US citizens need a visa to visit Namibia. Since April 1, 2025, the Namibian government requires all American tourists to obtain a visa before or upon arrival. This guide covers every step – from online application to entry requirements, fees, and documents.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Namibia?
Yes. Before April 2025, US passport holders could enter Namibia visa-free for up to 90 days. That changed when Namibia revoked visa-free entry for 33 countries – including the United States – citing a lack of reciprocal visa agreements.
US 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 US Embassy in Windhoek strongly recommends 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 US 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 US Citizens
If you prefer not to apply in advance, US citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival at the following entry points:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- 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
Note: The visa-on-arrival system was introduced in April 2025 and implementation may still evolve. The US Embassy advises applying online to prevent unexpected delays.
Namibia Visa Fees for US Citizens
| Category | Fee (NAD) | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12 years and older) | NAD 1,600 | ~USD 88 |
| Children (6-11 years) | NAD 800 | ~USD 44 |
| 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.
Passport and Document Requirements
Your US 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 US 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 US 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.
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 in Windhoek before your current authorization expires. The e-Visa itself is valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue.
Traveling to Namibia with Children
US citizens traveling with minors face additional requirements:
- Children must have their own valid US passport
- Parents must carry unabridged birth certificates (original or certified copies) showing the parental relationship
- 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
- Children under 6 are exempt from visa fees
- Children aged 6-11 pay a reduced fee of NAD 800
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 nearest Namibian Embassy or High Commission before traveling
- Contact the Namibian Embassy in Washington, D.C. at namibiaembassyusa.org
- The Namibian Embassy in Washington is located at 1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009
US Embassy Contact Information in Namibia
If you encounter problems during your trip:
- US Embassy in Windhoek: (264) 61 202 5000
- US Consular Section email: [email protected]
- Emergency (from abroad): +1-202-501-4444
- Emergency (from US/Canada): +1-888-407-4747
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Namibia?
Yes. US citizens can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport, and major border posts. The fee is NAD 1,600 (approximately USD 88) for adults.
How much is a Namibia visa for US citizens?
The visa costs NAD 1,600 (~USD 88) for adults aged 12 and older, NAD 800 (~USD 44) for children aged 6-11, and is free for children under 6.
Did Namibia end visa-free entry for Americans?
Yes. Effective April 1, 2025, Namibia removed the United States from its visa-exempt list. US citizens must now obtain a visa before or upon entering the country.
Is the Namibia e-Visa free for US citizens?
No. The e-Visa carries the same fee as the visa on arrival: NAD 1,600 for adults. 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. Always verify your admission stamp dates at the immigration counter.
