Namibia expands Visa on Arrival (VoA) list! [update]

update (25 September 2025): The Ministy of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Secuity has  confirmed that 36 countries have been added to the list of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA). The Ministry furthemore announced  that the new N$400 administration fee for manually submitted Visa on Arrival (VoA) applications will get implemented in due course as internal processes first need to be undertaken. Once the fee has been gazetted, the public will be informed accordingly. We'll keep you updated! 

Namibia’s Cabinet has approved several significant measures aimed at facilitating international travel and strengthening the country’s tourism sector. According to an official press statement issued on 09 September 2025, the decisions were taken during the 19th Cabinet Meeting on 02 September 2025.

Key resolutions include:

• The addition of 35 36 new countries to Namibia’s Visa on Arrival (VoA) list.
• The introduction of a N$400 administration fee for manually submitted Visa on Arrival (VoA) applications.
• The initiation of plans for operational improvements at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek to enhance the passenger experience.

New countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Nationals from the following 35 36 countries and territories will soon be able to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) upon entry into Namibia:
Aland Islands, American Samoa, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Central African Republic, Cyprus, Georgia, Grenada, Haiti, Kiribati, Maldives, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Palestine, Panama, Samoa, Slovenia, Sovereign Order of Malta, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Suriname, Sweden, North Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Dominican Republic.

Planned airport improvements
The proposed upgrades to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia's principal international gateway, are designed to:

• Reduce processing and waiting times for travellers
• Streamline immigration procedures
• Improve overall operational efficiency and passenger comfort

These measures form part of Namibia's broader strategy to position itself as a premier travel destination in Southern Africa and to support the continued growth of its tourism economy.

 

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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! 

click to enlarge

 

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).

Update on Namibia's new reciprocal visa requirements!

The Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) has provided an update on Namibia’s new reciprocal visa requirements, set to take effect on 01 April 2025. According to FENATA, the new Visa on Arrival (VoA) process will be more convenient and hassle-free for international travellers. This initiative aims to simplify travel arrangements and improve the visitor experience in Namibia. The official launch is scheduled for 03 March 2025, coinciding with the activation of an online platform for travelers who wish to obtain their e-visas in advance. Relevant fact sheets and documents outlining the requirements will be distributed. We'll keep you posted!

also read: Namibia announces the implementation date for the introduction of reciprocal visa requirements! [update #2] >>

Namibia: Visa on arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour!

The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) has announced the introduction of visas upon arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour in Walvis Bay with immediate effect. According to Etienne Maritz, the Executive Director of the MHAISS, this initiative will simplify travel logistics for tourists and business visitors as it eliminates the need for prior visa applications, thereby reducing bureaucratic obstacles and waiting times. The cruise passenger liner industry previously expressed concern about the immigration process at Walvis Bay Harbour, which they described as lengthy.
Walvis Bay is the second largest city in Namibia and the largest coastal city in the country. Walvis Bay Harbour serves as Namibia's principal port and plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade, particularly for landlocked countries in the southern African region. It has two(?) berths specifically designed to accommodate cruise ships of various sizes and is equipped with a dedicated cruise terminal building to handle passenger arrivals and departures.

Namibia's visa on arrival is priced at 1,200 Namibian dollars and offers a validity of 90 days. Travellers can also apply for visas on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Walvis Bay Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay, Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia), Ngoma Border Post (Botswana), Impalila Border Post (Botswana), Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana), Oshikango Border Post (Angola), Mohembo Border Post (Botswana), Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa), Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa) and Oranjemund Border Post (South Africa).

Namibia extended its visa on arrival programme to five additional border posts! [update #2]

update (19 April 2024): The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) has announced the introduction of visas upon arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour in Walvis Bay with immediate effect. READ MORE

update (04 April 2024): According to the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), visitors from the following countries can apply for a visa upon arrival in Namibia:
Argentina, Belarus, Cambodia, Chile, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Cape Verde, Croatia, Eritrea, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Comoros, Cote d’ Ivoire, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Ecuador, Estonia, Greece, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mexico, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Rwanda, South Korea, Liberia, São Tomé and Principe, Thailand, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkey, Mauritania, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vetican/Holy See, Vietnam and Western Sahara Republic.
It is recommended that travellers planning on visiting Namibia always confirm whether or not a visa is required. This is because the above lists may change from time to time. According to the Namibian Embassy in the US, the visa upon arrival will be issued upon payment of visa fee of N$1080.00.

Namibia has extended its visa on arrival programme to five additional border posts. According to the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, visitors from countries exempted from visa requirements and those that qualify for visas on arrival can now enjoy this service provisions at five more border posts namely Ariamsvlei (South Africa), Mohembo (Botswana), Oshikango (Angola), Oranjemund (South Africa) and Noordoewer (South Africa). This provision is only applicable to bona fide tourists (excluding tour guides), potential investors coming to explore business opportunities in Namibia, visitors coming to attend meetings, seminars, workshops (excluding those coming to present training or other work related trips), Friendships and Family related visits, medical related visits.
The following Namibian border posts are offering visas upon arrival:

1. Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek
2. Walvis Bay Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay
3. Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia)
4. Ngoma Border Post (Botswana)
5. Impalila Border Post (Botswana)
6. Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana)
7. Oshikango Border Post (Angola)
8. Mohembo Border Post (Botswana)
9. Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa)
10. Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa)
11. Oranjemund Border Post (South Africa)

Namibia launches visa on arrival for 47 countries!

Namibia has launched the "Visa on Arrival" pilot project at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek on 24 September 2019. Under the new regulation, travellers from 27 African countries and 20 countries from other parts of the world are able to submit their visa application at the point of arrival and get approval and pay within a short period of time. The launch at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is the first phase of the project. The next phase will be rolled out at Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay by the end of October 2019 and at Katima Mulilo border post by the end of November 2019. Noordoewer border post, Ariamsvlei border post, Oshikango border post, Trans-Kalahari (Buitepos) border post and Oranjemund border post will start issueing visas on arrival in the first quarter of 2020.

Namibia now issues visas on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport to travellers from the following countries:

1. Benin
2. Burkina Faso
3. Burundi
4. Cabo Verde
5. Cameroon
6. Central Africa Republic (CAR)
7. Chad
8. Comoros
9. Cote d’ Ivore
10. Djibouti
11. Equatorial Guinea
12. Eritrea
13. Gabon
14. The Gambia
15. Guinea
16. Guinea Bissau
17. Liberia
18. Madagascar
19. Mauritania
20. Niger
21. Rwanda
22. Sao Tome and Principe
23. Sierra Leone
24. Togo
25. Tunisia
26. Western Sahara Republic
27. Uganda
28. Belarus
29. Bulgaria
30. Cambodia
31. Chile
32. Czech Republic
33. Hungary
34. Mexico
35. Moldova
36. Nicaragua
37. Poland
38. Romania
39. Slovakia
40. South Korea
41. Venezuela
42. Vietnam
43. Thailand
44. Turkey
45. United Arab Emirates
46. Singapore
47. Ukraine

Tanzania: Kilimanjaro International Airport introduced new time-consuming visa processing rules

The government of Tanzania has introduced new visa processing rules at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves the cities of Arusha and Moshi in the north of the East African country. International travellers entitled to get their visa on arrival now need to complete the following process:

• Queue for a Government Control Number
• Pay for the Government Control Number at a bank
• Queue for Immigration to check and issue the visa

The changes at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) mean that the visa on arrival process can take in excess of two hours. Travellers planning to visit Tanzania can also apply for their visa online. The process usually takes two to three weeks.

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

Rwanda to introduce a new visa regime on 01 January 2018!

Rwanda is set to establish a new visa regime on 01 January 2018. The new regulations include the introduction of 30-day visa on arrival for travellers from across the world. Rwanda already has such a system in place for all African countries and a number of countries outside the continent.

Nationals of Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States of America will be issued with entry visa valid for a period up to 30 days and pay for a visa ($30) upon arrival without prior application. [src.]

The new visa regime also adresses areas like visa reciprocity for specific countries whose citizens get free visas with 90 days validity, visa waiver for particular diplomatic and service passport holders and specific 90 day visa on arrival for travelers from the COMESA (The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) region. It also allows Rwandans living abroad with dual nationality to use national IDs to enter Rwanda as well as foreign residents to use their resident IDs for entry.

Public announcement on the NEW visa regime of @RwandaGov - https://t.co/dw1t1mb3pq pic.twitter.com/YykQTejtu5

— Immigration | Rwanda (@Rwandamigration) November 16, 2017