Namibia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Swiss passport holders can enter Namibia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and you need a return or onward ticket.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Namibia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Namibian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Namibia
Immigration officers at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure within the 90-day visa-free period.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Namibia. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Have a bank statement or credit card ready showing access to at least 1,000 NAD (approx. 55 CHF) per day of your stay. Immigration may ask for this at the border.Recommended
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Namibia, not the day you leave. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
No visa extensions available
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days are up — this is a separate process and not guaranteed.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at immigration
At Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport or any other port of entry, join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Answer questions clearly and politely.
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor's entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp says the correct date before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostNAD 1,200 (~$65 USD)

For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Namibian embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostNAD 2,400 (~$130 USD)

Allows multiple entries; apply at Namibian embassy.

Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
ValidityVaries
CostNAD 1,500 (~$81 USD) plus processing

Requires a job offer and work permit from Namibian authorities.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
ValidityVaries
CostNAD 1,000 (~$54 USD) plus processing

Requires acceptance at a Namibian educational institution.

work visa
Work Visa (Employment Permit)
Up to 2 years, renewable
NAD 1,500 (~$81 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Namibia. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
NAD 1,000 (~$54 USD) plus processing fees
For enrolled students at a Namibian institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work in some cases.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 2,000 (~$108 USD) plus processing
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no intention to work. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 5,000 (~$270 USD) plus processing
For those investing at least NAD 1 million in Namibia. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Namibian embassy abroad.NAD 1,200 (~$65 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; apply at Namibian embassy.NAD 2,400 (~$130 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues.NAD 200 (~$11 USD) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%

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

Swiss passport holders transiting through Namibia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. For land border transits, check specific requirements.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsHosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) · Walvis Bay International Airport

Health & vaccines for Namibia

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; must have a valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk

Present in northern Namibia (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi regions); risk is low in Windhoek and coastal areas.

Tick-borne diseasesLow risk

Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: moderate

Prophylaxis recommended for travel to northern regions (e.g., Etosha National Park, Kavango). No risk in Windhoek or coastal 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
Directorate of Immigration and Border Control
Private Bag 13200, Windhoek, Namibia
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring all original documents and passport photos.

Swakopmund
Swakopmund Immigration Office
Cnr Sam Nujoma Ave & Tobias Hainyeko St, Swakopmund
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the coastal region.

Practical information for CH 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 = 16.6 NAD
updated May 19
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
Police10111
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Namibia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Namibian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Namibia (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), the same visa-free rules apply.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit before you travel.
A valid Swiss driving license is accepted for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not mandatory. You'll also need a credit card for the deposit.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may face a fine, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Namibia. Always leave on time.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.