Namibia visa requirements
Since 1 April 2025, Namibia's Visa on Arrival is no longer issued at the border: it has to be applied for and paid online before you fly. A lot of older guides still describe the old system. Here's what applies now, and how the $90 fee fits into the rest of your trip budget.
This page summarises publicly reported policy changes and is not immigration advice. Confirm current requirements for your nationality with Namibia's official immigration authority before booking.
US$90
Visa on Arrival fee
3 months
Validity from issue
30 days
Maximum stay
What you'll need to apply
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond your travel dates, with at least 3 blank pages
- Invitation letter or confirmed accommodation booking
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Proof of travel or medical insurance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Namibia?
It depends on nationality. SADC-region neighbours and a number of other countries remain visa-exempt for short stays. Most other nationalities (including the majority of EU countries, the UK, and the US) are eligible for a Visa on Arrival, but since April 2025 that visa must be applied for online in advance rather than issued on the spot at the airport.
What changed on 1 April 2025?
Namibia moved its Visa on Arrival scheme to a mandatory pre-arrival online application. Travellers who are VOA-eligible can no longer simply queue at immigration and pay cash: the application, payment, and approval now happen before departure, similar to an eTA.
How much does the Namibia Visa on Arrival cost?
The Visa on Arrival fee is US$90, paid online at the time of application. The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and permits a single stay of up to 30 days.
What documents do I need to apply?
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates with at least 3 blank pages, an invitation letter or accommodation confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds and travel/medical insurance for your stay. Requirements can shift, so confirm the current list on Namibia's official immigration channels before you apply.
How far in advance should I apply?
Apply as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. As a new online system, processing times have been inconsistent in early rollout: leave several weeks of buffer rather than applying the week before departure.