Starting April 1, 2025, Namibia requires nationals of 90+ countries and territories to obtain a visa before entering the country. The most convenient option for short-term visitors is the Visa on Arrival (VoA), available at major airports, land border posts, and seaports. This guide covers everything you need to know – eligibility, fees, required documents, the online application process, and practical tips for a smooth entry.
What Is the Namibia Visa on Arrival?
The Namibia Visa on Arrival is an entry permit issued to eligible travellers at designated ports of entry. It was introduced on April 1, 2025, when Namibia revised its visa regime to require visas from nationals of countries that do not have reciprocal visa-exemption agreements.
Key facts about the VoA:
- It covers tourism, holiday visits, family visits, and business visitor activities
- It is issued as a multiple-entry visa (you can leave and re-enter Namibia on the same visa)
- The maximum stay is up to 90 days
- It does not authorize employment, study, volunteer work, or media activities
The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHISS) also offers an online e-Visa portal where you can apply in advance. The online system is essentially a pre-approval – the actual visa is still stamped into your passport upon arrival.
Who Needs a Visa on Arrival for Namibia?
As of 2025, the following categories of nationalities exist:
Visa-Exempt Countries (No Visa Required)
Nationals of these countries do not need any visa to enter Namibia:
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.
Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival
Nationals of the following countries can apply for a Visa on Arrival at designated Namibian entry points or through the online portal:
African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara Republic.
Non-African countries: Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican/Holy See, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
Namibia Visa on Arrival Fees
The VoA fee depends on your nationality and whether you are from an African Union member state:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-African Union nationals | N$1,600 (approx. USD 90 / EUR 82) |
| African Union nationals | N$1,200 (approx. USD 65 / EUR 60) |
| Cruise ship passengers (Walvis Bay / Luderitz harbours) | N$130 |
| Children aged 6-11 years | 50% of the applicable adult fee |
| Children under 6 years | Free |
A 3% service fee is added to online payments. The fee is payable in Namibian dollars at the port of entry (cash or card accepted at most locations).
Required Documents for Namibia Visa on Arrival
Whether you apply online or at the border, prepare the following documents:
Passport Requirements
- Validity: At least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Namibia
- Blank pages: At least 3 completely blank pages for entry/exit stamps
- Condition: The passport must be undamaged and in good condition
Supporting Documents
- Completed visa application form – Available online or at the port of entry
- Passport-sized photograph – Recent, colour, white background (required for online application)
- Proof of accommodation – Hotel reservation, lodge booking, or invitation letter from a host in Namibia
- Travel itinerary – Return or onward ticket confirming your entry and exit dates
- Proof of sufficient funds – Bank statements or credit/debit card; booking confirmations for accommodation
- Medical/travel insurance – Must be in English and cover the duration of your stay
- Invitation letter – If visiting friends or family (not required if staying at a hotel)
Additional Requirements for Travelling with Children
Namibia strictly enforces child travel documentation. For minors under 18:
- Unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names
- Consent affidavit from the absent parent if the child is travelling with only one parent
- Copies of parents’ identity documents or passports with contact details
- Death certificate if a parent listed on the birth certificate is deceased
- For unaccompanied minors: consent affidavit from parent/guardian plus a letter from the person receiving the child in Namibia
Where to Get a Visa on Arrival in Namibia
The VoA is issued at the following designated ports of entry:
Airports
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) – Primary international gateway
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- Luderitz Airport
- Oranjemund Airport
Land Border Posts
- Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa border)
- Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa border)
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana border)
- Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia border)
- Ngoma Border Post (Botswana border)
- Oshikango Border Post (Angola border)
- Oranjemund Border Post (South Africa border)
- Mohembo Border Post (Botswana border)
- Impalila Island Border Post (Botswana border)
- Katwitwi Border Post (Angola border)
- Ruacana Border Post (Angola border)
Seaports
- Walvis Bay Harbour
- Luderitz Harbour
Important: If you arrive at a port of entry that is not on this list, you may be denied entry. Always confirm your arrival point is an authorized VoA location.
How to Apply for Namibia Visa on Arrival Online
Applying online in advance is strongly recommended to avoid long queues and reduce the risk of issues at the border. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival – this is the only official government portal for Namibia VoA applications.
Step 2: Create an Account
Register a new account by providing your name, email address, and creating a password. You can also sign in with a Google account if available.
Step 3: Select “Visa on Arrival”
Choose the Visa on Arrival option (not the Holiday Visa, which has a longer processing time and more extensive documentation requirements).
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill in the online form with:
- Personal data – Surname, first names, marital status, nationality
- Passport details – Number, date and place of issue, expiry date
- Travel information – Purpose of stay, dates, accommodation address, port of entry, places to be visited, return ticket details
- Upload documents – Passport scan (PDF, under 2MB) and passport photo (under 300KB)
Tip: You have approximately 30 minutes to complete each application before it times out. Prepare all documents and information before starting. A family member can submit applications on behalf of other family members once registered.
For the “Places to Be Visited” field, provide:
– First place of stay (e.g., lodge name in Windhoek)
– Destinations (e.g., Sossusvlei, Etosha, Swakopmund)
– Last place of stay
Step 5: Pay the Fee
Complete the online payment (N$1,600 or N$1,200 depending on nationality, plus 3% service fee).
Step 6: Receive and Print Your E-Visa
The e-Visa on Arrival is issued immediately after payment. Print it out – you must present the signed printout to immigration officials upon arrival and sign it in front of the officer.
Visa on Arrival at the Border (Walk-In Application)
If you did not apply online, you can still apply at the port of entry:
- Obtain an Arrival Form (A5 format) – often distributed on the plane before landing
- Fill in the form completely before reaching the immigration counter
- Present the form along with your passport and supporting documents
- Pay the applicable fee
- Wait for processing (typically 15-45 minutes, but can be longer during peak times)
Note: Walk-in applications face longer waiting times and greater scrutiny compared to pre-approved e-Visa applicants.
Processing Times
| Application Method | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online e-Visa (applied in advance) | 7-10 working days (but often issued immediately) |
| Visa on Arrival at the border | 15-45 minutes (can be longer during peak periods) |
Processing times are not guaranteed. The Namibian authorities recommend applying online at least 2 weeks before travel to account for any delays.
Namibia Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa vs. Holiday Visa
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | E-Visa (Online Pre-Approval) | Holiday Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application location | At port of entry | Online before travel | Online before travel |
| Processing time | 15-45 min at border | Usually instant to 7-10 days | Several weeks |
| Documents required | Basic (passport, accommodation, return ticket) | Passport scan + photo | Extensive (6-month bank statements, detailed itinerary, etc.) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Multiple entry | Single/multiple entry |
| Fee | N$1,200-1,600 | N$1,200-1,600 + 3% service fee | N$1,200-1,600 |
Recommendation: Apply for the Visa on Arrival online for the simplest process. The Holiday Visa requires significantly more documentation and longer processing.
Common Reasons for Visa on Arrival Refusal
Immigration officers have discretionary authority and may refuse entry if:
- The purpose of travel cannot be clearly explained
- Documentation is incomplete or inconsistent
- Financial means appear insufficient for the stay
- The traveller appears to intend unauthorized work or overstaying
- False or misleading information has been provided
- Medical/travel insurance is missing or not in English
Misuse of visitor status for employment is treated as a serious immigration offence and may result in fines, detention, removal, or future entry bans.
Extending Your Stay in Namibia
If you wish to stay beyond the period granted on your VoA:
- Apply for an extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek before your visa expires
- Extensions of up to 3 additional months may be granted
- Overstaying your visa is a serious offence and can result in fines, detention, and deportation
- Do not assume an extension will be granted – apply well before expiry
Practical Tips for a Smooth Entry
- Apply online first – Pre-approval through the e-Visa portal eliminates uncertainty at the border
- Print your e-Visa – Digital copies on your phone may not be accepted
- Carry all documents in a folder – Have passport, printed e-Visa, accommodation bookings, return ticket, insurance, and bank statements readily accessible
- Arrive early – Even with an e-Visa, immigration processing can take time
- Bring Namibian dollars – If paying at the border, ensure you have the correct amount in local currency or a card that works internationally
- Check your passport – Verify validity and blank pages before booking your trip
- Prepare for child documentation – Namibia is strict about requirements for minors
- Get travel insurance in English – Policies in other languages may be rejected
- Keep copies of everything – Store digital copies of all documents separately from originals
- Verify your port of entry – Not all border crossings issue VoA; confirm your arrival point is authorized
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Namibia?
Yes, nationals of approximately 90 countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival at designated airports, land border posts, and seaports in Namibia. You can also apply online in advance through the official MHAISS portal.
Do Americans need a visa for Namibia?
Yes, as of April 1, 2025, US citizens need a visa to enter Namibia. They can apply for a Visa on Arrival at the port of entry or online before travel through eservices.mhaiss.gov.na.
How much is the Namibia visa for US citizens?
The Visa on Arrival fee for US citizens is N$1,600 (approximately USD 90). Children aged 6-11 pay N$800, and children under 6 enter free.
How long can I stay in Namibia with a visa on arrival?
The Visa on Arrival allows stays of up to 90 days. The default entry period is generally 30 days, but immigration officers can authorize up to 90 days.
Can I work in Namibia with a visa on arrival?
No. The Visa on Arrival does not authorize employment, study, volunteer work, or media activities. You must apply for the appropriate work or study permit before travelling.
What is the difference between the e-Visa and visa on arrival?
The e-Visa is an online pre-approval obtained before travel, while the Visa on Arrival is applied for at the border. Both result in the same visa being issued. The e-Visa simply streamlines the process and reduces wait times at the port of entry.
Can I apply for a Namibia visa on arrival for Indian citizens?
Indian nationals are not currently listed among the countries eligible for the Visa on Arrival. Indian citizens should check with the nearest Namibian embassy or consulate for visa requirements.
What happens if my visa on arrival is refused?
If your VoA is refused at the port of entry, you will be denied entry and may be required to return to your point of origin. To minimize this risk, apply online in advance and ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.
Important Contacts
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHISS)
- Website: https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na
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Phone: +264 81 951 0128 / +264 81 951 0186
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Namibia Tourism Board
- Address: C/O Haddy & Sam Nujoma Drive, Private Bag 13244, Windhoek, Namibia
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Phone: +264 61 290 6000
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Embassy of the Republic of Namibia (Washington DC, USA)
- Phone: +1 202-986-0540
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The Namibia Visa on Arrival process is straightforward when you prepare in advance. Applying online through the official MHAISS portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na is the recommended approach – it reduces wait times, provides certainty before travel, and is issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 3 blank pages, prepare your accommodation and return ticket documentation, and carry travel insurance in English. Whether you are visiting the vast dunes of Sossusvlei, tracking wildlife in Etosha, or exploring the Skeleton Coast, obtaining your visa in advance lets you focus on enjoying Namibia’s extraordinary landscapes.
