Namibia offers a range of visa types to accommodate different purposes of travel, from short holiday visits to long-term work and residency permits. Understanding which visa you need is the first step to a smooth application process. This guide covers every visa category available for Namibia, including the recent April 2025 policy changes that affect many Western travellers.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the online application, see our guide on how to apply for a Namibia visa. If you are still checking eligibility, start with our Namibia visa requirements overview.
Short-Stay Visa Types
Namibia’s short-stay visas cover tourism, business visits, transit, and cruise stopovers. These visas are typically valid for up to 90 days and do not permit employment in Namibia.
Holiday / Tourist Visa
The Holiday Visa is the most common type for travellers visiting Namibia for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and relatives. It is available through the e-Visa portal or at Namibian embassies and consulates abroad.
- Purpose: Tourism, vacation, visiting friends or relatives
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Fee: NAD 1,600 (~$88 USD) for non-African nationals; NAD 1,200 for African nationals via e-Visa. Embassy applications: NAD 600 for a standard Holiday Visa
- How to apply: Online at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na or at the nearest Namibian embassy
Learn more in our detailed Namibia tourist visa guide.
Business Visitor Visa
This visa is designed for short business trips, including attending meetings, conferences, training sessions, or exploring business opportunities. It does not authorise any form of paid or unpaid work in Namibia.
- Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, site visits, exploring investment opportunities
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Requirements: Motivation letter from the inviting organisation, proof of accommodation, return ticket
For full application details, see our Namibia business visa guide.
Transit Visa
A transit visa is required for travellers passing through Namibia to another destination. Not all nationalities need a transit visa – citizens of visa-exempt countries can transit freely.
- Purpose: Passing through Namibia en route to another country
- Validity: Short duration, typically 24-72 hours
Check our Namibia transit visa guide to find out if your nationality requires one.
Cruise Visitor Visa
Cruise passengers stopping at Walvis Bay or Lüderitz can obtain a special visitor visa at the port of entry.
- Purpose: Shore excursions during cruise stops
- Fee: NAD 300 per person (~$16 USD)
- Entry points: Port of Walvis Bay, Port of Lüderitz
e-Visa and Visa on Arrival
Namibia operates a dual system where eligible travellers can either apply for an e-Visa online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry.
The e-Visa is not a fully electronic visa issued directly into your passport. It functions as an online pre-approval – if approved, you receive an electronic approval notice that you must print and carry. The actual visa is still physically stamped into your passport upon arrival in Namibia.
The Namibian authorities strongly recommend applying for an e-Visa in advance to avoid delays at immigration.
Key facts about the e-Visa:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Application website | eservices.mhaiss.gov.na |
| Fee (non-African nationals) | NAD 1,600 (~$88 USD / €82) |
| Fee (African nationals) | NAD 1,200 (~$66 USD) |
| Processing time | Several business days (apply well in advance) |
| What you receive | Electronic approval notice (must be printed) |
| Validity | Up to 90 days |
| Authorised activities | Tourism, visiting friends/relatives, business meetings |
Visa on Arrival is available at the following locations:
- Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
- Walvis Bay Airport
- Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz
- Major border posts with South Africa, Botswana, Angola, and Zambia (Ariamsvlei, Noordoewer, Trans-Kalahari, Mohembo, Ngoma, Oshikango, Katima Mulilo, and others)
For a full comparison, read our e-Visa vs visa on arrival breakdown.
Work and Employment Visas
Namibia offers several work-related visa categories depending on the duration and nature of employment. All work visas require a motivation letter and, in most cases, proof that no qualified Namibian citizen is available for the role (Labour Market Testing).
Short-Term Work Visa
There are two categories of short-term work visas:
| Feature | 3-Month Work Visa | 6-Month Work Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 90 days | Up to 6 months |
| Labour Market Testing | Not required | Required |
| Extension | Cannot be extended | Cannot be extended beyond 6 months |
| Fee | NAD 1,000 | NAD 1,000 |
| Best for | Urgent or temporary assignments | Extended short-term projects |
Both types require proof of educational qualifications and a copy of the employment contract or tender.
Long-Term Work Permit
The Long-Term Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work and reside in Namibia for one to two years. It is renewable and permits the holder to bring a spouse or life partner and minor dependants.
- Duration: 1-2 years, renewable
- Requirements: Labour Market Testing, proof of qualifications, police clearance, medical and radiological reports
- Family: Spouse and minor dependants may accompany the principal holder
This permit is the standard pathway for foreign employees in Namibia’s mining, agriculture, construction, and professional services sectors.
Business Investment Visa / Permit
The Business Investment Visa is for foreign nationals who wish to establish a new business or invest in an existing Namibian enterprise. Unlike the standard work permit, it is based on qualifying capital investment rather than a job offer.
- Duration: Long-term (aligned with the investment)
- Requirements: Proof of capital investment, business plan, financial statements
- Family: Spouse and minor dependants may accompany the holder
- Key difference from work permit: Does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship
Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Namibia’s Remote Work Visa, also called the Digital Nomad Visa, allows foreign nationals to live in Namibia while working remotely for a company or clients outside the country.
- Duration: Up to 6 months
- Requirements: Proof of stable remote employment or freelance income, meeting defined income thresholds
- Restriction: Cannot seek or accept employment within Namibia’s domestic labour market
- Family: Eligible dependants may be included in the application
This visa caters to remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to experience Namibia’s landscapes and infrastructure while maintaining their international work commitments.
Study Visa
The Study Visa allows foreign nationals to pursue education in Namibia, from primary and secondary school through to university and other tertiary institutions.
- Duration: Duration of the approved study programme (renewable)
- Requirements: Letter of acceptance from a recognised Namibian institution, proof of financial means, medical insurance
- Restriction: Does not authorise employment (a separate work permit is needed)
See our Namibia student visa guide for the full application process.
Family and Accompanying Visas
The Accompanying Visa (also called Spouse/Dependant Visa) allows family members to join a principal visa or permit holder in Namibia.
- Who qualifies: Spouse, children, or legally recognised dependants of a work permit, study visa, or business investment visa holder
- Duration: Same as the principal visa holder’s permit
- Restriction: Does not grant independent work or study rights
- Requirements: Evidence of relationship, proof of dependency, sufficient financial support
Important note on life partnerships: Namibia currently only recognises legal, heterosexual marriages for immigration purposes. Life partners, same-sex unions, and cohabiting relationships without formal marriage are not legally recognised. Life partners must qualify for their own independent visa.
Long-Term Residency
For those considering making Namibia a permanent home, there are two long-term pathways.
Permanent Residence
Permanent Residence grants the legal right to reside in Namibia indefinitely without renewing temporary visas.
- Eligibility: Typically requires at least 10 years of continuous lawful residence under a valid long-term work permit
- Alternative routes: Retirees with stable financial means, or business investors with substantial capital investment
- Benefits: Ability to open bank accounts, own property, and access local services
- Does not lead to automatic citizenship
Citizenship
Namibian citizenship can be acquired through naturalisation, descent, or marriage.
- Naturalisation: Requires at least 10 years of continuous lawful residence
- Descent: Available where a parent is a Namibian citizen
- Marriage: Available to spouses of Namibian citizens
- Rights: Namibian passport, right to vote, eligibility for public office, full constitutional protections
April 2025 Visa Changes
On 1 April 2025, Namibia abolished visa-free entry for nationals of 33 countries, citing the lack of reciprocal visa agreements. Previously, citizens of these countries could enter Namibia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Countries now requiring a visa include:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine
- Other: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Affected travellers can still apply for a visitor visa online through the e-Visa portal without visiting a Namibian diplomatic office. The transition has introduced some teething problems, so early application is recommended.
Namibia Visa Fee Overview
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (non-African nationals) | NAD 1,600 (~$88 USD) | Up to 90 days |
| e-Visa (African nationals) | NAD 1,200 (~$66 USD) | Up to 90 days |
| Embassy Holiday Visa | NAD 600 | Up to 90 days |
| Cruise Visitor Visa | NAD 300 (~$16 USD) | Duration of stopover |
| Short-Term Work Visa | NAD 1,000 | 3 or 6 months |
| All visa handling fee | NAD 80 (non-refundable) | N/A |
General Requirements for All Visa Types
Regardless of visa category, all applicants must provide:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, with at least 3 blank pages
- Completed application form (Form 3-1/0033 for standard visas)
- Two recent passport-sized colour photographs
- Proof of accommodation in Namibia
- Confirmed return ticket
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Travel insurance covering the full stay
- All documents in English or sworn-translated into English
Long-term visa categories (work permits, study visas, business investment) additionally require police clearance certificates, medical and radiological reports, and certified copies of qualifications.
For a full document checklist, visit our Namibia visa requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa do I need for Namibia?
It depends on your purpose of travel. For tourism or visiting family, a Holiday Visa (e-Visa or visa on arrival) is sufficient. For business meetings, use the Business Visitor Visa. If you plan to work in Namibia, you need a Short-Term or Long-Term Work Visa. Students require a Study Visa. Check the visa type descriptions above to find the right one for your situation.
Do US citizens need a visa for Namibia?
Yes. Since 1 April 2025, US citizens must obtain a visa before entering Namibia. They can apply for an e-Visa online at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na or obtain a visa on arrival at designated ports of entry. The fee is NAD 1,600 (~$88 USD).
Does Namibia have an eVisa?
Yes. Namibia offers an e-Visa through the official portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na. The e-Visa is an online pre-approval – you receive an electronic approval notice to print and carry, but the actual visa is stamped into your passport upon arrival. The Namibian authorities recommend applying online in advance rather than at the border.
How much is an e-Visa for Namibia?
The e-Visa costs NAD 1,600 (~$88 USD / €82) for non-African nationals and NAD 1,200 (~$66 USD) for African nationals. There is also a non-refundable NAD 80 handling fee. If you apply at a Namibian embassy instead, the standard Holiday Visa fee is NAD 600.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Namibia?
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, and several major border posts with South Africa, Botswana, Angola, and Zambia. However, the Namibian authorities strongly recommend applying for an e-Visa online before your trip to avoid delays.
What is the difference between an e-Visa and a visa on arrival in Namibia?
Both serve the same purpose and have the same fee. The e-Visa is applied for online before travel and gives you pre-approval, reducing your time at immigration. The visa on arrival is obtained directly at the port of entry. The e-Visa is recommended because it reduces the risk of delays or complications at the border.
Can I work in Namibia on a tourist visa?
No. A Holiday Visa or e-Visa does not authorise employment, volunteering, internships, study, or any work-related activity in Namibia. If you plan to work, you must apply for the appropriate work visa – either a Short-Term Work Visa (up to 6 months) or a Long-Term Work Permit (1-2 years).
Is there a digital nomad visa for Namibia?
Yes. Namibia offers a Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) that allows foreign nationals to live in Namibia while working remotely for a foreign employer or clients. It is valid for up to 6 months and requires proof of stable remote income meeting defined thresholds. You cannot take on local Namibian employment under this visa.
How long can I stay in Namibia without a visa?
Only citizens of countries that still have visa-exempt agreements with Namibia can enter without a visa. This includes most African countries, Brazil, Cuba, Hong Kong (SAR), and a few others. Since April 2025, citizens of 33 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and most EU states) must obtain a visa. Visa-exempt visitors can stay for up to 90 days per calendar year.
