Namibia entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Namibia, so you don't need to apply in advance. Just arrive at the airport with your passport and the visa fee in cash, and you'll be processed on the spot.
Apply for Namibia eVisaOfficial portal: Namibia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou'll get your visa when you land, not before you travel. Entry permit issued at Windhoek or other ports of entry | British citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Namibia. The fee is payable in cash (Namibian dollars or US dollars) and the permit is typically valid for up to 90 days. It cannot be extended. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months from arrival | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Namibia (i.e., until at least February 2027 if arriving in August 2026). | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a completely blank page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. Pages marked 'amendments' or 'endorsements' may not be accepted. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou'll likely need to show you have a way out of the country. Proof of departure from Namibia | Immigration officials may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Namibia before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry evidence that you can support yourself during your visit. Evidence of financial means | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, or cash). The amount is not fixed but should cover your accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsIt's a good idea to have your booking confirmation handy. Where you'll be staying | Have the address and contact details of your accommodation (hotel, lodge, or private residence) ready to present to immigration if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival forms. Not required for UK passport holders | No separate arrival declaration or online form is required for British citizens entering Namibia for tourism or business visits. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou can skip the online application and just get the visa when you land. Not required — visa on arrival available | You do not need to apply for an e-visa before travel. However, if you prefer to pre-arrange your visa, the official Namibian e-visa portal is available at evisas.mhaiss.gov.na. | Optional |
Cash is king – bring USD
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Cards are not accepted. Bring USD in small denominations – it's the most reliable currency. If you pay in Namibian dollars, the exchange rate might be less favourable.
Visa is not extendable
Once you're in Namibia, you cannot extend the visa on arrival. If you think you might stay longer than 30 or 90 days, look into a different visa type before you travel – or plan to leave and re-enter.
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 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' – it's usually a separate counter or a designated desk.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, completed arrival form (if given on the plane), and cash ready. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash – USD or Namibian dollars. Keep the receipt; you might need it when you leave.
4
Get your stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa on arrival. Check the stamp – it should show the number of days allowed (usually 30 or 90). If it's unclear, ask.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your bags and exit. You're all set – no further checks unless you're bringing restricted goods.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 3 months from issue
CostFree (on arrival)
For business activities such as meetings or conferences. Must not involve local employment.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityIssued for the duration of the employment contract
CostNAD 1,200 (approx. $65)
Requires a job offer and work permit approval before arrival.
Study visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for the academic year
CostNAD 600 (approx. $33)
Requires acceptance letter from a Namibian educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Employment Permit)
Up to 2 years, renewable
N$3,000 (~$160 USD) application fee
For UK nationals with a job offer in Namibia. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
N$1,500 (~$80 USD) application fee
For UK nationals enrolled in a recognised Namibian educational institution. Requires proof of enrolment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
N$5,000 (~$270 USD) application fee
For UK nationals aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in Windhoek. | NAD 200 (approx. $11) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport departure tax for international flights. | 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
UK passport holders transiting through Namibia do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to clear immigration (e.g., to collect baggage or switch airports), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Present in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi); prophylaxis recommended.
Tick-borne diseasesLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in northern Namibia (e.g., Caprivi Strip, Kavango). Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
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
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund Immigration Office
Sam Nujoma Avenue, Swakopmund
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for coastal visitors.
Practical information for GB 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
The fee is around USD 60–70 for a single entry, payable in cash (USD or Namibian dollars). Some sources say it's NAD 1,000 – but it's safer to have USD. The exact amount can change, so bring a bit extra.
No – the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel. Plan your trip within the allowed days (usually 30 or 90).
No, you don't need to apply in advance – the visa on arrival is available for UK passport holders. However, Namibia also has an e-visa system (evisas.mhaiss.gov.na) if you prefer to apply beforehand, but it's not required.
You'll be denied entry – Namibia requires 6 months of validity from your date of entry. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before you go.
No – cash only. Bring USD or Namibian dollars. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that. Exchange some money at the airport or beforehand.
Yes, at major airports like Windhoek (Hosea Kutako) and Walvis Bay, and at land border posts. But it's always smoother at airports – land borders may have limited cash or slower processing.
Yes – every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own visa on arrival. The fee is the same, and each child's passport must meet the validity and blank page requirements.
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.