Namibia entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · 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
U.S. citizens can get a visa on arrival in Namibia—no advance application needed. You'll handle it at the airport when you land, and it's valid for up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has a blank page for the stamp.
Apply for Namibia eVisaOfficial portal: Namibia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou don't need to apply in advance; you'll get the visa when you arrive. Entry permit issued at port of entry | US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Namibian airports and land borders. The fee is payable in cash (USD or NAD). Ensure you have the exact amount and a passport-sized photo. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Namibia. Check your passport's expiration date before traveling. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa officer needs a clean page to place your entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa stamp. It's wise to have 2 or more blank pages for any additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight details. Proof of departure | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Namibia before your visa expires (typically up to 90 days). | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds helps show you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online declaration before you travel. Not required | No separate arrival declaration or customs form is required for US citizens entering Namibia. You will complete standard immigration forms on arrival. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou can skip the e-visa process and get your visa at the airport or border. Not required for US citizens | US citizens are eligible for visa on arrival and do not need to apply for an e-visa in advance. However, the Namibian e-visa portal is available if you prefer to pre-arrange your visa. | Not required |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash—USD or Namibian dollars. There are ATMs at the airport, but they're after immigration, so you won't be able to withdraw once you're in the queue. Bring the cash with you.
Visa is not extendable
Your 90-day stay is fixed. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential issues with future travel to Namibia. Plan your itinerary to leave before the 90 days are up.
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 immigration—there's usually a separate queue for visa on arrival, but it's not always clearly marked, so ask if unsure.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (you'll get it on the plane), and any supporting documents like your return ticket or hotel booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee in cash—USD or Namibian dollars are both accepted. Keep the receipt; you may need it when you leave.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa, noting your entry date and allowed stay (up to 90 days). Double-check the stamp before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim and then customs. Have your passport ready again—they may do a quick check.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (visa on arrival)
Max stay30 days
ValiditySingle entry
CostFree
For business activities such as meetings or consultations. No work permit required for short stays.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of employment contract
CostApprox. NAD 1,500 (about $80) application fee
Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Apply before arrival.
Study visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityTied to academic program
CostApprox. NAD 1,000 (about $55) application fee
Requires acceptance letter from a Namibian educational institution.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
N$2,500 (~$135 USD) per year
For individuals aged 60+ with proof of sufficient pension or income. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
work visa
Work Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
N$3,000 (~$160 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Namibian employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
N$1,500 (~$80 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Must show proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
N$5,000 (~$270 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of N$500,000 in a Namibian business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (up to 90 days total stay)Apply at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in Windhoek before your initial 30 days expire. | Approx. NAD 1,200 (about $65) |
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
US citizens transiting through Namibia (e.g., at Hosea Kutako International Airport) do not need a visa if they remain airside and depart 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 US citizens).
Transit hubsHosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) · Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB)
Health & vaccines for Namibia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
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 and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi) during rainy season (Nov–Apr). 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
Directorate of Immigration and Border Control
Private Bag 13200, Windhoek
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund Immigration Office
Corner of Sam Nujoma Avenue and Tobias Hainyeko Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for US 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 $100 USD (or equivalent in Namibian dollars) for a single entry. It's payable in cash at the airport—credit cards are not accepted. Check the official Namibian immigration website for the latest fee before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You're allowed to stay up to 90 days, and if you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you arrive.
No, you don't need to apply in advance—the visa on arrival is available to U.S. citizens. However, if you prefer to have everything sorted before you land, you can apply online at the official e-visa portal: https://evisas.mhaiss.gov.na/. It's optional but can save time at the airport.
You'll likely be denied entry. Namibian immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before your trip—don't risk being turned around at the border.
Yes, U.S. dollars are accepted, but make sure they're in good condition (no tears or marks). Some officers may give change in Namibian dollars, so it's fine to have a mix. Better to bring exact amount if possible.
It's available at major international airports like Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) and Walvis Bay Airport. For land border crossings, the rules can vary—some crossings may not offer visa on arrival, so it's safer to fly in or check with the Namibian embassy if you're entering overland.
Only if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk. Since you're traveling from the U.S., you don't need it. But if you're connecting through a high-risk country in Africa or South America, you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate.
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.