Namibia entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can visit Namibia for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. This policy is valid through 2026. Ensure your passport meets the entry requirements and have your return ticket ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Namibia. No specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Namibia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least 1,000 NAD (about $55 USD) per day of your stay. A bank statement or credit card statement works fine. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Namibia, not from when you leave. Double-check before you book flights.
No extensions available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you risk fines and future entry bans. Plan your departure carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport (or any other port of entry), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Immigration'. The queue moves at a moderate pace — expect 15-30 minutes during peak hours.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No forms to fill out in advance.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor's entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the date is correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a quick baggage scan on the way out. You're free to enter Namibia.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostN$1,200 (~$65 USD)
Apply at Namibian embassy or on arrival if eligible.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostN$2,400 (~$130 USD)
Good for frequent travellers.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
ValidityVaries
CostN$3,000 (~$160 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityVaries
CostN$1,500 (~$80 USD)
Must be enrolled at a recognized 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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to extend stay beyond 90 days. | N$1,200 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | N$2,400 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period. | N$200 (~$11 USD) per day, max N$10,000 (~$540 USD) |
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 passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Namibia, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
Transit hubsHosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) · Walvis Bay Airport
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 = 16.52 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. You must leave Namibia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to catch a connecting flight the next day), the same visa-free rules apply for up to 90 days.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Namibian immigration.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash (or a bank statement) is a good idea.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only (meetings, conferences). You cannot take paid employment. For work, you need a proper work visa arranged in advance.
No vaccines are mandatory for entry from the US. However, the CDC recommends routine vaccines plus hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever if you're traveling from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
No. There is no arrival declaration or eTA required. You simply show up at immigration with your passport and documents.
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.