German citizens need a visa to visit Namibia. Since April 1, 2025, Namibia requires all German passport holders to obtain a visa before or upon arrival. Germany is one of the top three source countries for Namibian tourism – nearly 80,000 German visitors travelled to Namibia in 2023 alone. This guide covers every step – from online application to entry requirements, fees, and documents.
Do German Citizens Need a Visa for Namibia?
Yes. Until March 2025, German passport holders could enter Namibia visa-free for up to 90 days under a longstanding exemption. That changed when Namibia revoked visa-free entry for 33 countries – including Germany – citing a lack of reciprocal visa agreements.
German citizens now have two options to obtain a Namibian visa:
- e-Visa (recommended) – Apply online in advance through the Namibia Online Visa Portal
- Visa on Arrival – Purchase at select airports and border crossings
The Namibian Embassy in Berlin and the German Federal Foreign Office both recommend applying for the e-Visa before travel to avoid delays at immigration.
How to Apply for a Namibia e-Visa Online
The fastest and most reliable way for German citizens to get a Namibian visa is through the government’s online portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official Namibia Online Visa Portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na
- Create an account with your email address
- Select “Tourist Visa” as your visa type
- Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload a recent passport-style photo
- Upload a scan of your passport bio-data page
- Provide proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation)
- Submit your travel itinerary and return flight details
- Pay the visa fee online via the portal
- Wait for email confirmation with your approval notice
- Print the approval notice – you must carry a hard copy when traveling
Processing time varies. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your departure date to be safe.
Important: Carry a Printed Copy
The e-Visa approval notice must be presented as a printed hard copy at the immigration counter. Digital copies on phones or tablets are not accepted. Print at least two copies in case one is lost.
Namibia Visa on Arrival for German Citizens
If you prefer not to apply in advance, German citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival at the following entry points:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- Walvis Bay Harbour
- Lüderitz Airport
- Lüderitz Harbour
- Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa border)
- Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia border)
- Ngoma Border Post (Botswana border)
- Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa border)
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana border)
- Oshikango Border Post (Angola border)
- Oranjemund Border Post
- Impalila Island Border Post
- Mohembo Border Post
- Ruacana Border Post (Angola border)
Note: The visa-on-arrival system was introduced in April 2025 and implementation may still evolve. The Namibian Embassy in Berlin strongly recommends applying online to prevent unexpected delays at immigration.
Namibia Visa Fees for German Citizens
| Category | Fee (NAD) | Approximate EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12 years and older) | NAD 1,600 | ~EUR 82 |
| Children (6-11 years) | NAD 800 | ~EUR 41 |
| Children (under 6 years) | Free | Free |
Fees are payable in Namibian Dollars. Credit cards may be accepted at airports, but carry cash as a backup. The e-Visa portal accepts online payment during the application process and adds a 3% service fee.
Passport and Document Requirements
Your German passport must meet these conditions:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining beyond your planned departure date from Namibia
- Blank pages: At least 3 completely blank pages for entry and exit stamps
- Condition: Passport must be undamaged and legible
Documents to Carry
When entering Namibia, have these ready for the immigration officer:
- Valid German passport
- Printed e-Visa approval notice (if applied online)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservations or host address)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Travel insurance documentation (recommended)
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
How Long Can German Citizens Stay in Namibia?
The standard visa-on-arrival grants a 30-day stay. Immigration inspectors may authorize up to 90 days at their discretion upon arrival. The visa is a multiple-entry visa, so you can leave and re-enter Namibia within the validity period.
Always check your admission stamp before leaving the immigration counter. Make sure the dates cover your full intended stay. Overstaying your authorized period can result in:
- Detention and arrest
- Monetary fines
- Difficulty obtaining future visas
How to Extend Your Stay
If you need more time in Namibia, apply for an extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHA) in Windhoek before your current authorization expires. You can receive up to 3 additional months. The e-Visa itself is valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue.
Traveling to Namibia with Children
German citizens traveling with minors face additional requirements:
- Children must have their own valid German passport
- Parents must carry unabridged birth certificates (original or certified copies) showing both parents’ details
- When one parent travels alone with a child, a notarized consent letter from the other parent is required, OR a court order granting sole custody, OR the other parent’s death certificate
- Legal guardians must carry documentation proving their status
- Children under 6 are exempt from visa fees
- Children aged 6-11 pay a reduced fee of NAD 800
Travelling with Children Through South Africa
If your itinerary includes a layover at a South African airport, South Africa has its own child travel documentation requirements. Carry the same unabridged birth certificates and consent letters. Check the latest South Africa travel advice from your airline or the German Federal Foreign Office.
Namibia Visa for Non-Tourist Purposes
The visa-on-arrival and e-Visa systems cover tourism only. If you plan to work, study, volunteer, conduct research, or take up employment of any kind in Namibia, you must:
- Apply for the appropriate visa or permit from the Namibian Embassy in Berlin before traveling
- Contact the Embassy at [email protected] or visit namibia-botschaft.de
- The Namibian Embassy in Berlin is located at Axel-Springer-Straße 54A, 10117 Berlin
Germany’s strong historical ties with Namibia mean that many German citizens visit for business, research, or extended stays. For these purposes, the Namibian Embassy in Berlin offers specialized visa categories including work permits, study permits, and journalist visas.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
You must have a certificate proving you have been vaccinated against yellow fever if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Germany itself is not a risk country, but if your itinerary includes a stopover in a risk area (e.g., parts of West or Central Africa), you will need to present the certificate at immigration.
For full vaccination recommendations for Namibia, consult the Robert Koch Institute or the Tropeninstitut.
Namibian Embassy in Berlin – Contact Information
- Website: namibia-botschaft.de
- Visa inquiries: [email protected]
- Address: Axel-Springer-Straße 54A, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Phone: +49 30 254 097 00
- Honorary Consuls: The Embassy also maintains honorary consuls in other German cities – check the Embassy website for current locations
For consular emergencies while in Namibia, contact the German Embassy in Windhoek:
- Address: 15 Lossen Street, Windhoek
- Phone: +264 61 273 100
- Emergency (from Germany): +49 30 5000 2000 (German Federal Foreign Office 24/7 hotline)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can German citizens get a visa on arrival in Namibia?
Yes. German citizens can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport, and 13 other border posts. The fee is NAD 1,600 (approximately EUR 82) for adults.
How much is a Namibia visa for German citizens?
The visa costs NAD 1,600 (~EUR 82) for adults aged 12 and older, NAD 800 (~EUR 41) for children aged 6-11, and is free for children under 6.
Did Namibia end visa-free entry for Germans?
Yes. Effective April 1, 2025, Namibia removed Germany from its visa-exempt list as part of a broader policy affecting 33 countries. German citizens must now obtain a visa before or upon entering the country.
Is the Namibia e-Visa free for German citizens?
No. The e-Visa carries the same fee as the visa on arrival: NAD 1,600 for adults, plus a 3% online service fee. The advantage of the e-Visa is avoiding potential queues and delays at the airport.
How long does it take to get a Namibia e-Visa?
Processing times vary, but most applicants receive their approval within a few business days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip to account for any delays.
Can I extend my Namibia visa while in the country?
Yes. Apply at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security in Windhoek before your current authorization expires. The standard entry period is 30 days, with a possible extension up to 90 days.
What happens if I overstay my Namibia visa?
Overstaying can lead to detention, arrest, and fines. It may also result in being barred from future entry to Namibia. Always verify your admission stamp dates at the immigration counter.
Do I need a printed copy of my e-Visa?
Yes. The e-Visa approval notice must be presented as a printed hard copy at the immigration counter. Digital copies on phones or tablets are not accepted.
