Namibia expands Visa on Arrival to 35 more nationalities

Namibia has expanded its Visa on Arrival program, adding 35 countries and territories to the eligibility list. Cabinet approved the measure on September 2, 2025, and the change was operational by September 25, 2025, when the new nationalities appeared on the government’s eVisa portal. Travelers are encouraged to pre‑apply online via the official MHAISS e‑services site. Reported policy tweaks include an administrative surcharge for manual border applications and a higher on‑the‑spot fee, while the standard online visa fees remain unchanged.

What changed and when
– September 2, 2025: Cabinet’s 19th meeting authorized expanding Visa on Arrival eligibility to more nationalities.
– September 25, 2025: Authorities confirmed the update was live, with 35 additional nationalities integrated into the MHAISS eVisa system. 
– March 3 to April 1, 2025: Namibia launched and then activated its online visa system as part of a broader reciprocity‑based visa policy that ended prior visa‑free entry for 33 countries.

Eligible countries newly added
Authorities and multiple outlets list the following as now eligible for a Namibian Visa on Arrival or eVisa: Åland Islands, American Samoa, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Central African Republic, Cyprus, Georgia, Grenada, Haiti, Kiribati, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Palestine, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Slovenia, Suriname, Sweden, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu. The final operational list is reflected on the MHAISS portal.

Permitted stay and who qualifies
– Stay limit: visas issued under Visa on Arrival are limited to up to 90 days per visit within the permitted period. 
– Purpose: short‑term visits for tourism, business meetings, and events. Related online options include Holiday Visa, Business and MICE visas via the same portal.

Fees and recent adjustments
– Online visa fees currently published by MHAISS: N$1,600 for non‑African Union nationals and N$1,200 for African Union nationals, payable upon approval for holiday visas. 
– Manual border applications: the government and local press indicate an administrative surcharge for applications submitted at the port of entry, with reports of a N$400 fee to discourage manual processing. Separate reports note a rise of the on‑the‑spot fee to N$2,000. Travelers can avoid surcharges by applying online in advance. 

How to apply
– Best option: apply online before travel through the official MHAISS e‑services portal. Create an account, select Visa on Arrival or Holiday Visa, upload required documents, pay the fee, and carry the approval to present on arrival. Apply here: eServices.
– Basic documents typically requested: a valid passport, a motivation letter or travel purpose, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket. Check the portal for current checklists. 

Ports of entry that issue Visa on Arrival
Visa on Arrival is available at designated airports and border posts, including Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay International Airport, and specified land crossings such as Trans‑Kalahari, Katima Mulilo, Ngoma, Impalila Island, and others. Always verify the latest list before travel. 

Passport validity and entry rules
– Passport validity: at least six months beyond the intended stay and a return or onward ticket are required. Travelers should ensure sufficient blank pages. 

Background and context
Namibia’s 2025 visa reforms were driven by reciprocity. On April 1, 2025, 33 countries that previously had visa‑free access became subject to visa requirements, with applications available online or on arrival. The September expansion of Visa on Arrival adds access for 35 more nationalities and is part of a modernization push centered on the eVisa portal. Industry and policy updates emphasize using online applications to reduce queues at borders. 

Likely implications
– Travelers: more nationalities can enter Namibia with streamlined procedures if they pre‑apply online, reducing border wait times and uncertainty. 
– Government operations: shifting applicants to online workflows should free resources at control points and improve data capture. Media and ministry communications highlight this digital‑first approach. 

Key dates
– March 3, 2025: online Visa on Arrival application launched
– April 1, 2025: reciprocity‑based visa rules took effect
– September 2, 2025: Cabinet approved expanding eligibility
– September 25, 2025: 35 new nationalities shown as live on the portal 

Further information and official sites
– Main portal: MHAISS e‑services for eVisa and Visa on Arrival applications. 
– Policy pages and fee schedules: check MHAISS for application fees, visa types, and processing times. 

Sources
– MHAISS e‑services portal and Visa on Arrival country list.
– The Namibian coverage of Cabinet approval and border surcharge. 
– AllAfrica report confirming the 36 new nationalities and listing them.