Namibia entry requirements for Japan 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

Japanese passport holders can enter Namibia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and short visits. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date.

Apply for Namibia eVisaOfficial portal: Namibia eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrivalYou will get your entry permit when you arrive in Namibia, but you must meet all other entry conditions.
Entry permit issued at port of entry
Japanese passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Namibia. No prior application is required, but you must present a valid passport and may be asked for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. The visa is granted at the discretion of the immigration officer.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date.
At least 6 months beyond entry
Your Japanese 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 a blank page is necessary.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketHaving a booked onward or return flight can help avoid issues at immigration.
May be requested
Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready.Recommended
Proof of sufficient fundsBe prepared to show you can support yourself financially during your visit.
May be requested
Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Namibia. The exact amount is not specified, but carrying bank statements or cash is advisable.Recommended
E-Visa application (optional)You can skip the e-Visa and get your visa on arrival, but applying online is an option if you want certainty.
Not required for Japanese citizens
While Namibia offers an e-Visa system, Japanese passport holders are eligible for visa on arrival and do not need to apply in advance. However, you may choose to apply online if you prefer to have pre-approval.Optional
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Namibia.Not required
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Immigration officers will check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's even a day short, you'll be refused entry. No exceptions.
No visa needed, but be prepared
While there's no visa application, you still need a return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed. It's a quick process if you're prepared.

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, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions clearly.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visitor permit. Check the stamp says '90 days' before walking away. If it's less, ask politely for clarification.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival declaration form to fill out for Japanese nationals.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Temporary Residence Permit (for work or study)
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityIssued for specific purpose; apply before arrival or extend in Namibia
CostApprox. NAD 1,000–2,000 (about $55–110) depending on category

Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship and police clearance.

work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
NAD 3,000 (approx. $165 USD) plus application fee
For those with a job offer from a Namibian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
NAD 1,500 (approx. $82 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Namibian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 10,000 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of NAD 1 million (approx. $55,000 USD) in Namibia. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa extension (if applicable)Apply at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in Windhoek; subject to approval.Approx. NAD 1,200 (about $65)
Exit feeNo separate airport departure tax for international flights.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

Japanese passport holders transiting through Namibia (e.g., at Hosea Kutako International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a visa on arrival (free for up to 90 days).
Transit hubsHosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)

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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk

Risk in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.

Tick-borne diseases (e.g., Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever)Low risk

Rare but present in rural areas; avoid tick bites.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is highest in northern regions (Kavango, Zambezi, and parts of Otjozondjupa). Prophylaxis recommended for those areas. Low risk in Windhoek and central/southern 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
Namibia Directorate of Immigration and Border Control
Private Bag 13200, Windhoek, Namibia
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.

Swakopmund
Swakopmund Immigration Office
Corner of Sam Nujoma Avenue and Tobias Hainyeko Street, Swakopmund
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles visa extensions for visitors in the coastal region.

Practical information for JP 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
updated Jul 3
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 entry is not extendable. You must leave Namibia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (like parts of South America or Africa). Japan is not a risk country, so you don't need it if you fly directly from Japan. But if you've recently traveled to a risk area, bring your vaccination certificate.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Namibian immigration.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need a separate permit or visa arranged before you travel.
No, Japanese nationals do not need to fill out any arrival declaration form. Just go through immigration with your passport and supporting documents.
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (ZAR). Both are accepted everywhere. ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger shops.
Yes, you can enter via any official land border post, like the one at Ariamsvlei or Noordoewer. The same visa-free rules apply. Just have your passport and return ticket ready.

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.