Namibia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders can visit Namibia for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, you only need your passport and a return ticket to enter. No advance application is required.
Apply for Namibia eVisaOfficial portal: Namibia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will receive your visa when you arrive in Namibia, so no need to visit an embassy beforehand. Entry permit issued at port of entry | Canadian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Namibia. No prior application is required. The visa is granted at the port of entry, and you must present your passport and any required documents to immigration officials. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months remaining | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Namibia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to place your visa and entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked onward or return flight shows you plan to leave Namibia within the allowed period. May be requested | Although not always required, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBe prepared to show you can financially support yourself during your visit. May be requested | Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Namibia. No specific amount is published, but carrying bank statements or cash is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any pre-arrival forms online. Not required | No online arrival declaration is required for Namibia. You will complete any necessary forms upon arrival. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationIf you prefer to have your visa pre-approved, you can apply online, but it is not mandatory. Optional alternative | While visa on arrival is available, you may also apply for an e-visa in advance through the official Namibia e-visa portal. This is optional and not required for Canadian citizens. | Optional |
Overstay penalties are strict
Staying beyond your 90 days can result in a fine of around NAD 1,000–3,000 (CAD 75–225) and possible deportation. There's no grace period. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
eSIMs save time at the airport
Namibia's airport Wi-Fi can be spotty. Getting an Airalo eSIM before you leave means you have data the moment you land — no need to queue for a local SIM card.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Most Canadian travellers fly into Windhoek's main airport. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single hall with about 10 counters.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — no forms to fill, no fee to pay. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're free to go.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Temporary residence permit (extension)
Max stayUp to 90 additional days
ValidityIssued for the remainder of the 90-day extension period
CostNAD 1200 (approx. USD 65)
Must apply before initial 90 days expire; requires valid passport and proof of funds
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of employment contract
CostNAD 2000 (approx. USD 110) plus application fee
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Home Affairs
Business visa (long-term)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit, multiple entries
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostNAD 1500 (approx. USD 80)
For frequent business travelers; apply at Namibian embassy
retirement visa
Namibia Retirement Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
NAD 2,500 (~$138 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of sufficient pension or income. Requires medical insurance and no local employment.
work visa
Namibia Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
NAD 2,500 (~$138 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Namibian employer. Requires labour market approval and sponsorship.
student visa
Namibia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
NAD 1,500 (~$83 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Namibian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Namibia Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 5,000 (~$276 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of NAD 1 million in a Namibian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 90 additional days)Apply at Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek | Approx. NAD 1200 (about USD 65) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport departure tax | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconvincing travel purpose20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Namibia
No transit visa needed
Canadian citizens transiting through Namibia (e.g., Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (free for Canadians).
Transit hubsWindhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Health & vaccines for Namibia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Present in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Tick-borne diseasesLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk is present in northern Namibia (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi regions) from November to June. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Windhoek
Namibia Immigration Office (Head Office)
Private Bag 13200, Windhoek
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Windhoek
Hosea Kutako International Airport Immigration
Hosea Kutako International Airport
24 hours
For entry/exit and transit issues; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalWindhoek
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyNamibian dollar (NAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.27 NAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,MType D (3-pin round) and Type M (3-pin large round) plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink outside major cities; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable for Canadian passport holders. You must leave Namibia before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No. If you're connecting through Hosea Kutako International Airport and don't leave the transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the airport, you'll need the visa-free entry (same 90-day limit).
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. Namibia does not require Canadian travellers to show bank statements or proof of funds upon arrival. But it's smart to have a credit card or some cash (Namibian dollars or South African rand) for expenses.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Any paid work, volunteering, or long-term study requires a proper work or study visa obtained in advance from a Namibian embassy.
No vaccines are mandatory for entry from Canada. However, the CDC and WHO recommend routine vaccines plus hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever if you're coming from an endemic country. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
The Namibian dollar (NAD) is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (ZAR), and rand is accepted everywhere. Bring some cash for small purchases — cards work in cities but not in rural areas. ATMs are widely available in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.