After submitting your Namibia eVisa application through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) online portal, you can track the progress of your visa at any time. This guide explains how to check your Namibia visa application status, what each status means, typical processing timelines, and what to do if your application is delayed or rejected.
How to Check Your Namibia eVisa Status Online
The Namibian government processes all electronic visa applications through its official eServices portal. Follow these steps to check your visa status:
- Visit the official MHAISS eVisa portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na
- Log in with the email address and password you used when submitting your application
- Navigate to “My Applications” or the dashboard section
- Locate your submitted application by reference number or date
- View the current status displayed next to your application
If you applied through a visa on arrival route, your confirmation email from MHAISS will contain your application reference number, which you need for tracking. For a full overview of the eVisa system, see the Namibia eVisa complete guide.
Understanding Namibia Visa Status Definitions
The eVisa portal displays one of several status indicators during the review process. Here is what each status means:
- Submitted – Your application has been received by MHAISS and is in the queue for review. No action has been taken yet.
- Under Review – An immigration officer is actively evaluating your application, supporting documents, and eligibility.
- Approved – Your visa has been granted. You can download or print the eVisa approval letter from the portal.
- Rejected – Your application has been denied. The portal may include a reason for the refusal.
- Pending Additional Documents – MHAISS requires further documentation before a decision can be made. Check your email for details on what to provide.
- Expired – The application was not processed within the validity window, or you did not respond to a document request in time.
Namibia eVisa Processing Times
Standard processing for a Namibia eVisa typically takes 5 to 14 business days from the date of submission. However, processing times can vary depending on several factors:
- Volume of applications – Peak travel seasons (June to October) may result in longer processing times
- Completeness of your application – Missing or unclear documents will cause delays
- Nationality – Applicants from certain countries may undergo additional security screening
- Visa type – Business visas and work permits take longer than tourist visas; a Business Investment Permit can take 3 to 5 months. See our Namibia tourist visa and Namibia business visa pages for details on each category
If your application has been under review for more than 14 business days, you should contact MHAISS directly.
How to Contact MHAISS About Your Visa Status
If your application is delayed or you need clarification on its status, you can reach the Namibian immigration authorities through these channels:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +264 61 292 2111 (Ministry of Home Affairs, Windhoek)
- In person: Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Windhoek, Namibia
When contacting MHAISS, have your application reference number, passport number, and the email address used during registration ready.
What to Do If Your Namibia Visa Application Is Rejected
A visa rejection does not necessarily mean you cannot travel to Namibia. You have several options:
- Review the rejection reason – Check the portal and your email for specific details on why the application was denied
- Correct and reapply – If the issue was incomplete documentation or incorrect information, you can submit a new application with the corrected details
- Apply for a visa on arrival – Citizens of eligible countries can still obtain a visa at any of Namibia’s 15 designated ports of entry, including Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek and Walvis Bay International Airport
- Contact the nearest Namibian embassy – For complex cases or if you need a visa category not available online (such as a work permit), contact the Namibian High Commission or Embassy in your country
Common reasons for eVisa rejection include passport validity of less than six months, insufficient blank passport pages (you need at least three), unclear passport scan, and failure to provide a return ticket or accommodation proof. Review the full list of Namibia visa requirements before reapplying. US passport holders should also check our Namibia visa for US citizens page for country-specific guidance.
Namibia Visa on Arrival: Alternative to eVisa
If checking your eVisa status reveals a rejection or the processing time is too long, you can obtain a visa on arrival at any of Namibia’s approved entry points. The visa on arrival scheme was extended to all nationalities that lost visa-free access on April 1, 2025.
The fee for a visa on arrival is NAD 1,600 for non-African nationals and NAD 1,200 for citizens of African Union member states. Children aged 6 to 11 pay 50% of the adult rate, while children under 6 enter free of charge.
The complete list of entry points where you can get a visa on arrival includes:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- Walvis Bay Harbour
- Lüderitz Airport
- Lüderitz Harbour
- Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa)
- Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia)
- Ngoma Border Post (Botswana)
- Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa)
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana)
- Oshikango Border Post (Angola)
- Oranjemund Border Post
- Impalila Island Border Post
- Mohembo Border Post
- Ruacana Border Post (Angola)
For a complete overview of the online application process, see our guide to applying for a Namibia visa online.
Tips for a Smooth Namibia Visa Application
To avoid delays and the need to constantly check your visa status, follow these best practices when applying:
- Apply at least 3 weeks before travel – This gives enough buffer for processing and any document requests
- Ensure passport validity – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival with 3 or more blank pages
- Upload clear scans – Blurry or cropped passport pages are the most common reason for delays
- Provide a complete itinerary – Include confirmed accommodation bookings and a return or onward flight ticket
- Pay the 3% service fee – All eVisa payments include a 3% online processing surcharge on top of the base visa fee
- Check your email regularly – MHAISS may send document requests that require a timely response
For details on fees and payment, visit our Namibia visa fee page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my Namibia visa status without logging in?
No. You must log in to the MHAISS eVisa portal with your registered credentials to check your application status. There is no public tracking tool that works with just a reference number.
How long does it take to get a Namibia eVisa approved?
Standard processing takes 5 to 14 business days. During peak travel season, it may take up to 21 business days. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
What if I lose my application reference number?
Log in to the eVisa portal with your registered email and password. Your application reference number will be visible on your dashboard under “My Applications.”
Can I check my visa on arrival status online?
Visa on arrival applications submitted online through the eVisa portal can be tracked the same way as standard eVisa applications. If you plan to apply for a visa purely at the border without pre-registration, there is no online status to check – the decision is made on the spot at the port of entry.
Is the Namibia eVisa portal the same as the visa on arrival portal?
Yes. The URL eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival handles both eVisa applications and online pre-registration for visa on arrival. The same login and tracking system applies to both.
What happens if my eVisa expires before I travel?
An approved eVisa has a validity period within which you must enter Namibia. If it expires, you will need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.
