Namibia expands Visa on Arrival: who’s eligible and how to apply

Namibia has approved a significant expansion of its Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme following the Cabinet’s 19th meeting on 2 September 2025, adding 35 new countries and territories (with one entry still to be clarified). The move comes after broader visa changes that took effect on 1 April 2025 and the launch of an online eVisa/VoA application portal on 3 March 2025.

Key dates and context

• 3 March 2025: Namibia launched the online platform to apply for visas prior to arrival.
• 1 April 2025: New visa regime took effect; nationals of previously visa‑exempt countries that do not reciprocate must now obtain a visa (eVisa or VoA). Standard fees were set at NAD 1,600 for non‑AU nationals and NAD 1,200 for AU nationals, with reduced fees for minors and exemptions for children under six.
• 2 September 2025: Cabinet approved expanding VoA eligibility by 35 new countries/territories; an extra NAD 400 administration fee for manually submitted VoA applications at the counter was also approved (implementation details pending).

New countries/territories approved for Visa on Arrival
Cabinet’s decision lists the following (final gazetted list pending):
Åland Islands, American Samoa, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Central African Republic*, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, 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, Vanuatu.

*Note: Our research indicates that the Central African Republic and Sweden already had Visa on Arrival arrangements and were included in the April 2025 list. This suggests the current list may not be final, and we are awaiting official confirmation.

What the visa allows and how long you can stay
Holiday visas are multiple‑entry and may be issued for up to 90 days within a calendar year, with the number of days granted based on your application; extensions are possible in‑country at designated offices.

Fees and the new administration charge

• Standard visa fees (holiday visa/short‑term employment permit/VoA): NAD 1,200 (AU nationals) and NAD 1,600 (non‑AU nationals). Children 6–11 pay reduced fees; under‑6s are exempt. Cruise day‑visitors at Walvis Bay/Lüderitz pay NAD 300 per passenger.
• Newly approved: An additional NAD 400 administration fee for VoA applications submitted manually at the counter (intended to encourage online filing). Roll‑out timing to be announced.

How to apply

• Best option: e‑Visa/VoA online (recommended):
  1. Go to the MHAISS e‑Services portal.
  2. Register/log in and select “Visa‑on‑Arrival Application”.
  3. Complete details, upload a passport scan and photo, and pay online by card.
  4. Print the issued e‑visa and carry it; it doubles as your arrival form.
• Visa on Arrival at the border:
  1. Complete the arrival/VoA form (airlines may hand it out; forms are also at counters).
  2. Present the required documents to the immigration officer and pay by card at the counter.
  3. Your VoA is issued on the spot. Note: a NAD 400 admin fee for manual filings has been approved and may apply once implemented.

Who must get a visa and who is visa‑exempt
– Since 1 April 2025, nationals of 33 previously visa‑exempt countries that do not reciprocate Namibia’s visa‑free access must obtain a visa (e‑visa or VoA). Government notices and local reporting reference 33 affected states; examples include the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Australia and others.
– Holders of diplomatic passports from Germany and France, and diplomatic/official passports from Switzerland, were granted exemptions in March 2025.
– Travelers not listed as VoA‑eligible must apply online for an e‑visa before traveling.

Documents and passport validity
– Passport: at least 6 months’ validity and three blank pages on the day you apply/arrive.
– Upload a recent passport photo and, if applicable, an invitation letter for online applications.

Ports of entry that process visas
– VoA (in‑person and eVisa) are processed at major airports and land/sea posts, including: Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek), Walvis Bay Airport/Harbour, Ariamsvlei, Impalila, Katima Mulilo, Mohembo, Noordoewer, Ngoma, Oranjemund, Oshikango, and Trans‑Kalahari border posts. Some smaller airfields and posts accept e‑visas only.

Health requirements
– Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers coming from or transiting countries in the yellow‑fever endemic zone; present your certificate to Port Health prior to immigration.

Official websites and where to check updates
– Applications and guidance: MHAISS e‑Services portal and the Ministry’s visa updates page. Always verify current fees/eligibility before travel, as updates are ongoing.

Airport processing improvements
Cabinet also directed short‑ and medium‑term operational upgrades at Hosea Kutako International Airport to reduce queues and improve passenger flow; ministries were tasked to deliver a costed plan.

What’s still pending
– The government has announced the expansion to 35 new VoA‑eligible countries/territories, but the exact effective date and a listing await a clarified publication. Travelers should check MHAISS’s channels before booking.

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Sources and further reading
– Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS): “Implementation Modalities of Visa Requirements to Namibia” Fact Sheet, Version 4 (28 May 2025).
– The Namibian (speech): “Launch of online visa application system,” Minister Albert Kawana; and related reporting on fees and implementation.
– ATTA: “Namibia Expands Visa on Arrival and Plans Airport Enhancements,” noting the NAD 400 manual VoA admin fee.