Namibia: Visa on Arrival (VoA) system updated!

The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has announced another update to its Visa on Arrival (VoA) system, effective as of 01 April 2025. Previously, travellers holding an eVisa still needed to complete an additional VoA form upon arrival in Namibia. This extra step has now been removed to streamline the entry process.
The eVisa now automatically functions as a Visa on Arrival (VoA) form. This means that travellers with a valid eVisa can proceed directly to immigration clearance upon arrival, with no further administrative steps required. All payments and documentation are handled in advance, simplifying travel and reducing entry wait times.
The updated visa fee structure has been published in Government Gazette No. 8613. It includes revised fees for travellers and families travelling with children visiting Namibia:

For Nationals of African Countries:

• Standard visa fee: NAD 1,200.00 (approx. USD 70)
• Children aged 6 – 11 years: NAD 600.00 (approx. USD 35)
• Children under 6 years: exempt from visa fees

For Nationals of Other Countries:

• Standard visa fee: NAD 1,600.00 (approx. USD 90)
• Children aged 6 – 11 years: NAD 800.00 (approx. USD 45)
• Children under 6 years: exempt from visa fees

Travellers are encouraged to apply for an eVisa before departure to ensure a seamless and hassle-free arrival in Namibia.

Namibia announces key amendments to its new visa and immigration regulations! [update]

update (01 April 2025): The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security yesterday (31 March 2025) issued an updated fact sheet on the implementation modalities of the new visa-on-arrival requirements, which become effective today, 01 April 2025. 

Namibia has announced key updates to its visa regime, set to take effect on 01 April 2025. The changes include diplomatic passport exemptions, a revised fee structure for cruise passengers, and streamlined immigration policies aimed at improving efficiency and reciprocity.

As part of the new regulations, diplomatic passport holders from Germany and France, along with diplomatic and official passport holders from Switzerland, will be exempt from visa requirements when entering Namibia.

Visitors arriving in Namibia via Walvis Bay and Lüderitz Harbours—particularly cruise ship passengers—will now be subject to a day visit fee of N$300.00 upon disembarkation.

To harmonize Namibia's immigration policies, the Cabinet has approved a standardized fee structure for holiday visas, short-term employment permits, and visa-on-arrival requests:

• N$1,200.00 – Travelers from African Union (AU) countries
• N$1,600.00 – Travelers from non-African Union countries

For minor children (ages 6–11):

• N$600.00 – AU countries
• N$800.00 – Non-AU countries

Children under 6 years old will continue to receive free holiday visas and visa-on-arrival processing.

To enhance convenience, Namibia will introduce group bulk payments for online e-visa transactions, allowing service providers to process payments of up to N$97,000 in a single transaction.

With these updates, Namibia aims to streamline visa processes, enhance tourism, and support economic growth while ensuring fair and reciprocal visa policies.

Stay informed about the latest Namibia travel updates by following our blog!

Namibia to introduce Visa on Arrival for 90 countries from 01 April 2025! [update #3]

update (13 March 2025): FENATA (Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations) has issued an updated memo on the Visa On Arrival (VoA) regulations for Namibia which come into effect on 01 April 2025! 

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update (04 March 2025): Effective 01 April 2025, travellers from 33 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry into Namibia will now require an entry visa. However, they will be eligible for both Visa on Arrival (VoA) and an electronic visa system.
To facilitate a smooth transition, nationals of these countries are encouraged to start applying for visas via the electronic visa platform from 03 March 2025. This will help avoid any immigration issues upon arrival in Namibia from 01 April 2025 onwards. The electronic visa system will also allow them to apply for visas for future travel beyond that date.
The 33 affected countries are:
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 of America, and Uzbekistan.
In addition to the online Visa on Arrival application, Namibia has also introduced a new Visa-on-Arrival Form. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has streamlined the process by modifying the Arrival and Departure Form - removing the departure form and introducing a combined Arrival and Visa-on-Arrival Form for a more efficient entry procedure.

update (03 March 2025): The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has confirmed that the visa application process for countries that do not qualify for visas on arrival remains unchanged. These travellers must continue to apply in advance via the Ministry’s online platform and await approval before entering Namibia. 

Namibia is set to implement a new visa on arrival system, effective 01 April 2025. Travellers from 90 countries (28 African and 62 non-African nations) that have not reciprocated Namibia’s visa exemption policy will now be required to apply for a visa before entering the country.

Visitors have two options to apply for a Namibian visa:

• Online Application: Travelers can apply in advance via Namibia’s eVisa portal. Processing takes approximately five working days.
• Visa on Arrival: Eligible travelers can obtain their visa upon arrival at the following ports of entry:
• Airports:
• Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) - Windhoek
• Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) - Walvis Bay
• Border Posts & Harbors:
• Ariamsvlei, Impalila, Katima Mulilo, Mohembo, Ngoma, Noordoewer, Oshikango, Oranjemund, Trans-Kalahari Border Posts
• Walvis Bay Harbour - Walvis Bay

Required Documents for Visa Application

• Applicants must provide the following:
• A valid passport (minimum 6-month validity with at least three blank pages)
• Completed visa application form
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or an invitation letter)
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Travel itinerary
• Travel/medical insurance
• For minors: A full birth certificate or a parental consent letter (if traveling with children)
• For online visa applicants: A printed copy of the approved e-visa

Visa Fees & Validity

• NAD 1,600 for citizens of non-African countries
• NAD 1,200 for citizens of African countries
• Tourist visas are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
• Upon meeting all entry requirements, travelers will receive a visitor entry permit at the port of entry, valid for up to 90 days per calendar year (depending on the requested duration).

Angola lifts tourist visa requirement for travellers from 98 countries!

Angola has waived tourist visa requirements for citizens from several countries in a bid to boost local tourism. According to Presidential Decree No. 189/23 (29 September 2023), the country has passed a resolution to allow travellers from 98 countries visa-free entry for for a period of up to 30 days per entry and 90 days per year. For other types of visas than tourist visa, such as work, study, medical treatment or residence permit, foreign citizens have to request the corresponding visa from Angolan diplomatic missions or consular posts in their country of origin or habitual residence.
The 90-day visa-free stay in Angola is granted to travellers from the following coutries:

• Africa:
• Tanzania, Eswatini, Morocco, Lesotho, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Sychelles, Cape Verde and Algeria
• Asia:
• United Arab Emirates, Israel, Qatar, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Timor-Leste and China
• Europe:
• Switzerland, the Russian Federation, Germany, Sweden, the Vatican State, the Czech Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Hungary, the Netherlands, the Principality of Monaco, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Norway, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Cyprus, Slovenia, Iceland and Italy and Portugal
• America:
• United States of America, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Panama, Uruguay and Brazil
• Oceania:
• Australia, the Republic of Fiji, the Marshall Islands, the Solomon Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Nauru, New Zealand, the Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Independent United States of Samoa, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, Republic of Vanuatu and Niue
• Caribbean and Pacific region:
• Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Cook Islands, Jamaica, Republic of Kiribati and Dominican Republic. Saint Lucia, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Suriname and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Travellers from these 98 countries who are intending to visit Angola must present a passport valid for more than six months, a return ticket and, when necessary, an international vaccination certificate at the country's ports of entry.  The new directive takes effect immediately.

Mozambique launches new eVisa system!

Mozambican President Philipe Jacinto Nyusi has launched Mozambique's new online entry visa application system, eVisa, on 05 December 2022. The new system is live at evisa.gov.mz. According to President Nyusi, eVisa will "simplify the procedure of obtaining a visa" and "boost" the tourism sector in Mozambique.
In order to apply for an online visa, the applicant has to register with Mozambique's new eVisa system. Once registered, the necessary documentation for the type of visa required (tourist, business, humanitarian or other) needs to be uploaded to the system at evisa.gov.mz. If the application is approved by the Mozambican authorities, a provisional visa is issued, which is to be presented upon entry into Mozambique, at which time the respective payment is made and the effective visa issued.

screenshot evisa.gov.mz (07 December 2022)

 

Zambia to cut visa fees!

Zambia is set to reduce its visa fees. The country's Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, announced in the 2022 Budget Address that visa fees will be cut by 50% from 01 January 2022. "[...] Madam, Zambia remains a destination of choice for tourism. To improve our competitiveness, I propose to reduce visa fees of all categories by 50 percent.[...]."
Currently, single entry visa cost USD50, double entry visa USD80, the KAZA UNIVISA USD50, multiple entry visa USD150 and day tripper visa USD20. Single, double and multiple entry visas are valid for 90 days from the date of first issuance, with the exception of nationals from the United States of America, whose multiple entry visas have a validity of three years, on mutually agreed reciprocal basis. Multiple entry visas are only issued through Zambia's e-visa facility. The day tripper visa only applies at Victoria Falls and Kazungula Border Controls.

“The 2022 Budget has illustrated that the promises of economic transformation, an enabling environment for macroeconomic stability and job creation, and taking resources and development closer to the people are now realities.” - 2022 BUDGET SPEECH: https://t.co/aLW6CYLJ8Z

— Ministry of Finance & National Planning (@mofnpzambia) November 9, 2021

South Africa extends validity period for temporary visas!

South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has extended the validity period of legally issued visas which expired during the lockdown period to 30 September 2021 for short-term visas, issued for a period not longer than 90 days, such as a tourist visa. The validity period of longer-term temporary visas issued for three months to three years which expired during the lockdown has also been extended until 30 September 2021.
This means that visas or permits of holders who have not departed South Africa since the announcement of the National State of Disaster in March 2020, and arrived with a valid visitor’s visa between December 2019 and 14 March 2021, are deemed to be valid until the end of September 2021.
Holders of such visas are permitted to remain in South Africa under the conditions of their visas until the expiry of their applicable extension. Those wishing to be repatriated to their countries within this period can depart without being declared undesirable persons.
The extension does not apply to people who entered South Africa from 15 March 2021. The normal validity period of visas of people admitted into the country from 15 March 2021 applies.
Holders of longer-term temporary visas, issued for 90 days up to three years, such as study visa, treaty visa, business visa, medical treatment visa, relatives’ visas, general work visa, critical skills work visa, retired person’s visa and exchange visa, which expired during the State of National Disaster are invited to renew their visas at www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica before 30 September 2021. Holders of a visa or permit must adhere to the terms and conditions of their visa and any activity not endorsed onto such visa or permits is prohibited.

Botswana to introduce tourist visas on arrival! [update]

update (27 November 2018): According to Tourism Update, Botswana's plan to offer visas on arrival at all points of entry has been put on hold. We'll keep you posted!

Botswana is set to introduce tourist visa at point of entry on 24 November 2018. This announcement was made by the President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, at the High Level Consultative Council (HLCC) meeting held on 15 November 2018 at Fairgrounds Holdings Pavilion Hall in Gaborone. The country's Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs is currently busy to amend the immigration rules and procedures to accommodate the visa-on-arrival process in Botswana. We'll keep you posted!

In an effort to improve the ease of doing business in Botswana,Botswana will offer TOURIST VISA at point of entry effective 24th November 2018. This announcement was made by HE, The President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi at the HLCC meeting held today( 15-Nov-2018)

— Business Botswana (@BusinesssBotsPR) November 15, 2018

Tanzania: South Africans don't need (tourist) visa anymore

Great news for all South African passport holders who are planning to visit Tanzania for a holiday or business trip. According to etnw.co.za, South Afircans don't require a visa to enter Tanzania for a period of 90 days per calendar year anymore (since 01 July 2013). This applies to visits for holidays, private and business visits and transit purposes. Being a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Tanzanians visiting South Africa are also exempted from visas for 90 days.

Single tourist visa for Southern Africa?

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries are currently in talks about a single tourist visa and will hopefully come to a conclusion at the SADC ministerial meeting slated for June 2011 (13 - 17 June) in Lusaka, Zambia. The ministerial meeting is expected to evolve a "grand action plan" that will lead to the establishment of the SADC single tourists’ visa.

SADC member countries are Tanzania, Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Zambia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.