Namibia Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Information last reviewed June 2024. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Namibia runs a three-tier visa policy: visa-free for 55 nationalities, an eVisa for others, and embassy visas for a short list. Entry is granted for tourism or business only. Paid work requires a separate permit obtained in advance.
Holders of passports from African, most European, Commonwealth, and several Asian countries may enter Namibia without a visa for holiday or business meetings.
The 90-day allowance is cumulative. Exiting to neighboring countries and re-entering does not reset the clock within the same year.
Travelers whose countries are not on the visa-exempt list must secure an eVisa before boarding.
Cost: Mid-range for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Payment online by card
The eVisa is date-specific; arrive within the 30-day validity window or re-apply.
A handful of states must apply in person at a Namibian embassy or consulate.
List subject to change. Confirm with the embassy before making non-refundable bookings.
Arrival Process
Air and land border procedures follow the same sequence. Have documents open and ready to speed up the queue.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Namibia allows reasonable personal effects duty-free but enforces strict rules on meat, plant products, and high-value electronics to protect its agriculture and currency.
Prohibited Items
- Fresh meat, biltong, or dairy, foot-and-mouth disease risk
- Illegal drugs, mandatory jail terms
- Unpolished diamonds, only licensed traders may import
Restricted Items
- Firearms & ammunition, police permit required on arrival
- Drone cameras, Namibia Civil Aviation Authority approval needed at least 14 days ahead
Health Requirements
Namibia currently enforces yellow-fever vaccination for travelers from endemic zones and recommends several routine travel vaccines. Private health insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised given limited hospital facilities outside Windhoek.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever (if arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever country)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Meningitis (for northern districts)
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster
- Rabies (for wildlife volunteers or long rural stays)
Health Insurance
Purchase travel insurance covering medical evacuation to South Africa. State hospitals will stabilise patients but private payment is required for surgery or air ambulance.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Namibia Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Carry the child's full birth certificate. If only one parent is present, bring a notarized consent letter from the absent parent. Immigration counters in Namibia strictly enforce this to combat child trafficking.
Dogs and cats need an import permit from the Namibia Veterinary Services (apply 30 days ahead), rabies vaccination given ≥ 30 days but ≤ 12 months before arrival, and an ISO microchip. Pets enter only via Windhoek airport and undergo a 14-day home quarantine.
Tourist visas (or visa-free entry) can be extended once for 90 days at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek. Bring proof of funds, onward ticket, and accommodation. For work or study, exit and apply for the appropriate permit abroad.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.
View Namibia Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Namibia?
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