Guide to Applying for a Namibian e-Visa and Visas on Arrival

It is highly recommended that you apply for a Namibian e-Visa before your trip to potentially reduce waiting times and congestion at border points. Namibia launched its new online visa application system on March 3, 2025, which allows eligible travellers to apply for a visa before arrival.

By applying online through the official portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na, you can streamline your entry process into Namibia.

This e-Visa system offers options such as the Visa on Arrival (quick process) for eligible passport holders and the Holiday Visa (longer process) for stays up to 3 months.

**PLEASE Apply for VISA on Arrival (short process) and not the Holiday Visa (lenghty process)**

Travellers from a list of 90 countries and territories can apply for the e-Visa.

Guide to Applying for a Namibian e-Visa

This guide will walk you through the process of applying for an electronic visa (e-Visa) to Namibia before your travel. Applying online beforehand can potentially save you time upon arrival.

Step 1: Access the Official e-Visa Portal

To begin your application, you need to visit the official e-Visa portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security. The website address is eservices.mhaiss.gov.na. This portal allows travellers from eligible countries to apply for a visa before arrival.

Step 2: Create a User Account

On the e-Services portal, you will need to create a user account. The portal provides options for “Sign In” if you already have an account or “create one” if you are a new user. You may be required to provide your name, email address, and create a password. Some options might also include signing in with a Google account.

Step 3: Select the Type of Visa and Begin the Online Application

Once you have created and logged into your account, you will see options for different visa services. Two types mentioned in the sources are “Visa on Arrival” which is quick (which can be applied for up to 90 days of arrival) and “Holiday Visa” which is a longer process  (for up to 3 months).

**PLEASE Apply for VISA on Arrival and NOT the Holiday Visa (more lengthy process)**

• The online application for the Visa on Arrival has simpler documentary requirements initially, primarily needing a scanned copy of your passport photo and your passport.
• The Holiday Visa application has a more extensive list of requirements, including completion of a separate form for each applicant (including minors), certified passport copies, a confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation, a 6-month financial statement, and potentially an invitation letter, deed of surety, and power of attorney in specific cases. If you prefer a potentially less document-intensive online process and your stay is within 30 days, the online Visa on Arrival might be preferred if you are eligible.

To start a new application, you will likely need to click on an option such as “new Visa on Arrival” or “To create a new Visa on Arrival application“. You will then be directed to an online form.

Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form

The online form will require you to provide various details, including:

• Personal data: This includes your surname, first names, marital status, etc..
• Passport details: You will need to provide your passport number, date and place of issue, and other passport-related information. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months with 3 completely blank pages upon arrival.
• Travel information: This section will ask for details about your upcoming trip to Namibia, such as:
  • Purpose of stay (e.g., holiday).
  • Dates of travel and duration of your intended stay. For a Visa on Arrival applied for online, it allows for up to 30 days. A Holiday Visa allows for up to 3 months.
  • Address of accommodation (e.g., hotel bookings or resident).
  • Port of entry into Namibia. The e-Visa can be used at 12 designated entry points, including Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport, and various land border posts.
  • Mode of travel.
  • Places to be visited.
  • Whether you have a confirmed return ticket and the booking reference number if applicable.
  • Details regarding funds available for your stay in Namibian currency.

It is important to fill out the form accurately as per your case.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

At the end of the online form, you will be required to upload certain documents. These typically include:

• A scanned copy of a passport photo.
• A scanned copy of your passport.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

After submitting your application and uploading the required documents, you will need to make a secure payment. The visa fees are:

• N$1200.00 for citizens of African Countries.
• N$1600.00 for citizens of other countries.

These amounts are approximate equivalents of €62/US$65 and €82/US$87, respectively.

Step 7: Track Your Application Status

Once you have submitted your application and made the payment, you will be able to follow up your application status online. The e-Services portal may have a section like “Track Your Holiday Visa Application Status” or similar for other visa types.

Step 8: Upon Approval

If your e-Visa application is approved, you will need to print the approved e-Visa. The electronic visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival indicated online and may authorize multiple 30-day stays (multiple-entry visa). For a Holiday Visa, the validity is up to 3 months.

Step 9: Documents Required Upon Arrival in Namibia

Upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint in Namibia, you will need to present the following documents:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months, with 3 completely blank pages.
• The approved printed e-Visa.
• Proof of sufficient funds.
• Confirmation of accommodation or invitation letter.
• Return (or onward) air ticket.
• Medical/travel insurance.
• A full birth certificate (or letter of parental consent) if travelling with children.

By following these steps, you can apply for your Namibian e-Visa online before your trip. Remember to check the specific requirements based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit on the official e-Services portal [eservices.mhaiss.gov.na].

It is highly recommended that you apply for a Namibian e-Visa before your trip to potentially reduce waiting times and congestion at border points. Namibia launched its new online visa application system on March 3, 2025, which allows eligible travellers to apply for a visa before arrival.

By applying online through the official portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na, you can streamline your entry process into Namibia.

This e-Visa system offers options such as the Visa on Arrival (shorter process) for eligible passport holders and the Holiday Visa (longer process) for stays up to 3 months. Applying beforehand can save you time upon arrival, as indicated in our earlier conversation.

Travellers from a list of 90 countries and territories can apply for the e-Visa.

Guide to Visa’s on Arrival

Applying for a travel visa at the Namibian border is possible for citizens of certain countries under Namibia’s Visa on Arrival (VoA) program. However, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility, process, and potential considerations:

How to Apply up to 90 days of Visa on Arrival.

Who Can Apply for a Visa on Arrival?

Click to view all the countries that are allowed to obtain visas at the border – https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival 

As of April 1, 2025, Namibia has implemented a Visa on Arrival scheme for citizens of countries that do not have reciprocal visa agreements with Namibia. This includes numerous countries from Europe, North America, Asia, and other parts of the world.

You should always verify if your nationality is eligible for Visa on Arrival before traveling by checking the official website of the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security or the Namibian High Commission/Embassy in your country.

• If you have any queries regarding Visa on Arrival please feel free to call us at +26481 951 0128/ +26481 951 0186
• For any other general queries please feel free to call us at +26481 951 0599/ +26481 951 0507/ +26481 9510371

Designated Ports of Entry

Visa on Arrival applications are typically processed at the following designated ports of entry in Namibia:

Airports:

• Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
• Walvis Bay International Airport
• Land Border Posts:
• Ariamsvlei
• Impalila
• Katima Mulilo
• Mohembo
• Ngoma
• Noordoewer
• Oshikango
• Oranjemund
• Trans Kalahari Border Post
• Walvis Bay Harbour

Application Process at the Border (not recommended)

While the exact steps might have minor variations, the general process for applying for a tourist visa on arrival at a Namibian border post typically involves:

1. Arrival and Immigration Area: Upon arrival, follow the signs for “Visa on Arrival” or “Immigration.”
2. Queue for Visa Application: Join the designated queue for those applying for a visa on arrival. This will likely be separate from those who already have visas or are visa-exempt.
3. Approach the Immigration Officer: When it’s your turn, go to the immigration counter.

Present Required Documents

You will need to present the following documents (ensure you have originals and potentially copies):

1. Your Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Namibia and have at least three blank visa pages.
2. Completed Visa Application Form: You will likely be provided with a form to fill out upon arrival. However, it’s advisable to check if you can download and complete it beforehand from the Ministry’s website to save time.
3. Passport-Sized Photographs: Ensure you have recent, passport-quality color photographs (the specific number required should be checked on the official website).
4. Proof of Onward/Return Travel: You must provide evidence of a confirmed flight, bus, or other ticket showing your departure from Namibia.
5. Proof of Accommodation: Present hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation with the host’s address and a copy of their Namibian identification document (if applicable).
6. Proof of Sufficient Funds: You may need to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit card statements).
7. Travel/Medical Insurance: While not always explicitly stated as mandatory on arrival, having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended and might be requested.
8. Motivation Letter (potentially): Some sources mention a motivation letter outlining the purpose of your visit. It’s best to be prepared with one.
9. Answer Questions: The immigration officer will ask you questions about the purpose and duration of your visit. Answer truthfully and clearly.

Pay the Visa Fee: There is a fee for the Visa on Arrival. As of April 2025, the fees are:

• NAD 1,600 (Namibian Dollars) for citizens from non-African countries.
• NAD 1,200 (Namibian Dollars) for citizens from African countries.
• Children under a certain age (e.g., 6 or 11, depending on the source) might have a reduced fee or be exempt.
• Be prepared to pay in cash or by card, although card facilities might not always be reliable at all border posts.

Receive Your Visa

If your application is approved, the immigration officer will issue and stamp your visa in your passport, indicating the validity period and the number of entries allowed (typically multiple entry for tourist visas on arrival).

Verify Your Visa

Before leaving the immigration area, double-check that all the details on your visa stamp are correct, including your name, the date of entry, and the permitted duration of stay (usually up to 90 days for tourism)

Important Considerations and Potential Challenges and Why we Recommend pre applying.

No Guarantee of Entry

Even if your nationality is eligible for Visa on Arrival and you have the required documents, the final decision to grant you entry rests with the immigration officer. They can refuse entry if they have concerns about your intentions or if your documents are not in order.

Potential for Longer Processing Times

Applying at the border can take longer than having a pre-arranged visa, especially if there are many other arrivals. Be prepared for potential delays.

The exact documentation and fee can change, so always refer to the latest information from official Namibian government sources.

Limited Appeal Options

If your visa on arrival is refused, your options for appeal at the border are likely to be very limited.

Land Border Variations

The process and availability of Visa on Arrival might vary slightly at different land border posts compared to international airports. Smaller border crossings might not have the same facilities or personnel to process visas on arrival efficiently or at all times.

Recommendations

Always check official sources. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security website (https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival) and the Namibian High Commission/Embassy in your country are the most reliable sources for up-to-date information.

Consider applying online in advance (e-Visa). Namibia has also launched an online e-Visa application system. Applying online before your trip can save you time and reduce uncertainty upon arrival.
Prepare all documents meticulously: Ensure you have all the required documents, including copies, and that they meet the specified criteria (e.g., passport validity, photo specifications).

Have sufficient funds readily available. Be prepared to show proof of your financial means and have the visa fee in the accepted currency.

Be patient and courteous. The immigration officers are doing their job. Be polite and cooperative during the process.

By being well-informed and prepared, you can navigate the process of applying for a tourist visa on arrival at the Namibian border more smoothly. However, always prioritize checking the latest official requirements before your travel dates.