Namibia Ends Visa-Free Entry, Extends Visa-On-Arrival Access to Over 35 Countries

Namibia is making significant changes to its entry regulations in 2025. After discontinuing visa-free travel for 33 countries, it now aims to add over 35 nations to its visa-on-arrival program. A new service fee encourages travelers to apply online instead of at the border.

Changes to Visa-Free Travel

Namibia recently ended visa exemptions for citizens from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia. Since April 1, 2025, these travelers must obtain an e-visa to enter Namibia. The government justifies this change as a reciprocal measure for countries that impose similar restrictions on Namibian citizens.

New Visa-On-Arrival Access

During a Cabinet meeting on September 2, Namibia announced plans to expand its visa-on-arrival program, which currently serves 90 nationalities. Soon, citizens from 36 additional countries will be able to obtain a visa online or directly at the border. The countries included in this expansion are:

• Åland Islands
• American Samoa
• Andorra
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Aruba
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Bolivia
• Brunei Darussalam
• Central African Republic
• Cyprus
• Dominican Republic
• Georgia
• Grenada
• Haiti
• Kiribati
• Maldives
• Malta
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Palestine
• Panama
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• Slovenia
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vanuatu

Notably, the official notice mentions “Vanuatu Dominican Republic,” causing some confusion about whether this refers to one entry or two. For travelers from Haiti, ordinary passport holders will not incur visa fees, as a reciprocal gesture.

New Fees for Border Applications

Namibia plans to introduce a NAD 400 (approximately US$23) “manual service fee” for anyone applying at the immigration desk instead of online. Although no official reason was provided, the intention appears to be to encourage travelers to use the e-Visa system.

Navigating the e-Visa System

Eligible visitors can apply online at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na before their trip. Processing usually takes just a few hours, allowing travelers to arrive with their approval already in hand. Here’s the cost breakdown:

For African Citizens:

• Adults: NAD 1,200 (about US$70)
• Children (6–11): NAD 600 (about US$35)
• Children under 6: free

For Other Nationalities:

• Adults: NAD 1,600 (about US$93)
• Children (6–11): NAD 800 (about US$47)
• Children under 6: free

Applying online also allows travelers to avoid the new NAD 400 manual fee.

Improvements at Hosea Kutako Airport

The Cabinet has identified “operational inefficiencies” at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport. By September 30, 2025, government ministries must finalize a plan to address these issues, focusing on both short- and medium-term improvements.

Current Situation

Currently, 90 nationalities can obtain a Namibian visa on arrival or an e-Visa, including most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and many African and Asian nations. The planned expansion will broaden access but introduce new fees and stricter reciprocity rules.

For travelers, the advice is clear: check Namibia’s e-Visa platform before your trip, apply online if possible, and avoid extra charges at the border. This proactive approach will ensure a smoother entry into Namibia’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.