Namibia Tourist Visa

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Published: 2026-07-29

Planning a trip to Namibia? Whether you dream of climbing the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, tracking wildlife in Etosha National Park, or driving along the haunting Skeleton Coast, you will need to sort out your visa before you go. Since April 1, 2025, Namibia requires tourist visas from citizens of over 30 countries – including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European nations.

This guide walks you through everything: who needs a Namibia tourist visa, how much it costs, how to apply online step by step, what documents to prepare, and answers to the most common questions travellers ask.

Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Namibia?

As of April 2025, the Namibian government removed visa-free entry for nationals of 33 countries that previously enjoyed visa exemption. The change was made due to a lack of reciprocal visa agreements with those nations.

Countries That Still Don’t Need a Visa

Citizens of the following countries can still enter Namibia without a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days:

• 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, Zimbabwe

Countries That Require a Tourist Visa

If your country is not listed above, you need a visa. This includes citizens of:

• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and all other EU/EEA states
• Americas: United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil (exempt), Chile, Mexico, Uruguay
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Turkey, UAE, Thailand, Vietnam
• Africa: Most African nations not listed as exempt – including Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya (exempt), Uganda, Rwanda, and others

Namibia Tourist Visa Fees

The tourist visa fees are set by the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS):

Note: When applying online, a 3% service fee is added to the visa fee. Payment can be made by credit or debit card.

How to Get a Namibia Tourist Visa

There are two ways to obtain your tourist visa. The Namibian government strongly recommends applying online before your trip to avoid delays at the airport.

Option 1: Apply Online (eVisa) – Recommended

The eVisa is the fastest and most convenient way to secure your Namibia tourist visa. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Visit the official MHAISS e-Services portal at https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival

Step 2: Create an account with your email address and a password.

Step 3: Select “Visa on Arrival” as your visa type. (Yes, even for the eVisa – this is the correct option on the portal.)

Step 4: Enter your personal details, travel dates, and accommodation information. You will need to provide:

• Your first place of stay in Namibia
• Planned destinations
• Last place of stay before departure

Step 5: Upload your documents:

• Passport bio-data page (PDF format, under 2 MB)
• Recent passport-style photograph (under 300 KB)

Step 6: Pay the visa fee online (N$1,600 for adults + 3% service fee).

Step 7: Wait for processing – typically 5 working days.

Step 8: Print your approved eVisa. You must carry a hard copy and present it to the immigration officer upon arrival, where you will sign it in person.

Key tips for the online application:

• Each application form session lasts approximately 30 minutes — have your documents ready before starting
• One account can be used to submit applications for family members
• Tour operators and group organisers can make bulk payments (up to NAD 97,000)
• The eVisa is automatically issued as a multiple-entry visa, so you can leave and re-enter Namibia (e.g., for a side trip to Victoria Falls)

Option 2: Visa on Arrival

If you don’t apply online beforehand, you can still get a tourist visa when you land in Namibia. You will need to:

1. Fill in an Arrival Form (A5 format), often distributed on the plane before landing
2. Queue at the immigration counter at your port of entry
3. Pay the visa fee (cash or card, depending on the location)
4. Present your passport and supporting documents

Ports of entry where Visa on Arrival is available:

Airports

• Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
• Walvis Bay Airport (WVB)
• Eros Airport (Windhoek)
• Ondangwa Airport
• Keetmanshoop Airport
• Lüderitz Airport
• Rundu Airport
• Gobabis Airport
• Grootfontein Airport
• Mpacha Airport

Land border posts

• Ariamsvlei (South Africa)
• Noordoewer (South Africa)
• Oranjemund (South Africa)
• Trans-Kalahari (Botswana)
• Mohembo (Botswana)
• Ngoma (Botswana)
• Katima Mulilo (Zambia)
• Oshikango (Angola)
• Impalila Island

Seaports

• Walvis Bay Harbour
• Port of Lüderitz

Important: Processing times at the airport can be long, especially when multiple flights arrive simultaneously. Applying online in advance is the best way to avoid standing in a lengthy queue after a long flight.

Required Documents for a Namibia Tourist Visa

Whether you apply online or on arrival, you will need the following documents:

1. Valid passport – must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry, with at least 3 blank pages
2. Completed visa application – either the online form or the arrival card
3. Passport-sized photograph – recent, colour, white background (for online application)
4. Return or onward ticket – proof of confirmed travel out of Namibia
5. Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Namibia
6. Proof of sufficient funds – bank statements or credit cards to show you can cover your stay
7. Printed eVisa approval – if you applied online, bring the hard copy

How Long Can You Stay?

The Namibia tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days (3 months) within a single calendar year. The visa is issued as a multiple-entry document, which means you can leave Namibia and return during the validity period without needing a new visa.

Can You Extend Your Tourist Visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend your stay beyond the initial period granted at the port of entry. You must apply for an extension at a Namibian immigration office before your current permission expires. However, total stays cannot exceed 90 days in a calendar year.

Namibia Tourist Visa Processing Times

Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to allow for any unexpected delays or requests for additional documents.

Entry Points for eVisa Holders

If you hold an approved eVisa, you may enter Namibia through any of the ports listed above, plus additional smaller airports and border posts including:

• Grootfontein Airport
• Keetmanshoop Airport
• Lüderitz Airport and Port
• Mpacha Airport
• Rundu Airport
• Singalamwe Border Post
• Omahenene Border Post (Angola)
• Nkurenkuru Border Post (Angola)
• Sendelingsdrift Border Post (South Africa)
• Mata-Mata Border Post (Botswana)
• Klein Manasse Border Post (South Africa)
• And many more – see the full list on the official eVisa portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Americans need a visa to visit Namibia?

Yes. Since April 1, 2025, U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to enter Namibia. Previously, Americans could enter visa-free, but this exemption was removed due to the lack of reciprocal visa agreements. U.S. citizens can apply for an eVisa online or obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport.

How much is a Namibia tourist visa for US citizens?

The tourist visa costs N$1,600 (approximately $80-$90 USD) for adults aged 11 and over. Children aged 6-10 pay N$800, and children under 6 are free. A 3% service fee applies to online payments.

Can I get a Namibia visa on arrival?

Yes. Citizens of most Western countries – including the US, UK, EU states, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – can obtain a Visa on Arrival at major airports and border posts. However, the Namibian government strongly recommends applying for an eVisa online before travel to avoid long queues.

How long does it take to get a Namibia eVisa?

Online eVisa applications are typically processed within 5 working days. It’s advisable to apply at least 2 weeks before your departure date.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Namibia?

If you are travelling from or through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you will need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. This applies to travellers coming from parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Check the latest health requirements before you travel.

Is it safe to visit Namibia?

Namibia is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. Exercise normal safety precautions as you would in any destination – be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and follow local advice.

Can I work in Namibia on a tourist visa?

No. The tourist visa does not permit any form of employment or paid work in Namibia. If you plan to work, you need a separate work visa or employment permit.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying your visa in Namibia is a serious offence. You may face fines, detention, deportation, or a ban on future entry. Always ensure you depart before your visa expires or apply for an extension in advance.

Related Visa Information

• Namibia Visa Requirements – Full list of documents and eligibility
• Namibia Visa Fee – Detailed breakdown of all visa costs
• Namibia Visa for US Citizens – Specific guidance for American travellers
• Namibia Visa Application Online – Step-by-step online application walkthrough
• Namibia eVisa Complete Guide – Everything about the Namibia eVisa system