Namibia Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
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Namibia visa for 33 formerly visa-exempt countries
- Who
- Nationals of the 33 countries on Namibia's list (formerly visa-exempt)
- When
- Online in advance (recommended) or on arrival
- Cost
- NAD 1,600 for adults from non-African Union countries
Namibia recommends applying for the e-visa in advance to speed up entry.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Namibia sorts travelers by nationality. Some enter without visas. Others need electronic travel authorization in advance. A third group requires traditional visas. Bilateral agreements set the rules. These include how long you can stay. Rules vary by country.
Travelers from certain countries do not need a visa for short visits.
Confirm duration and conditions with official immigration authorities. Agreements change.
Thirty-three countries lost visa-free status. Their nationals now need electronic visas.
Cost: The fee is NAD 1,600 for adults who are not African Union citizens.
The official site is https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na. Eligibility follows the published country list exactly.
Some countries fall outside visa-free and e-visa coverage. Their travelers must secure visas before departure.
Embassies commonly want invitation letters, bank statements, and itinerary details. Contact your specific embassy. Get their exact document checklist.
Arrival Process
Arrival happens at Hosea Kutako International Airport near Windhoek. Land borders work too. You will clear immigration first. Then customs. The process stays orderly. Peak periods bring lines.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Namibia controls restricted imports. It collects duties where owed. Declare truthfully. Penalties follow lies.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Unlicensed firearms and ammunition
- Pornographic material
Restricted Items
- Fresh meat, fruits, vegetables, and plants need phytosanitary certificates from their origin countries.
- Keep medications in original packaging. Carry your doctor's prescription. This applies to prescription drugs.
- Animal products, trophies, and live animals need permits from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
Health Requirements
Health requirements depend on your itinerary. Consider documents and precautions before departure.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for arrivals from at-risk countries.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Keep routine vaccinations current. These include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and flu.
- Hepatitis An and Typhoid. You can get these through contaminated food or water. Get vaccinated.
- Hepatitis B, if you might have medical procedures or casual contact.
- Rabies, if you plan outdoor activities or will be around animals.
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to the northern regions (like Zambezi, Kavango East/West) depending on the season. Ask your doctor.
Health Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Medical facilities are good in Windhoek but can be limited in remote areas, and evacuation can be extremely expensive. A policy that covers medical evacuation is a sensible precaution. Do not skip this.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
When entering or leaving Namibia with a minor (under 18), you may need to present an unabridged birth certificate showing the details of both parents. If the child is traveling with only one parent or without parents, additional documentation like affidavits from the absent parent(s) or a court order may be required. These rules are strictly enforced to combat child trafficking. Check the latest requirements with the Namibian immigration authority well before travel. Bring originals.
Importing pets like dogs and cats involves an import permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services. Requirements typically include a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel, and sometimes a microchip. There may be quarantine requirements. The process takes time, so start inquiries with the Namibian authorities months in advance. Plan ahead.
If you wish to stay longer than your visa or visa-free period allows, you must apply for an extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs offices in Windhoek before your current permit expires. Overstaying is a serious offense that can result in fines, detention, and future travel bans. For long-term stays like work or study, you must obtain the appropriate visa or permit from a Namibian embassy before you travel. Do not overstay.
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Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
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