Namibia entry requirements for Japan passport holders

Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
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.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay in Namibia
Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Namibia does not require six months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Namibia
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Namibia ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 1,000 NAD (~$55 USD) per day of your stay. Officers rarely check this for Japanese passport holders, but it's safer to have it.Recommended
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 May 14, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

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 (approx. $66 USD)

Apply at Namibian embassy/consulate before travel; allows single entry.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostNAD 2,400 (approx. $132 USD)

For multiple visits within validity; apply in advance.

Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
CostNAD 3,000+ (approx. $165+ USD)

Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship; apply at embassy.

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
Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa.Not available
Overstay fineOverstay penalties apply; avoid overstaying.NAD 200 per day (approx. $11 USD), max NAD 10,000 (approx. $550 USD)

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

Japan passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Namibian airports, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed
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, 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 = 16.52 NAD
updated May 13
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 May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.