Visitor & short-stay visas
Namibian Visa-Free Entry (Exempt Nationalities)
Short visitor stays without a visa for nationals of exempt countries, mainly SADC neighbours and selected partners.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
On this page
- Official name
- Visa exemption for holders of eligible passports
- Route type
- Visa-free visitor entry
- Maximum stay
- Short visit (commonly cited as up to 90 days)
- Verify the exact permitted stay for your nationality
- Visa required
- None for eligible nationalities
- Entry granted at the port of entry on presentation of a valid passport.
- Cost
- No visa fee
- No visa is issued or paid for by exempt nationals.
- Where to apply
- Not applicable — no advance application
- Present your passport to the immigration officer on arrival.
Who it is for
- Nationals of SADC and other countries that Namibia lists as visa-exempt for short stays
- Visitors travelling for tourism, holiday or family visits
What you can do
- Enter and remain for the visitor period granted at the border
- Not permitted: employment, study or long-term residence without a permit
How it works
- Confirm your nationality is on the current exemption list via official MHAISS channels
- Arrive with a valid passport, proof of onward travel, accommodation and funds
- Receive a visitor stamp on arrival for the permitted period
Requirements
- Hold a passport from a nationality that is currently exempt from a Namibian visa (the exemption list was revised on 1 April 2025 — check it still includes your country before you travel).
- Your passport must be valid and contain blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- You must be entering for a permitted short visit such as holiday or tourism.
- You must be able to show onward or return travel and sufficient funds for your stay.
How to apply
There is no visa to apply for in advance. If your nationality is exempt, you travel to Namibia and present your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry, who grants a stay of up to 90 days for tourism.
Because Namibia revised its exemption list on 1 April 2025 on the basis of reciprocity, confirm your nationality is still exempt shortly before you travel. If it is not, you must instead obtain a visa (online via the MHAISS eServices portal or on arrival where eligible) before entering.
Documents you may need
- A valid passport with blank pages for stamps
- A confirmed onward or return ticket
- Proof of accommodation or your itinerary in Namibia
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Frequently asked questions
Eligible visitors are generally admitted for up to 90 days for holiday or tourism purposes. The exact period granted is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Namibian visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISMAPPLY ONLINETourist / Holiday eVisaFor travellers coming for tourism and short holiday visits, applied for in advance online through the official MHAISS eServices portal.View visa details
- SHORT STAYELIGIBLE NATIONALSAT PORTOnline Visa on ArrivalFor eligible nationalities, now applied for online before travel and collected at designated ports of entry on arrival in Namibia.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITTransit VisaA short-validity visa for travellers passing through Namibia en route to another destination.View visa details
