Namibia Entry Requirements 2026 — Visa, Passport & Customs

Quick Answer: Namibia Entry Requirements at a Glance

Most international travellers now require a visa to enter Namibia—either applied online via eVisa or obtained on arrival at designated ports of entry. Your passport must have at least 6 months' validity beyond your departure date and 3 completely blank pages for stamps. The visa fee is NAD 1,600 for non-African Union citizens (approximately USD $90 or EUR €82). You'll also need proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient funds to cover your stay. Children under 18 travelling with one or both parents require full (unabridged) birth certificates and, if only one parent is present, notarized parental consent from the absent parent.

Requirement	Details
Passport Validity	Minimum 6 months beyond your planned departure date
Blank Pages	At least 3 completely blank pages
Visa Fee (Non-African)	NAD 1,600 (~USD $90 / EUR €82)
Visa Fee (African Union Citizens)	NAD 1,200
Visa Validity Period	30–90 days from date of issue
Application Method	Online eVisa (recommended) or on arrival

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Passport & Document Requirements

Passport Validity and Pages

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you enter Namibia. This is a strict requirement enforced at immigration; passports expiring within 6 months of your entry date will be rejected. Additionally, your passport must have at least 3 completely blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. Passports with fewer than 3 blank pages will be denied entry.

Who Needs a Visa?

As of April 1, 2025, Namibia implemented new visa requirements that apply to nationals of 33 countries, including the United States, Canada, most of Europe, and Switzerland. Citizens of African Union member states, plus Botswana, Brazil, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Russia, Singapore, and a small number of other nations may enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any calendar year.

If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you must obtain either an eVisa (online, in advance) or a visa on arrival. The eVisa portal is the official application route and is strongly recommended to avoid delays at immigration.

eVisa Application (Recommended)

The online eVisa application is available through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security e-Services Portal. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days; you will receive your eVisa electronically if approved. The eVisa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue—you must enter Namibia within that window or reapply.

Required documents for eVisa application:

• Certified copy of your passport's biographical page
• Valid email address and phone number
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, resident invitation letter, or safari lodge confirmation)
• Return or onward ticket (flight confirmation)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (bank statement, credit card statement, or proof of paid deposits)
• Travel/medical insurance covering your entire stay in Namibia
• Motivation or invitation letter from your safari operator, hotel, or host (if applicable)

Visa on Arrival

If you do not obtain an eVisa in advance, you can apply for a visa on arrival at the following ports of entry:

• Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek, WDH)
• Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB)
• Walvis Bay Harbour
• Oshikango Border Post (Angola border)
• Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana border)
• Oranjemund Border Post (South Africa border)
• Noordover Border Post (South Africa border)
• Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia border)
• Impalila Island Border Post (Botswana border)
• Ngoma Border Post (Botswana border)
• Mohembo Border Post (Botswana border)

Wait times for visa on arrival typically range from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on queue length. You will complete an application form provided by immigration officials, present your documents, and receive a decision on the spot. To streamline entry, it is strongly recommended to apply for an eVisa in advance.

Visa Extension

If you are granted 30 days on arrival but need to stay longer, you can request an extension to 90 days from the immigration inspector before you leave the counter. Alternatively, after arrival, you may apply to extend your stay through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security in Windhoek. Extensions are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of immigration officials.

Customs: What You Can and Cannot Bring

Duty-Free Allowances

Namibia permits personal effects to be imported duty-free. The following items may be brought in without duty:

• Wine: up to 2 litres
• Spirits (strong alcoholic beverages): up to 1 litre
• Cigarettes: up to 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars
• Perfume: up to 50 ml
• New and used articles for personal use: total value up to NAD 1,250 (approximately USD $70)
• Cash: up to NAD 2,000 (approximately USD $110)

Additional goods with a total value between NAD 1,250 and NAD 10,000 will be charged customs duty at the standard rate of 20%. Goods exceeding NAD 10,000 in value are subject to duty according to general tariffs.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Prohibited items include:

• Handguns and automatic firearms (rifles may be imported under specific conditions with documentation)
• Certain plant and animal products (including fresh meat, dairy, and endangered species)
• Drugs and controlled substances

Restricted items requiring special permits:

• Firearms: Hunters may import one personal rifle with a valid firearms licence from their home country and an invitation from a hunting operator. The rifle must be declared, physically inspected at the airport, and recorded on an application form. A temporary Namibian firearm licence is then issued.
• Pets: Dogs and cats require an import permit from Namibia Veterinary Services (apply 30 days in advance), proof of rabies vaccination (given ≥30 days but ≤12 months before arrival), and an ISO microchip. Pets may enter only via Windhoek airport and must undergo 14-day home quarantine.
• Drones: Confirm regulations with Namibian Civil Aviation Authority before travel; commercial use requires permits
• Prescription medications: Carry original labelled bottles and a doctor's letter confirming medical necessity

Exotic souvenirs: Exercise caution when purchasing wildlife products (ivory, shells, corals, furs, skins). Many are protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and cannot be legally exported from Namibia or imported into your home country.

Health Declarations

You may be asked to present health documentation on arrival, particularly if you are coming from an area with a known disease outbreak or if you show signs of illness. While not always required, recommended vaccinations for travellers to Namibia include yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid. Check with your doctor and your country's health authority for the most current guidance before departure.

Arrival Process: Step-by-Step

Before You Land

1. Complete the arrival card: Flight attendants distribute arrival/departure cards on international flights. Fill this out in black ink before landing.
2. Have documents ready: Organize your passport, visa (if obtained in advance), completed arrival card, and supporting documents (accommodation proof, travel insurance, return ticket) in an easily accessible order.
3. Declare items: If you are bringing restricted items (firearms, pets, large quantities of currency), be prepared to declare them.

Immigration Counter

1. Present your passport and visa: Hand over your passport (with eVisa confirmation if you applied online) and arrival card to the immigration officer.
2. Answer questions: The officer may ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, accommodation, and proof of funds. Answer truthfully and concisely.
3. Receive your entry stamp: The officer will stamp your passport with your authorized length of stay (typically 30–90 days). Before leaving the counter, check your stamp to ensure it covers your entire intended stay. Overstaying the period granted can result in detention, arrest, and fines.
4. Visa on arrival (if applicable): If you did not obtain an eVisa in advance, you will complete a visa application form at the counter, submit your documents, and pay the visa fee (NAD 1,600 for non-African citizens) in cash or by card. Processing typically takes 15–45 minutes.

Customs and Baggage Claim

1. Proceed to customs: After immigration, you will collect your baggage and proceed through customs inspection.
2. Declare items: If you have restricted or dutiable items, declare them to customs officials. Firearms will be physically inspected; temporary import permits will be issued if documentation is in order.
3. Exit customs: Once cleared, you are free to enter Namibia.

Important: Entry Stamp Validity

Your authorized length of stay in Namibia is determined by the immigration officer's stamp on your passport—not by the validity of your visa. If you require a longer stay than the stamp grants, you must request an extension before the expiry date. Extensions are not automatic and must be approved by immigration officials.

Departure Requirements

Exit Documentation

When departing Namibia, you will need:

• Your passport with valid exit stamp
• Your departure/exit card (distributed on arrival)
• Return or onward ticket (flight confirmation)

Currency Restrictions

You may export up to NAD 2,000 in Namibian currency. If you are carrying larger amounts or equivalent value in foreign currency, declare it to customs.

Prohibited Exports

Do not attempt to export wildlife products, endangered species materials, or antiquities without official permits. Violators face significant fines and potential imprisonment.

Travelling with Children Under 18

Documentation Requirements

Namibian immigration authorities strictly enforce child travel documentation rules to prevent child trafficking. All children under 18 must carry:

• A valid passport (with 6 months' validity and 3 blank pages)
• A full (unabridged) birth certificate showing both parents' names and details (original or certified copy)

Travelling with Both Parents

If both parents are travelling with the child, only the full birth certificate is required in addition to the child's passport.

Travelling with One Parent

If only one parent is travelling with the child, the following additional documents are required:

• A notarized consent letter from the other parent listed on the birth certificate, authorizing the travelling parent to enter and depart Namibia with the child, OR
• A certified copy of a court order granting the travelling parent full legal custody of the child, OR
• A certified copy of the death certificate of the other parent named on the birth certificate

Travelling with a Legal Guardian (Not a Parent)

If a child is travelling with a legal guardian whose name does not appear on the birth certificate, the guardian must carry:

• The child's full birth certificate
• A sworn affidavit or notarized consent letter from both biological parents or legal guardians authorizing the guardian to travel internationally with the child
• Contact information for the child's parents or legal guardians
• Documentation proving legal guardianship (court order or formal guardianship papers)

Travelling Alone

Unaccompanied minors must carry:

• A valid passport
• A full birth certificate
• A notarized affidavit from parents or legal guardians authorizing independent travel
• A letter from their host in Namibia providing the address where they will be staying

Important Notes

Namibian immigration officials will not accept an abridged (short-form) birth certificate. If your child was born in the UK, you can order a full unabridged birth certificate online from the General Register Office. Birth certificates from other countries should be certified copies of the original document. Immigration officers may request these documents at both arrival and departure, so have them readily available at all times.

Practical Arrival Tips

Apply for an eVisa in Advance

The online eVisa significantly reduces wait times at immigration. Allow 5–10 business days for processing and ensure you enter Namibia within 30 days of eVisa approval.

Verify Your Entry Stamp

Before leaving the immigration counter, carefully check your entry stamp to confirm it grants the full length of stay you need. If there is an error or the period is insufficient, ask the officer to correct it immediately.

Carry Proof of Funds

Immigration officials may ask to see proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. A bank statement, credit card statement, or evidence of paid deposits is acceptable.

Obtain Travel Insurance

Medical insurance is a required document for visa applications and is strongly recommended for all travellers. Namibia has good private healthcare in major towns but limited facilities in remote areas.

Make Photocopies

Carry several photocopies of your passport's biographical page, visa, and entry stamp. Keep one copy separate from your original documents.

Plan Your Safari

Once you've secured your visa and arranged your entry, you can book accommodation and activities. SafariFind allows you to compare safari packages and costs across different operators and safari lodges to find the best fit for your budget and preferences. If you're planning to self-drive, review car rental and self-drive costs in advance.

Check Park Entry Fees

Namibia National Park fees vary by park and season. Budget accordingly if you plan to visit Etosha, Namib-Naukluft, or other protected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs are listed in a separate section below and will be auto-populated in the faqs array.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Namibia as a tourist?

As of April 1, 2025, most international travellers require a visa to enter Namibia. Citizens of African Union countries, Botswana, Brazil, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Russia, Singapore, and a small number of other nations may enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a calendar year. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you must obtain an eVisa online (recommended) or apply for a visa on arrival.

How much does a Namibia visa cost?

The visa fee is NAD 1,600 (approximately USD $90 or EUR €82) for non-African Union citizens. African Union citizens pay NAD 1,200. The fee must be paid in cash or by card at the immigration counter if you apply on arrival; eVisa fees are paid online during application.

How long is a Namibia visa valid?

An eVisa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue; you must enter Namibia within that 30-day window or reapply. Once you arrive and receive your entry stamp, you are typically granted 30 days, though you can request up to 90 days from the immigration inspector on arrival. Your authorized length of stay is determined by the stamp on your passport, not the visa validity.

What documents do I need for a Namibia eVisa application?

You must provide a certified copy of your passport's biographical page, a valid email address and phone number, proof of accommodation (hotel or lodge booking), a return or onward flight ticket, proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card), travel/medical insurance, and a motivation or invitation letter from your safari operator or host.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Namibia?

Yes, visas on arrival are available at Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek), Walvis Bay International Airport, and at 9 major border posts. Wait times typically range from 15 to 45 minutes. However, applying for an eVisa in advance is strongly recommended to streamline entry.

What are the passport requirements for Namibia?

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your planned date of departure from Namibia. It must also have at least 3 completely blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Passports with fewer blank pages or expiring within 6 months will be denied entry.

What happens if I overstay my authorized length of stay in Namibia?

Overstaying the period granted by the immigration officer can result in detention, arrest, and fines. Your authorized length of stay is shown on your entry stamp, not your visa. Before leaving the immigration counter, verify that the stamp covers your entire intended stay. If you need to stay longer, request an extension from the immigration officer or apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.

What documents do children need to enter Namibia?

All children under 18 must have a valid passport (with 6 months' validity and 3 blank pages) and a full (unabridged) birth certificate showing both parents' names. If one parent is absent, a notarized consent letter from that parent is required. If the child is travelling with a non-parent guardian, a sworn affidavit from both biological parents or legal guardians is required.

Can I bring a firearm or rifle to Namibia?

Hunters may import one personal rifle with a valid firearms licence from their home country and an invitation from a hunting operator. The rifle must be declared, physically inspected at the airport, and recorded on an application form; a temporary Namibian firearm licence is then issued. Handguns and automatic firearms are prohibited.

What are the currency restrictions for entering or leaving Namibia?

You may import up to NAD 2,000 (approximately USD $110) in Namibian currency. If you are carrying larger amounts or equivalent value in foreign currency, you must declare it to customs. The Namibian Dollar is tied to the South African Rand, which is also legal tender.

Can I bring a pet (dog or cat) to Namibia?

Pets require an import permit from Namibia Veterinary Services (apply 30 days in advance), proof of rabies vaccination (given ≥30 days but ≤12 months before arrival), and an ISO microchip. Pets may enter only via Windhoek airport and must undergo a 14-day home quarantine.

What vaccinations are recommended for a trip to Namibia?

While not legally required for entry, recommended vaccinations for Namibia typically include yellow fever (if arriving from endemic countries), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine immunizations. Consult your doctor or travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalized advice based on your itinerary and medical history.