Namibia entry requirements for Zambia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Zambian passport holders can enter Namibia without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. This policy applies in 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date, and you need a return or onward ticket.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from Namibia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Namibia
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they will check the date matches your intended stay.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone showing your first night's accommodation in Namibia.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient money for your stay
Immigration can ask you to show you have enough cash, cards, or bank statements to cover your expenses. Carry at least 1,000 NAD (about $55 USD) per day or a credit card with a visible limit.Recommended
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Namibia will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew before you book flights.
Keep a copy of your return ticket
Immigration officers at Windhoek airport often ask to see proof of onward travel. A screenshot on your phone works, but a printed copy is even safer.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at immigration
At Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) or any land border, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), 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. Answer clearly and politely.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter — confirm the dates are correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. Keep your passport handy — you may need to show the entry stamp again at customs.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostNAD 1,200 (~$66 USD)

For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Namibian embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostNAD 2,400 (~$132 USD)

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

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

Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply through Namibian embassy.

work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
NAD 3,000 (~$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
NAD 1,500 (~$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 (~$550 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of NAD 500,000 in a Namibian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; maximum cap may apply.NAD 200 per day (~$11 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

Zambia passport holders transiting through Namibia do not need a transit visa if 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-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
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 (e.g., Zambia). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk

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

Tick-borne diseasesLow risk

Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Generally safe, but avoid untreated water in remote areas.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk is highest in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi). Prophylaxis recommended for travel to those areas. Low risk in Windhoek and central/south.

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 Immigration Office (Head Office)
Private Bag 13200, Windhoek
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring all original documents.

Windhoek
Windhoek International Airport Immigration
Hosea Kutako International Airport
24/7

For entry/exit issues; limited services for extensions.

Practical information for ZM 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 = 16.22 NAD
updated May 31
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, Zambian passport holders can enter Namibia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. This is valid for 2026.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Windhoek before your 90 days expire.
You will be denied entry. Namibia strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Zambia is not considered a high-risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Check the latest WHO guidelines before travel.
Yes, the Katima Mulilo border post is a common entry point. The same visa-free rules apply — no visa needed, but ensure your passport has 6 months validity and a blank page.
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.
No, Namibia does not require an online arrival declaration. You simply fill out a paper landing card on the plane or at the border — standard for most countries.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.