04 Mar 2025

Namibia Visa Update - 04 March 2025

Namibia’s Visa-on-Arrival initiative – launching 1 April 2025 – is intended to simplify entry for international travellers.

Developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, the new system allows eligible visitors to apply online OR on arrival at designated entry points.

Designed to enhance accessibility, the initiative is expected to streamline travel for tourists from countries where Namibia lacks diplomatic representation or reciprocity in terms of visa exemptions (see list of countries below). The new policy aligns with Namibia's wider efforts to boost its tourism industry and international connectivity.

Travellers can apply via Namibia’s e-services portal before arrival, reducing wait times at immigration counters. Visa fees are set at NAD 1,600 (approximately USD 90) for non-African countries and NAD 1,200 (approximately USD 70) for African Union citizens. The system will be available at key ports of entry, including Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay Harbour.

The Namibia Tourism Board expects this initiative to encourage more arrivals, bolster economic growth, and enhance Namibia’s position as a top destination for adventure, culture, and wildlife tourism.

FAQS

What is a Visa on Arrival?

A Visa on Arrival is a type of entry permit that travellers from certain countries can obtain upon their arrival at designated entry points in Namibia, such as international airports or border crossings. This visa allows multiple entry for eligible visitors to enter Namibia for a specific purpose, usually for tourism, business, or short-term visits, without the need to apply for a visa in advance from a Namibian embassy or consulate.

NOTE: The new visa regime applies to visitors to Namibia from countries that have NOT reciprocated Namibia’s gesture of visa exemption. As of 1 April 2025, nationals and citizens of these countries will be required to apply for a visa in order to enter Namibia.

Which African countries will be required to apply for a Visa on Arrival?

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, Western Sahara Republic, Uganda.

Which other countries will be required to apply for a Visa on Arrival?

Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican/Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam.

How can visitors apply?

Visitors can apply online before arriving in Namibia via https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na

Applications can be completed on arrival at the following ports of entry:

Hosea Kutako International Airport, Ariamsvlei, Impalila, Katima Mulilo, Mohembo, Ngoma, Noordoewer, Oshikango, Oranjemund, Trans- Kalahari Border Posts, Walvis Bay Harbour and Walvis Bay International Airport.

What documentation is required for the new Visa on Arrival?

All applicants will need to submit the following: