Namibia. It is the only official online platform for eVisa applications. Do not use third-party websites that charge additional service fees.
Can I apply for a Namibia visa on someone else’s behalf?
Yes, you can submit an application for another person, such as a family member or child. You will need all of their passport details and supporting documents. Each applicant requires a separate application and payment.
How long is the eVisa valid once approved?
The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days in a calendar year from the date of issue. It is a multiple-entry visa, meaning you can enter and leave Namibia multiple times within the validity period. The default stay per entry is 30 days, which can be extended up to 90 days at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
What if my eVisa application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, the portal may display a reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, passport validity issues, or security concerns. You can reapply with corrected documents or contact MHAISS for clarification. The visa fee is generally non-refundable.
Do children need a separate eVisa application?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, needs a separate visa application. Children aged 6-11 pay 50% of the adult fee; children under 6 are exempt from fees. You must upload a full unabridged birth certificate and, if only one parent is travelling, a consent affidavit from the other parent.
Can I use the eServices Portal for work or study visas?
No. The eServices Portal currently handles only tourist and short-visit visas (Visa on Arrival). For work permits, study permits, or business investment permits, you must apply through a Namibian embassy, high commission, or directly at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek. See our [Namibia work visa](/namibia-work-visa/) guide for details.
What payment methods does the portal accept?
The portal accepts international credit and debit cards. The 3% online service fee applies to all transactions. Some travellers have reported issues with certain banks blocking the payment – if this happens, contact your bank to authorise the transaction or try a different card.
Is there a mobile app for the Namibia eServices Portal?
No. As of 2026, there is no dedicated mobile app. The portal is accessible through a web browser on mobile devices, but the experience is optimised for desktop. For the best results, use a laptop or desktop computer.
Contact Information
For questions about the eServices Portal or your application:
- MHAISS Website: mha.gov.na
- eServices Portal: eservices.mhaiss.gov.na
- Phone: 081 951 1000 / 081 951 0000
- Address: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Corner of Hosea Kutako Drive and Harvey Street, Windhoek, Namibia, P/Bag 13200
For visa requirements specific to your nationality, see our Namibia visa requirements page. If you are a US citizen, our dedicated Namibia visa for US citizens guide covers the latest policy changes in detail.
