Namibia offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of travel. Understanding which visa type you need ensures a smooth application and entry into the country.
Visa on Arrival (Tourist Visa)
The most common visa for visitors. This covers:
- Tourism and holiday travel
- Visiting family and friends
- Business visitor activities (meetings, conferences – not employment)
- Transit through Namibia
Validity: Up to 90 days, multiple entry
Cost: N$1,600 (non-African) / N$1,200 (African)
Apply: Online via eservices.mhaiss.gov.na or at port of entry
Holiday Visa
A longer-stay option for extended visits:
- Stays longer than 30 days
- More extensive documentation required
- Longer processing time than Visa on Arrival
Validity: Up to 3 months
Apply: Online or through Namibian embassies
Transit Visa
For travellers passing through Namibia to another destination:
- Short stay (typically up to 7 days)
- Must have proof of onward travel
- Processing time: 7-10 working days
Study Visa
For international students enrolled at Namibian educational institutions:
- Must have acceptance letter from a recognized institution
- Proof of financial means for tuition and living expenses
- Processing time: 7-10 working days
- Apply through MHAISS or Namibian embassies
Employment Visa
For those who have secured a job in Namibia:
- Requires a confirmed job offer from a Namibian employer
- Employer must demonstrate that no local candidate was available
- Processing time: 7-10 working days
- Cannot be obtained through the Visa on Arrival system
Work Permit Categories
| Permit Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Employment permit | Full-time employment | Up to 2 years |
| Work permit | Short-term employment | Up to 6 months |
| Asylum seeker permit | Seeking asylum | Varies |
| Permanent residence | Long-term settlement | Indefinite |
Which Visa Type Do You Need?
For most travellers visiting Namibia for tourism, the Visa on Arrival (available as an eVisa online) is the correct choice. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you need a different category – apply through a Namibian embassy or consulate before travel.
Countries That Do Not Need a Visa
Citizens of certain countries with reciprocal agreements can enter Namibia without a visa. This includes nationals of some African countries and select other nations. Check the current list on the MHAISS portal or your nearest Namibian embassy.
Important Notes
- Do not use a tourist visa for employment – this is a serious immigration offence
- Volunteering requires a specific permit, not a tourist visa
- Media work (journalism, filming) requires prior authorization
- Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or future entry bans
Can I work remotely from Namibia on a tourist visa?
Namibia’s immigration law does not specifically address remote work for foreign employers. The Visa on Arrival does not authorize employment in Namibia. If you plan to work remotely during an extended stay, consult with a Namibian immigration lawyer or the nearest embassy for current guidance.
Can I extend my visa while in Namibia?
Visa extensions may be possible in some circumstances. Visit the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek before your visa expires. Overstaying without an extension is a serious offence.
What is the KAZA visa?
The KAZA (Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) visa is a planned unified visa for travel between Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Namibia is expected to participate, but implementation details may change. Check current status before relying on it.
