Namibia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Namibia, so you don't need to apply in advance. Just have your passport ready when you land at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport or Walvis Bay Airport, and you'll be issued a single-entry visa right there. It's straightforward, but there are a few specifics worth knowing before you fly.
Apply for Namibia eVisaOfficial portal: Namibia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get your entry permit when you arrive, no need to apply beforehand. Entry permit issued at port of entry | Swiss citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Namibia. The permit is issued at the airport or border post. It is not extendable, so ensure your stay does not exceed the granted period. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. Minimum 6 months beyond arrival | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Namibia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport, so you need a clean page for it. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page for any additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show at immigration if asked. Proof of departure from Namibia | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Namibia before your visa on arrival expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. For your stay | Immigration may require evidence that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Namibia. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online form before you travel. Customs and immigration form | No separate online arrival declaration is required for Namibia. You will complete the standard customs and immigration form on arrival. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou can skip the e-visa website — just arrive and get your visa at the border. Not applicable for Swiss citizens | Swiss passport holders do not need to apply for an e-visa before travel. The visa on arrival covers your entry. | Not required |
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The 90-day visa on arrival cannot be extended in Namibia. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your trip to fit within 90 days, or apply for a different visa type before you arrive.
E-visa option available
You can apply for an e-visa online at https://evisas.mhaiss.gov.na/ before you travel. It's not mandatory for Swiss citizens, but it can save you time at the airport and gives you peace of mind. The fee is the same as the visa on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) or Walvis Bay Airport. Follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' — it's usually a separate queue from citizens/residents.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (you'll get it on the plane), and your return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and blank pages.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the immigration counter, pay the NAD 1,200 fee. Cash (Namibian dollars or US dollars) is easiest, but credit cards are accepted at major airports. Keep the receipt — you might need it for the visa stamp.
4
Get your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a single-entry visa, usually valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp to confirm the dates before you leave the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, collect your bags and go through customs. Have your accommodation details handy in case they ask.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
CostN$ 1200 (approx. USD 65)
Requires letter of invitation from Namibian company and proof of business activities.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostN$ 2000 (approx. USD 110)
Requires employment contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Study visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostN$ 1500 (approx. USD 80)
Requires acceptance letter from 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 (~$270 USD) plus processing
For those investing at least NAD 1 million in Namibia. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (up to 90 days total stay)Apply at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in Windhoek. | N$ 1200 (approx. USD 65) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Most international flights include departure tax; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
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 citizens transiting through Namibia do not require 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 Swiss citizens).
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 = 16.27 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 on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the 90 days granted, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation, so plan your trip accordingly.
The fee is NAD 1,200 (about USD 65). It's payable in cash (Namibian dollars or US dollars) or by credit card at the airport. Keep the receipt — you might need it if there's a discrepancy with your stamp.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Switzerland is not a risk country, so if you're flying directly from Switzerland or another non-risk country, you don't need the certificate. If you've been in a risk country within 6 days before arrival, you'll need to show proof of vaccination.
Yes, Namibia offers an e-visa system at https://evisas.mhaiss.gov.na/. It's optional for Swiss citizens — you can still get a visa on arrival. Applying online in advance might save you time at the airport, but it's not required. The e-visa costs the same (NAD 1,200) and is processed before you travel.
You'll be denied entry. The immigration officer will not issue a visa on arrival if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. You'd be put on the next flight back. Renew your passport before you travel — it's not worth the risk.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Namibia (e.g., to visit Victoria Falls in Zambia or Botswana), you'll need to get a new visa on arrival when you come back, and pay the fee again. If you plan to exit and re-enter, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa in advance.
No, the fee is in Namibian dollars (NAD) or US dollars. Swiss francs are not accepted. You can exchange currency at the airport or withdraw NAD from an ATM, but the exchange rates at the airport are poor. Bring US dollars or a card that works internationally.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.