Namibia visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Namibia depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit: many Southern African and selected other nationals may enter visa-free for short stays, while others must obtain an eVisa, an online visa on arrival, or a permit before travelling. Immigration, visas, permits, residence and citizenship are administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS), which operates the official eServices portal for online applications. Always confirm the current rule for your passport on the official MHAISS channels before you travel, as Namibia's visa policy has changed several times in recent years.
Namibian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Namibia — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Namibia to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Namibia — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Namibia.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Namibia as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Namibia long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Namibian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Namibia — key facts
- Visa authority
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Namibian dollar (NAD)
- Time zone
- Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.