Since April 1, 2025, the Namibian government has introduced new visa requirements affecting citizens of over 30 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European nations. Whether you are planning a safari adventure in Etosha, exploring the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, or visiting the Skeleton Coast, understanding the current visa requirements is essential before you travel.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who needs a visa, how to apply online, what documents to prepare, visa fees, processing times, and frequently asked questions.
Who Needs a Visa for Namibia?
As of April 2025, the majority of international travellers now need a visa to enter Namibia. Previously, citizens of 33 countries — including most EU states, the US, UK, Canada, and Australia — could enter visa-free. This exemption was removed due to the lack of reciprocal visa agreements.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Namibia and can stay for 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
Holders of diplomatic or official service passports from additional countries may also enter visa-free under bilateral agreements.
Visa on Arrival / eVisa Countries
If your country is not listed above, you will need either a Visa on Arrival or an eVisa. This applies to citizens of:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
- Americas: Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela
- Asia-Pacific: Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vatican/Holy See, Vietnam
- Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara Republic
General Entry Requirements
Regardless of your nationality, all visitors to Namibia must meet these requirements:
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry
- Blank pages: At least 3 blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps
- Return ticket: Proof of a confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Financial proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay
- Accommodation: Proof of confirmed hotel or lodging bookings
How to Apply for a Namibia Visa
There are two ways to obtain your visa: the online eVisa (recommended) or the Visa on Arrival at the port of entry.
Option 1: Apply Online (eVisa) — Recommended
The Namibian government strongly recommends applying for an eVisa before travel through the official portal:
Official eVisa portal: https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival
Step-by-step process:
1. Create an account on the MHAISS e-Services portal 2. Select “Visa on Arrival” as your visa type (not “Holiday Visa”) 3. Fill in your personal details, travel dates, and accommodation information 4. Upload your documents: – Passport scan (PDF format, under 2 MB) – Passport photo (under 300 KB) 5. Provide your travel itinerary — first place of stay, destinations, and last place of stay 6. Pay the visa fee online (NAD 1,600 for adults, plus 3% service fee) 7. Print your approved eVisa — you must carry a hard copy and sign it in front of the immigration officer upon arrival
Important tips:
- The online form gives you approximately 30 minutes to complete each application
- Once registered, a family member can submit applications for other family members using one account
- Group bulk payments (up to NAD 97,000) are now available for tour operators and service providers
- The eVisa is automatically issued as a multiple-entry visa, so you can leave Namibia and re-enter (e.g., a trip to Victoria Falls)
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
If you prefer not to apply online, you can obtain a Visa on Arrival at any of the designated ports of entry. You will need to fill in an Arrival Form (A5 format) which is often provided on the plane before landing.
Ports of entry where Visa on Arrival is available:
- Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
- Walvis Bay Airport
- Walvis Bay Harbour
- Lüderitz Airport and Harbour
- Oranjemund Airport and Border Post
- Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa)
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana)
- Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia)
- Ngoma Border Post (Botswana)
- Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa)
- Oshikango Border Post (Angola)
- And additional border crossings
Namibia Visa Fees
| Category | Fee (NAD) | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12 years and over) — non-African countries | NAD 1,600 | ~$87 USD |
| Adults (12 years and over) — African countries | NAD 1,200 | ~$65 USD |
| Children (6 to 11 years) | 50% of adult fee | ~$43 USD |
| Children (under 6 years) | Free | Free |
| Cruise liner passengers (Walvis Bay / Lüderitz) | NAD 130 | ~$7 USD |
Note: A 3% service fee is added to all online eVisa payments. Fees are payable by credit or debit card.
Visa Validity and Length of Stay
- Visa validity: Up to 90 days in a calendar year from the date of issue
- Multiple entry: The eVisa is issued as a multiple-entry visa automatically
- Extensions: You can apply for an extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in Windhoek
- Default stay: The default entry period is generally 30 days, but you may request up to 90 days from the immigration inspector upon arrival
Warning: Overstaying your authorized period or having an incorrect or missing entry stamp can result in detention, arrest, and fines. Always check your admission stamp before leaving the immigration counter.
Documents Required Upon Arrival
When you arrive in Namibia, be prepared to present the following to immigration officials:
1. Valid passport (6 months validity, 3 blank pages) 2. Printed eVisa approval (signed in front of the immigration officer) or completed Arrival Form 3. Return ticket or proof of onward travel 4. Accommodation confirmation (hotel booking or invitation letter) 5. Proof of sufficient funds (booking confirmations and credit/debit card) 6. Travel insurance (must be in English) 7. Full birth certificate or parental consent letter if travelling with children
Travelling with Children
Namibia has strict requirements for children under 18:
- Full unabridged birth certificate (original or certified copy) — abridged certificates are not accepted
- If travelling with one parent, you need the unabridged birth certificate plus a notarized consent letter from the other parent
- Legal guardians must carry documentation proving guardianship
- Unaccompanied children need a valid passport, parental consent affidavit, and a letter from their host with the address where they will be staying
Non-Tourist Visas
If you plan to work, volunteer, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you cannot use the Visa on Arrival process. You must apply for the appropriate visa category through the nearest Namibian Embassy or High Commission before travel.
- Work permits — Apply through the Namibian Embassy in your country of residence
- Study permits — Apply through the Namibian Embassy or High Commission
- Temporary Residence Permits — Available through Namibian diplomatic missions
Yellow Fever Vaccination
If you are arriving from a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry. This applies even if you are transiting through a risk country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Namibia?
Yes. Since April 1, 2025, US citizens must obtain a visa before entering Namibia. You can apply for an eVisa online through the official MHAISS portal or obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport or border crossing. The cost is NAD 1,600 (~$87 USD).
How much does a Namibia visa cost?
The standard visa fee is NAD 1,600 (approximately $87 USD) for adults from non-African countries. African nationals pay NAD 1,200. Children aged 6–11 pay 50% of the adult fee, and children under 6 are free. A 3% service fee applies to online payments.
How long does it take to get a Namibia visa?
The eVisa is typically issued immediately after completing the online application and payment. It is recommended to apply at least a few weeks before travel to account for any technical issues. The Visa on Arrival process at the airport can involve queues during peak travel periods.
Can I get a Namibia visa at the airport?
Yes. Namibia offers a Visa on Arrival at major airports including Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, and several border crossings. However, the government strongly recommends applying for an eVisa online before travel to avoid delays.
How long can I stay in Namibia with a visa?
The Visa on Arrival and eVisa allow stays of up to 90 days within a calendar year. The default entry stamp may be for 30 days, but you can request up to 90 days from the immigration officer. Extensions are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
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 — for example, if you want to visit Victoria Falls in Zambia or travel to Botswana and return.
What if my country is not on the Visa on Arrival list?
If your nationality is not eligible for the Visa on Arrival or eVisa on Arrival, you must apply for a standard eVisa through the MHAISS portal. This process requires additional documentation and has a longer processing time. Alternatively, you can apply through the nearest Namibian Embassy or High Commission.
Do I need travel insurance for Namibia?
While not always strictly checked, you are required to have medical or travel insurance in English when entering Namibia. It is strongly recommended to carry proof of your insurance policy with you.
Related Information
Before your trip, you may also want to read about the Namibia eVisa application process in more detail, or check the current Namibia visa fees for your nationality. For information on extending your stay, see our guide to Namibia visa extensions.
