Namibia entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can visit Namibia for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, you only need a valid passport and a return ticket. This visa-free policy covers most short visits, so you can skip embassy paperwork entirely.
Apply for Namibia eVisaOfficial portal: Namibia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get your visa when you arrive in Namibia, so no need to visit an embassy beforehand. Entry permit issued at port of entry | French citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Namibia. No prior application is required. The visa is issued at the port of entry, and you must present a valid passport and any required documents. The fee is payable in cash (Namibian dollars or major currencies). | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival, or you may be denied entry. Minimum 6 months from date of entry | Your French 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 stamp your visa and entry record. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked ticket out of Namibia helps show you're a genuine visitor and can avoid delays. Proof of departure | While not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you will leave Namibia before your visa expires. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may want to see you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient funds for stay | Although not explicitly required by the database, you may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Namibia. Carry bank statements or cash as proof. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online form before you travel. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for French citizens entering Namibia. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou can just get your visa at the airport, but if you want to save time, you can apply online beforehand. Not required for visa on arrival | French citizens do not need to apply for an e-visa in advance. The visa on arrival is sufficient. However, if you prefer to pre-arrange your visa, you may use the official Namibia e-visa portal (https://evisas.mhaiss.gov.na/), but this is optional. | Optional |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you'll be denied boarding — no exceptions. Renew early.
No visa, but still need a return ticket
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration almost always asks for proof of onward travel. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Most French visitors fly into Windhoek's main airport. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation proof. The officer will check your passport validity (6+ months), stamp you in, and hand it back. This usually takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green channel for most tourists — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 3 months
CostFree
French citizens do not need a visa for business visits up to 90 days.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityIssued for the duration of employment contract
CostApprox. N$1,500 (about $80)
Requires a job offer and work permit approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Study visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityValid for the academic year
CostApprox. N$1,200 (about $65)
Requires acceptance letter from a Namibian educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
NAD 2,000–5,000 (~$110–270 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Namibian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
NAD 1,500 (~$80 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Namibian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 3,000 (~$160 USD)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 10,000 (~$540 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of NAD 1 million in a Namibian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa extensionExtensions may be granted for up to 90 additional days; apply at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek. | Approx. N$1,000 (about $55) |
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
French citizens transiting through Namibia do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
Transit hubsHosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
Health & vaccines for Namibia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk is present in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi) from November to June.
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
Risk in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi) 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 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund Immigration Office
Corner of Sam Nujoma Avenue and Theo-Ben Gurirab Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for coastal visitors.
Practical information for FR 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. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or permit before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport (even for a few hours), the visa-free rules apply — 90 days max.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Namibian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions are made.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business meetings only. For work, study, or volunteering, you need a specific visa or work permit from a Namibian embassy before you travel.
Not routinely, but immigration officers can ask. It's wise to have a bank statement or credit card available just in case. No specific amount is required.
No vaccines are mandatory for entry from France. However, the CDC and WHO recommend routine vaccines plus hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever if you're coming from an endemic area. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Just have your passport and return ticket ready. Popular crossings include Ariamsvlei (from South Africa) and Ngoma Bridge (from Botswana).
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.