From April 1, 2025, citizens of several countries will need to obtain a visa on arrival or online before traveling to Namibia.
Namibia is preparing to introduce a new visa policy, which will come into force on April 1, 2025. This reform, formalized in May 2024, aims to restructure entry conditions for international travelers.
33 countries finally affected by visa requirement in Namibia
Until now, citizens of many countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Namibia. However, from April 1, 2025, Namibia will introduce a new list of countries whose nationals will be required to obtain a visa on arrival or online prior to travel.
While initially 31 countries were concerned by this forthcoming visa requirement in Namibia, a recent circular from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation finally confirms the application of this measure to the following 33 states:
- 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
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uzbekistan
10 eligible entry points
Affected travellers will have to pay a visa on arrival fee of 1,600 Namibian dollars (around 87 US$).
Visas can be requested online or from an embassy before departure, or directly on arrival in Namibia at the following entry points:
- Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- Impalila Island Border Post
- Katima Mulilo Border Post (with Zambia)
- Mohembo Border Post (with Botswana)
- Ngoma Border Post (with Botswana)
- Noordoewer Border Post (with South Africa)
- Oranjemund Border Post (with South Africa)
- Oshikango Border Post (with Angola)
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post (with Botswana)
How to get a visa for Namibia?
Nationals of the countries concerned by this measure can apply for their visa on entering Namibia, at Namibian embassies and diplomatic missions, or online before travelling. The latter may be the preferred option for those wishing to avoid waiting times at entry points or embassies.
In September 2023, Namibia launched its electronic visa system (e-Visa) for travelers already subject to this requirement.
For the past few days, the official Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration and Security (MHAISS) portal eservices.mhaiss.gov.na has featured a new online service called “Visa On Arrival”, which “will be launched soon”.
Tourists from the 33 eligible countries will therefore be able to apply, from the comfort of their home or office, for an electronic visa which, according to our information, will be valid for 90 days and multiple entries.
Why this change?
Namibia has justified this reform by the need to harmonize its visa policy with that of countries that impose similar restrictions on Namibian citizens. In other words, this measure responds to a logic of reciprocity. It also aims to ensure better control of migratory flows and maximize the country’s tourism revenues.
This change could have major implications for tourism, a key sector for the Namibian economy. Namibia is a popular destination for its spectacular scenery, including the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast. This new regulation could have an impact on the volume of travelers, particularly those who previously preferred the simplicity of visa-free entry.
The introduction of these new regulations has provoked a variety of reactions. On the one hand, some experts believe that it could complicate access to the country for tourists and, potentially, reduce the flow of travelers. On the other, the Namibian government claims that the reform will not curb the country’s appeal, and could even contribute to more efficient tourism management.
