Namibia is reshaping its entry rules once again. After ending visa exemptions for 33 major nationalities earlier this year, the government has now announced plans to add up to 36 more countries to its visa-on-arrival system.
End of Visa-Free Travel for Many
Since April 1, 2025, citizens of countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia have lost their previous visa-free access to Namibia.
Travellers from these countries are now required to obtain an e-visa to enter, a move justified by the government as reciprocity toward states that impose similar requirements on Namibian travellers.
Who’s Getting Easier Access Next
At a Cabinet meeting on September 2, Namibia decided to widen its visa-on-arrival program, which already covers 90 nationalities. Soon, citizens from 36 more countries and territories will be able to obtain a visa online before departure or directly at the border.
The list includes:
- 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
It is worth mentioning here that a line in the official notice reads “Vanuatu Dominican Republic,” raising confusion about whether this refers to one or two separate entries.
For Haiti, holders of ordinary passports will not need to pay visa fees, also under reciprocity.
Extra Fees for Applying at the Border
Namibia is also about to introduce a NAD 400 (about US$23) “manual service fee” for anyone applying at the immigration desk instead of online. While no official reason was given, the intent seems clear: push travellers toward the e-Visa system.
Using Namibia’s e-Visa System
Eligible visitors can apply online at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na before travelling. Processing usually takes only a few hours, which means travellers can arrive with approval already in hand instead of waiting at the counter.
Here’s what it costs:
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 avoids the new NAD 400 manual fee.
Improvements at Hosea Kutako Airport
The Cabinet also flagged “operational inefficiencies” at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport. By September 30, 2025, government ministries must finalise a plan to address these problems, covering both short- and medium-term improvements.
Where Things Stand Now
At present, 90 nationalities are already eligible for a Namibian visa on arrival or e-Visa, including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, and many African and Asian countries. The planned expansion will broaden this access further, though it comes alongside new fees and stricter reciprocity rules.
For travellers, the message is simple: check Namibia’s e-Visa platform before your trip, apply online if you can, and avoid paying extra at the border.
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