Planning a Trip to Namibia? Here’s How to Get Your Visa

Before embarking on your Namibian adventure, it’s essential to ensure that all your travel documents are in order. All visitors to Namibia must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with a minimum of three blank pages for stamps. A valid return or onward ticket is also required. Depending on your nationality, a visa is necessary unless you’re from a country with a visa exemption agreement with Namibia.

Namibia now offers an online visa system to streamline travel. You have two options: apply for your eVisa before travelling or obtain a visa on arrival at select ports of entry. Applying online is highly recommended, as queues at immigration can be long, and visa-on-arrival is only available at specific entry points.

How to Apply for a Namibia eVisa Before You Travel

Step 1: Visit the official visa application website.
Step 2: Register and Log In.
Step 3: Select “Visa on Arrival.”
Step 4: Complete the online form (Double-check everything before moving on.)
Step 5: Upload your documents (Attach a scanned copy of your passport, file size between 330 KB and 2 MB, and a passport photo.)
Step 6: Make your payment. Pay the visa fee securely online using the platform’s payment system.
Step 7: Submit your application – and done!

When Should You Apply?

We recommend applying at least 2–4 weeks before your departure date to allow processing time and ensure no last-minute stress.

Invitation Letter for Certain Passport Holders

For some passport holders, an invitation letter may be required for the visa application process. If this applies to you, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! When you book your safari with us, we’ll provide an official invitation letter along with a copy of your travel itinerary to support your visa application.

How Long Is the eVisa Valid For?

The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue and allows a stay of up to 90 days from your date of entry. It’s typically a single-entry visa unless otherwise stated.

What If You Prefer a Visa on Arrival?

Travellers who choose to obtain a visa upon arrival may do so at select entry points, including Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, and Walvis Bay Harbour. Land border crossings where visa on arrival is available include Ariamsvlei, Impalila, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz Harbour, Mohembo, Noordoewer, Ngoma, Oranjemund, Oshikango, and the Trans-Kalahari Border.

What to Expect If You Haven’t Applied in Advance

Step 1: Get the application form. You’ll receive the form during your flight or collect one at the immigration counter after landing. Be prepared for queues, especially during busy travel periods.
Step 2: Submit your documents. Once completed, submit the form along with all required documents to the immigration officer at the official counter.
Step 3: Make your payment by credit or debit card.
Step 4: Your Visa on Arrival will be processed and sent to you by email. (Processing may take a bit longer, so some waiting time should be expected.)

Documents You Must Carry With You Upon Arrival

Make sure you have the following on hand when entering Namibia:

• A valid passport (minimum six months) with at least three blank pages
• A printed copy of your approved eVisa
• A copy of your travel itinerary (we’ll provide this along with a formal accommodation confirmation letter)
• Proof of travel insurance that includes medical coverage
• Your return or onward travel ticket
• If travelling with minors: unabridged birth certificates and consent letters from any non-travelling parents or guardians (as per Southern African regulations)

Visa Fees for Travellers from Select African Countries

For travellers from certain African countries, a visa on arrival will cost NAD 1,200 (approximately USD 70). Children aged 6 to 11 years pay half price at NAD 600 (around USD 35), while children under the age of 6 are completely exempt from any visa fees.
This requirement affects citizens from the following African nations: 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, and Uganda.

Visa Fees for Travellers from Other International Countries

Visitors from other international countries will be subject to a visa-on-arrival fee of NAD 1,600 (approximately USD 90). Similarly, children aged 6 to 11 years pay a reduced fee of NAD 800 (around USD 45), while children under 6 remain exempt.
This list includes travellers from: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France (both official and ordinary passport holders), Germany (official and ordinary passport holders), Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (ordinary passports only), Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, the Vatican (Holy See), Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Please note that visa fees are subject to change without prior notice. The most up-to-date and accurate rates will be available on the official application website at the time of your request.

Top Places to Add to Your Namibia Bucket List

Once your visa is sorted, the real excitement begins—planning where to go! Explore the red dunes of the Kalahari, hike along the jaw-dropping Fish River Canyon, and discover the surreal beauty of Namib-Naukluft National Park. Sossusvlei offers iconic desert vistas, while Swakopmund is your adventure capital with sandboarding, tandem skydiving, catamaran cruises, the Living Desert tour, and the unforgettable Sandwich Harbour and Shipwreck 4×4 route. Further north, Damaraland surprises with prehistoric landscapes and desert-adapted elephants, while Etosha National Park delivers thrilling safari experiences.

Ready to Plan Your Namibian Adventure?

Now that your visa is taken care of, it’s time to focus on the fun part—crafting your dream safari. Whether you’re yearning for wide-open desert plains or close-up wildlife encounters, we’re here to tailor your journey every step of the way. Reach out to us and let’s start planning the trip you’ve been dreaming of.

Photo by Kit (formerly ConvertKit) on Unsplash