Do you need a visa to visit Namibia?

It depends on nationality. Nationals of countries with a visa exemption agreement with Namibia enter as visitors without a visa, while nationals of countries on the Ministry's reciprocity list have needed a visitor visa since 2025-04-01.

Who needs a visitor visa?

Section 12 of the Immigration Control Act 7 of 1993 requires a person entering Namibia to produce an unexpired passport bearing a valid visa, unless the Minister has granted an exemption. Namibia has visa exemption agreements with some countries, and their nationals enter as visitors without a visa and pay no visitor fee. Since 2025-04-01 the countries on the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security's reciprocity list, including most of Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, need a visitor visa. The visa is issued before travel or on arrival, and we prepare the application.

What is a visa on arrival?

A visa on arrival serves the same purposes as a visitor visa for listed countries. It is issued at main ports of entry such as Hosea Kutako International Airport and lasts up to 90 days. Every person entering Namibia, other than a returning resident, completes an arrival form on entry (Regulations, regulation 2).

What are the government fees?

The fees below come from regulation 24(2), as substituted by Government Notice 88 of 2025:

1. Visa on arrival, African Union citizen: N$1,200 per visa, up to 90 days.
2. Visa on arrival, non African Union citizen: N$1,600 per visa, up to 90 days.
3. Visitor or holiday visa, non African Union citizen aged 12 or older: N$1,600, limited to 90 days per year.
4. Visitor or holiday visa, non African Union child aged 6 to 11: N$800.
5. Visitor or holiday visa, African Union child aged 6 to 11: N$600.
6. Visitor or holiday visa, any child under 6: free.
7. Visitor or holiday visa, African Union citizen aged 12 or older: N$1,200.

The fees are not payable by nationals of countries that have reciprocated visa exemption agreements with Namibia. A handling fee of N$80 applies to any visa, permit or certificate application, paid on submission and not refundable. Typical turnaround is about 48 hours for a visa on arrival, and 5 working days for an electronic application or 10 at an embassy for a visitor visa, not guaranteed.

What can a visitor do?

A visitor may take a holiday, visit family, attend meetings and workshops (not as presenter) and explore business. A visitor may not work. Section 29(6) of the Act states that a visitor's entry permit does not authorise employment, business, a profession or an occupation, or any training or education.

What to prepare

1. A passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 clean pages.
2. Evidence of a temporary visit: the purpose and period of stay, and the arrival form completed on entry.
3. Evidence of sufficient means for the stay and for the return trip, and of the right to return to your country of residence, if the immigration officer asks (Regulations, regulation 4).

Frequently asked questions

Can I extend my visitor visa in Namibia?

A visitor who wants to stay longer than the period granted must report in person to an immigration officer and the extension is requested on the prescribed form (Regulations, regulation 5).

Can I attend a conference as a visitor?

Attending meetings and workshops is allowed. Presenting at a conference is work and needs a short term work visa.

Do children pay the same fee?

No. Children aged 6 to 11 pay half the fee for travellers aged 12 or older, and children under 6 pay nothing for a visitor visa.

If your trip may involve any work, we check the route before you fly. Contact Andersen in Namibia: WhatsApp +264 81 315 7942, info@na.andersen.com, +264 61 402520 or na.andersen.com.