Namibia entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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

Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Namibia in 2026. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Ethiopian citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
Apply for a visa at the Namibian embassy or consulate before travel. Submit your application with passport, photos, flight itinerary, and hotel bookings. Processing takes 5–10 business days.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Namibia. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or ticket to your next destination.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to have ready
Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host in Namibia satisfy immigration. Carry printed confirmation or have it accessible on your phone.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to have ready
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your visit.Recommended
Visa required — apply before you fly
Ethiopian passport holders must obtain a visa before arriving in Namibia. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application online or at the nearest Namibian embassy. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least 1 blank page.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmation emails or screenshots on your phone.
3
Arrive at Windhoek International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your travel plans. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the allowed stay duration. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — if it's shorter than expected, ask politely for clarification.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa single entry
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostNAD 1,200 (~$65 USD)

Standard option for tourism; apply at Namibian embassy.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostNAD 2,400 (~$130 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.

Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
CostNAD 3,000 (~$160 USD) and up

Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.

work visa
Work Visa (Employment Permit)
Up to 2 years, renewable
NAD 3,000 (~$160 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Namibia. Requires employer sponsorship, proof of qualifications, and a valid contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Permit)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
NAD 1,500 (~$80 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Namibian institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Permit)
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 10,000 (~$540 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of NAD 1 million in a Namibian business. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and local partnership.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa.NAD 1,200 (~$65 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.NAD 2,400 (~$130 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity.NAD 200 (~$11 USD) per day, max NAD 10,000 (~$540 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

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

Transit visa required

Ethiopian passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Namibia, even if staying airside. Apply at the Namibian embassy before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Namibia or a Schengen/US/UK visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 (e.g., Ethiopia). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
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/waterborne illnessModerate risk

Common due to contaminated water or food; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is highest in northern Namibia (e.g., Caprivi Strip). Prophylaxis recommended for those regions; low risk in Windhoek and 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
Namibia Immigration Office (Head Office)
Private Bag 13200, Windhoek
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

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

Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay Immigration Office
Corner of 5th Street and Sam Nujoma Avenue, Walvis Bay
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles extensions for coastal visitors; less crowded than Windhoek.

Practical information for ET 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 = 16.22 NAD
updated May 30
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

Yes, you need a visa before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Ethiopian citizens. Apply online or at a Namibian embassy.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date shown on your entry stamp.
Your passport with the visa sticker, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Yes, there is a visa fee. The exact amount depends on the embassy or online portal. Check the official Namibian immigration website for current fees.
No, Ethiopian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from future entry. Always leave before your visa expires.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.