If you’re planning a trip to Namibia, it’s smart to check the Namibia visa on arrival requirements. In 2025 things changed. The rules depend on which country you come from.
If you have a passport from certain countries, you may not need a visa. But from 1 April 2025, many travelers from countries that used to be visa-free now need to get a visa. That could be before you travel — or on arrival.
Because of this change, it’s important to check what applies to your passport. Even if you visited before without a visa, that may no longer hold.
I want your trip to go smoothly. So I’ll walk you through — clearly — what you need if you plan to come to Namibia as a tourist. Visit the official visa application website.
Namibia Visa On Arrival Requirements - FAQ
What counts as “visa-free” — and who can skip the visa
- Some nationalities remain exempt. If you come from countries like Angola, Botswana, Brazil, Cuba, Kenya, Malaysia, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and several others, you won’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
- Your passport must still be valid for at least 6 months beyond when you enter. And it should have enough blank pages for stamps (generally at least three blank pages).
- You need a return ticket (or onward ticket).
If your country is on the exempt list — you’re good for short-stay tourism.
What changed on 1 April 2025 — visa on arrival now needed for many
- As of 1 April 2025, a larger group of countries now require a visa before or when entering Namibia. The change was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS).
- For travellers from those affected countries, there are two main options to get a visa:
- Apply online via the official e-Visa portal.
- Obtain a visa on arrival — but only at certain official ports of entry (airports or specific border posts).
- The visa fee (for tourist/visitor visa or visa-on-arrival for non-African nationals) is N$ 1,600.
- For travellers from African Union member states eligible under visa-on-arrival route, the fee is N$ 1,200.
So if you are not from a visa-exempt country — expect to get a visa either before or when you arrive.
What you need to have ready to enter Namibia
When you travel to Namibia — whether you have visa exemption or apply for a visa — you should have:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond your travel date) and at least 3 blank pages.
- A return ticket (or onward travel ticket).
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, lodge or host details) or a confirmed itinerary.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay (bank statement or similar) if applying for visa.
- Travel insurance or medical/health insurance (especially if required under visa-on-arrival).
- If travelling with children: a full birth certificate + consent or custody documents if needed.
If you apply online, you need to print the e-Visa approval notice and present it at immigration.
What a tourist visa or visa-on-arrival allows — and what it doesn’t
- A tourist (visitor) visa lets you stay up to 90 days per year for holiday, vacation, visiting friends/family, or tourism.
- You cannot work (including volunteer work) or do paid activities while on a tourist visa.
- If your purpose is business (in the sense of employment, training, volunteering, audit, etc.), you need a different kind of visa or permit (like a work visa or business permit) even if you have a “visitor” passport.
What you should do before you travel — my tips as someone who cares about your journey
If I were you, here’s how I’d prepare before heading to Namibia:
- Check your passport country against the visa-exempt list on official sources (because these lists sometimes change).
- If you’re not exempt — apply for your visa early using the official e-Visa portal of MHAISS. Print and save the confirmation.
- Make sure passport validity and blank pages are okay.
- Book at least your first accommodation (hotel, lodge or guest-house) and save proof.
- Have bank statements or similar to show you can finance your stay.
- Get travel/health insurance (especially if you plan remote adventures or self-drive tours).
- If travelling with children, carry full birth certificates and any consent letters if needed.
If you do those, you’ll avoid surprises at the border.
Why visa rules matter — especially for travellers
When countries change visa rules or visa-on-arrival policies, it can catch travellers off guard. You might arrive, only to find you need extra paperwork — or you’ll be stuck in long queues.When countries change visa rules or visa-on-arrival policies, it can catch travellers off guard. You might arrive, only to find you need extra paperwork — or you’ll be stuck in long queues.
Having visa-on-arrival or e-Visa gives more certainty. By knowing Namibia visa on arrival requirements, It helps you plan better. For travellers coming from overseas, knowing you meet all requirements helps you focus on what matters: enjoying Namibia’s landscapes, wildlife, desert roads, cultural spots — not bureaucracy.
As someone living and working in tourism in Namibia (you know I’m involved in camping / tours), I want visitors to have smooth, welcoming entry. Because once you’re in — and all’s sorted — you can enjoy the wild beauty, safaris or desert quietly.
Fact-point summary
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least three blank pages.
- Return/ onward ticket required.
- As of 1 April 2025, many travellers from countries that used to be visa-exempt now need a visa.
- Those affected can apply online (e-Visa) or get visa on arrival at certain ports of entry.
- Visa cost: N$ 1,600 for non-African nationals; N$ 1,200 for African Union nationals (when applying on arrival) as of 2025.
- Tourist visa / visa-on-arrival allows stays up to 90 days per year for holiday/travel/family visit.
- Tourist visas do not allow paid work, volunteering, or employment.
- Required supporting documents: proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, travel/health insurance, return ticket, and possibly invitation letter or itinerary (depending on visa type).
- For minors travelling: full birth certificate + consent or custody documents (if applicable).
- Namibia visa on arrival requirements must followed, to experience a stress free holiday.
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