Since April 1, 2025, travellers from over 30 countries – including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations – must obtain a visa before entering Namibia. The good news is that the Namibian government has introduced a streamlined online eVisa system that lets you complete the entire process from home. This guide walks you through every step of the Namibia visa application online, covering documents, fees, processing times, and practical tips gathered from official sources and real traveller experiences.
Who Needs a Visa for Namibia?
Namibia’s visa policy changed significantly on 1 April 2025. Nationals of countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry now need to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an eVisa in advance. The following groups are affected:
Countries that now require a visa (since April 2025):
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- All European Union member states (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.)
- Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
- Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Russia
- Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Countries that remain visa-exempt:
Citizens of 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 can still enter Namibia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Tip: Always verify your country’s current status before booking flights, as visa policies can change. Check the official Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs website at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na for the latest information.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: What Is the Difference?
Namibia offers two pathways for obtaining your visa:
eVisa (Online Application – Recommended)
The eVisa is applied for and paid entirely online through the official Namibia e-Services Portal before you travel. Once approved, you receive an electronic visa that you must print and carry with you. This is the recommended option because it eliminates queues at the airport and guarantees your visa is secured before departure.
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
The Visa on Arrival is obtained at your port of entry into Namibia. You fill in an arrival form (A5 format) at the airport or border post and pay the fee on the spot. While convenient if you forgot to apply online, expect longer wait times – especially during peak travel season.
Both options cost the same fee and grant the same visa validity. The eVisa is simply faster and less stressful at arrival.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Namibia eVisa Online
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Namibia e-Services Portal: https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival
This is the only official government website for online visa applications. Do not use third-party intermediary sites that charge additional service fees.
Step 2: Create an Account
Before you can start your application, you must register an account on the portal. You will need:
- A valid email address
- A password of your choosing
- Basic personal information (full name, nationality, date of birth)
After registration, confirm your email address via the verification link sent to your inbox.
Step 3: Select “Visa on Arrival”
Once logged in, select the Visa on Arrival option (not “Holiday Visa”). This is the correct visa category for tourists, family visits, and short business trips. The Holiday Visa is a separate category – choosing the wrong one can delay or invalidate your application.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
You have approximately 30 minutes to complete and submit the form before it times out. If you time out, you will need to start over. Prepare all your information in advance to avoid this.
You will need to provide:
- Full name (exactly as it appears in your passport)
- Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Nationality and country of residence
- Travel dates (intended date of entry and exit)
- Accommodation details in Namibia
- Purpose of visit
For the “Places to Be Visited” field (Field 10), according to MHAISS support, you only need to provide:
- First place of stay (e.g., “Hilton Hotel, Windhoek”)
- Destinations (e.g., “Sossusvlei, Etosha, Swakopmund”)
- Last place of stay (e.g., “Ongava Lodge, Etosha”)
Note: You cannot copy-paste into this field – you must type the information manually.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
You will need to upload two files:
- Passport scan – PDF format, file size under 2 MB
- Passport photo – JPEG or similar, file size under 300 KB
Ensure your passport scan is clear and legible. The photo should meet standard passport photo requirements (front-facing, neutral expression, white background).
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
Payment is made online via credit or debit card. The fees are:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (12 years and over) – African countries | NAD 1,200 (approx. USD 65) |
| Adults (12 years and over) – Other countries | NAD 1,600 (approx. USD 87) |
| Children aged 6-11 | 50% of adult fee |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Cruise liner passengers (day visit) | NAD 300 |
A 3% service fee is added on top of the base visa fee for online payments.
Step 7: Receive Your eVisa
Once your application and payment are processed, the eVisa is issued immediately. You will receive a confirmation email with your eVisa attached. Download and print this document – you must present a hard copy to immigration officials upon arrival in Namibia.
You will be required to sign the printed eVisa in front of the immigration officer at your point of entry.
Required Documents for Entry into Namibia
Whether you applied for an eVisa online or plan to get a Visa on Arrival, have the following documents ready when you arrive:
- Valid passport – must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay and have at least 3 blank pages for entry and exit stamps
- Printed eVisa or approval notice – signed in front of the immigration officer
- Return ticket or proof of onward travel
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmations, lodge reservations, or a formal invitation letter from a host in Namibia
- Proof of sufficient funds – recent bank statements, credit/debit cards
- Medical and travel insurance – must be in English
- Travel itinerary – outline of your planned destinations within Namibia
- For children: Full birth certificate or parental consent letter if travelling with one parent
Visa on Arrival Entry Points in Namibia
If you choose to get your Visa on Arrival at the border (rather than applying online), it is only available at the following ports of entry:
Airports:
– Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
– Walvis Bay International Airport
– Lüderitz Airport
– Oranjemund Airport
Land Border Posts:
– Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa)
– Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana)
– Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa)
– Oranjemund Border Post (South Africa)
– Oshikango Border Post (Angola)
– Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia)
– Ngoma Border Post (Botswana)
– Impalila Island Border Post
– Mohembo Border Post
– Katwitwi Border Post
– Ruacana Border Post
Harbours:
– Walvis Bay Harbour
– Lüderitz Harbour
Important: Visa on Arrival is issued for tourist purposes only. If you are travelling for work, study, or any purpose other than tourism, you must apply for the appropriate visa category through a Namibian embassy or high commission before travelling.
Processing Times
- eVisa (online): Issued immediately upon successful application and payment – usually within minutes
- Visa on Arrival: Processing time at the airport varies. During peak season, expect queues of 30 minutes to over 1 hour
- Embassy/consulate applications: Allow 5-10 working days, depending on the mission
eVisa Validity and Duration of Stay
- The eVisa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue
- It allows stays of up to 90 days (3 months) from the date of entry
- The eVisa is automatically issued as a multiple-entry visa – meaning you can leave Namibia (e.g., to visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Chobe in Botswana) and re-enter on the same visa
- Extensions for a further 3 months can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing “Holiday Visa” instead of “Visa on Arrival” – The portal has multiple visa types. For tourism, always select “Visa on Arrival”
- Passport expiring within 6 months – Immigration will deny entry if your passport validity is less than 6 months from your arrival date
- Not printing the eVisa – A digital copy on your phone is not sufficient. You must carry a printed hard copy
- Passport scan too large – Keep your PDF under 2 MB. Compress it if necessary before uploading
- Form timing out – The 30-minute window is strict. Have all your information and documents ready before starting
- Using third-party visa services – Some websites charge USD 100+ extra for what you can do yourself for the standard government fee. Always use the official portal
- Overstaying – Overstaying your visa is taken seriously. You can be detained, fined, or banned from future entry
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel – While the eVisa is issued instantly, giving yourself a buffer allows time to resolve any technical issues
- Keep your login credentials – You can use the same account for future trips or for family members’ applications
- One application per person – Each family member needs a separate application, but one account holder can submit applications for the entire family
- Save a PDF copy – Besides printing, save a copy of your eVisa on your phone and email as a backup
- Check your spam folder – eVisa confirmation emails sometimes end up in spam/junk folders
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Namibia visa online?
Yes. Namibia offers an official eVisa system through the Ministry of Home Affairs portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na. The entire application, payment, and approval process is completed online. You receive your eVisa by email and must print it before travelling.
How long does it take to get a Namibia eVisa?
The eVisa is typically issued immediately after successful payment. In most cases, applicants receive their approved visa within minutes. However, it is advisable to apply at least a few days before your trip in case of technical issues.
How much does a Namibia visa cost?
The standard fee is NAD 1,600 (approximately USD 87) for adults from non-African countries, and NAD 1,200 (approximately USD 65) for African nationals. Children aged 6-11 pay 50% of the adult fee, and children under 6 are free. A 3% service fee applies for online payments.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Namibia?
Yes. Since April 1, 2025, U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Namibia. They can apply for an eVisa online or obtain a Visa on Arrival at designated ports of entry. The fee is NAD 1,600.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Namibia?
Yes. Since April 1, 2025, UK passport holders need a visa for Namibia. The Visa on Arrival scheme is available to UK citizens, and they can also apply for an eVisa online before travelling.
Can I extend my Namibia visa?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended for an additional 3 months. You must visit the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in Windhoek to apply for an extension before your current visa expires.
Is the Namibia eVisa a single or multiple entry visa?
The eVisa is automatically issued as a multiple-entry visa. This means you can leave Namibia and re-enter on the same visa within its validity period – useful if you are combining Namibia with trips to neighbouring countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, or South Africa.
What happens if my eVisa application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification with the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, passport validity issues, or incorrect information. You can correct the issue and reapply, or contact the nearest Namibian embassy for assistance.
Do I need travel insurance for Namibia?
Yes. Medical and travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for entry into Namibia. The insurance document must be in English and should cover the duration of your stay.
Can I work in Namibia on a tourist visa?
No. The Visa on Arrival and eVisa are strictly for tourism, visiting family and friends, and short-term business visitor activities. If you intend to work or study in Namibia, you must apply for the appropriate permit through a Namibian embassy or high commission before travelling.
