Namibia now imposes visa requirements on 33 nationalities

As of April 1, 2025, nationals of 33 countries, including several European and Western countries, must now obtain a visa to travel to Namibia.

📌 In brief:

• April 1, 2025: Visa requirements in Namibia come into effect for 33 countries.
• Based on the principle of diplomatic reciprocity.
• Application possible via a new online e-Visa system.
• Fee: N$1,600 (approx. €82 / US$88) for non-African countries.
• Validity: 30 days, multiple entries.
• Visa on arrival available at major ports of entry.

Starting today, Namibia is reviewing its visa-free entry agreements with several countries deemed “non-reciprocal.” In short, these are nationalities whose citizens could previously enter Namibia freely, while Namibians were required to complete visa formalities to travel to these countries.

April 1, 2025, therefore marks a turning point. For reasons of diplomatic reciprocity and sovereignty, the Namibian government now requires visas for citizens of 33 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, UK, and France.

An electronic visa to facilitate entry procedures into Namibia

Aware of the implications of this decision for tourism, Namibia is supporting this reform with a modernization of its visa system. Since March 3, 2025, travelers can apply via a brand new e-Visa platform.

Namibian authorities announce that they have approved more than 10,000 e-Visas since the service was launched.

The process is entirely paperless on the eservices.mhaiss.gov.na portal: account creation, online form, uploading of ID photo and passport, and payment of the visa fee. Processing takes just a few minutes or hours, with an email notification once authorization is granted.

This new system is aimed at both tourists and business travelers, and 90 nationalities can use this electronic visa service. The stated objective is to reduce processing times, simplify procedures, and offer a seamless alternative to the regular consular visa, particularly for countries without Namibian diplomatic representation.

Namibia e-Visa – Prices and validity : what you need to know

The cost of a Namibian visa varies depending on the region of origin and the traveler’s age.

Visitors aged 12 and over:

• N$1,600 (approximately €82 / US$88) for citizens of non-African countries,
• N$1,200 (approximately €62 / US$66) for nationals of African countries.

Visitors aged 6 to 11:

• N$800 (approximately €41 / US$44) for citizens of non-African countries,
• N$600 (approximately €31 / US$33) for nationals of African countries.

Children under 6 are exempt from visa fees.

The visa is valid for 30 days from the desired arrival date, with multiple entries permitted during this period. It is intended for tourist stays, family visits, or short business trips.

For cruise passengers arriving in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, a new day visit fee of N$300 (approx. €16 / US$17) per visitor is now in force.

Which countries are affected by the new visa requirement?

With this measure, Namibia introduces a clear distinction between countries that practice reciprocity and those that do not.

The following 33 nationalities will therefore lose their visa exemption as of April 1, 2025:

• Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, United Kingdom, and United States.

Visas on arrival in Namibia are still available

In addition to e-Visa, Namibia continues to offer Visa on Arrival at several major entry points. However, the authorities strongly recommend that you apply for an e-Visa in advance of your trip, to avoid any queues or complications on the spot.

Here are the ports of entry into Namibia that can be used by travelers depending on the type of visa:

Namibia e-Visa:

• Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
• Walvis Bay Airport
• Eros Airport
• Ondangwa Airport
• Oranjemund Airport
• Gobabis Airport
• Grootfontein Airport
• Keetmanshoop Airport
• Lüderitz Airport
• Mpacha Airport
• Rundu Airport
• Singalamwe Airport
• Lüderitz Port
• Walvis Bay Port
• Ariamsvlei Border Post (with South Africa)
• Impalia Island Border Post
• Omahenene Border Post (with Angola)
• Oranjemund Border Post (with South Africa)
• Oshikango Border Post (with Angola)
• Kasika Border Post (with Zambia)
• Katima Mulilo Border Post (with Zambia)
• Border Post Katwitwi Border Post (with Angola)
• Klein Manasse Border Post (with South Africa)
• Mata-Mata Border Post (with Botswana)
• Mohembo Border Post (with Botswana)
• Ngoma Border Post (with Botswana)
• Nkurenkuru Border Post (with Angola)
• Noordoewer Border Post (with South Africa)
• Rucana Border Post (with Angola)
• Sarasungu Border Post (with Angola)
• Sendelingsdrift Border Post (with South Africa)
• Trans-Kalahari Border Post (with Botswana)
• Velloorsdrift Border Post (with South Africa)

Visa on Arrival in Namibia:

• Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
• Walvis Bay Airport
• Port of Lüderitz
• Port of Walvis Bay
• Ariamsvlei Border Post (with South Africa)
• Impalia Island Border Post
• Oranjemund Border Post (with South Africa)
• Oshikango Border Post (with Angola)
• Katima Mulilo Border Post (with Zambia)
• Mohembo Border Post (with Botswana)
• Ngoma Border Post (with Botswana)
• Noordoewer Border Post (with South Africa)
• Trans-Kalahari Border Post (with Botswana)

A committed, but controlled measure

While this decision may disconcert some travelers accustomed to free entry to Namibia, the country wishes to reassure: this policy is primarily aimed at ensuring fair treatment on the international stage. It does not call into question the country’s desire to remain attractive to tourists and foreign investors.

Moreover, the authorities emphasize the importance of this technological shift: the introduction of the e-Visa represents, according to them, a step towards more modern, transparent, and efficient management of migration flows.