Namibia tourist visa

Namibia exempts nationals of countries with which it has visa exemption agreements. Since 1 April 2025 nationals of a list of countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan pay NAD 1,600 for a visa on arrival at designated ports, including Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay. Nationals who are neither exempt nor on that list obtain their visa before travel.

MHAISS advises that holiday and tourism visas be applied for online. Visitors on a tourist visa may not take up any employment while in Namibia.

Some exemption agreements cover only diplomatic and official passports, so check the list for your passport type: ordinary passport holders of those countries need a visa. Visitors from exempt countries receive a Visitor's Entry Permit stamp at the port of entry for holidays, visiting friends or relatives, attending meetings or workshops (not as facilitator), exploring business opportunities or medical treatment, but never for employment of any kind.

Visitors who will work at a subsidiary, train local staff, audit a company or do volunteer work of any kind must apply for an employment permit or work visa under section 27 of the Immigration Control Act, even if their nationality is visa-exempt.

As an example of a mission's checklist, the Berlin embassy asks for a completed and signed application form; the original passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry with at least three full blank pages; two colour 2 by 2 inch photos taken within three months on a white background (no sleeveless clothing or glasses); a letter stating the nature of the visit if applicable; a confirmed return ticket; proof of legal residence in one of its countries of accreditation; confirmed hotel reservations or a tour or safari confirmation; three months of financial statements; the host's legal status if invited; and travel insurance.

All documents must be in English. Dependants who are minors or spouses attach a signed letter from the person responsible for their expenses.

At the Berlin embassy a single-entry visa costs EUR 80, a multiple-entry visa EUR 130 and an express visa EUR 220. Fees are paid by transfer to the embassy's account at Commerzbank Berlin, cash is not accepted, and payments are non-refundable. Online applications are paid through the eServices portal.

Processing takes a minimum of three working days after submission; incomplete applications take longer. Applications are submitted and collected Monday to Wednesday between 09:00 and 13:00. Visas are processed around the date of receipt and are valid for three months. Include a self-addressed envelope if you want the passport returned by post.

For a holiday or tourist visa, the ministry asks the applicant, once the visa is approved, to submit the passport together with the original receipt of payment; all copies must be certified. A transit visa, for travellers only passing through, is limited to 72 hours and needs proof of the final destination and of sufficient funds while in transit.