By Ian Coffee
The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) has launched an online Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) program, marking a significant step towards streamlining and advancing the country’s visa application process. The program announced earlier this year is specifically designed for travelers from countries that do not have a reciprocal visa agreement with Namibia. Meaning a mutual arrangement between two countries where they grant visa waivers or simplify visa requirements for each other’s citizens.
As of 1 April 2025, eligible applicants can also access and apply for the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) from many nationalities. These include some who were previously exempt from Visa including the Schengen countries in Europe, UK, Australia, New Zealand and the USA among others. In addition to the online application, travelers have the option to submit their VoA application at a Namibian consular post or upon arrival at a designated port of entry.
During the first weeks of the online visa application system, several errors and functionality issues were experienced and even a few reports of European tourists cancelling their entire trip to Namibia. This has been addressed in the meantime, according to the MHAISS.
To apply for the VoA, applicants must provide several documents, including a valid passport, a motivation letter, confirmation of sufficient funds (bank statements), confirmation of accommodation, and travel bookings in Namibia. This is quite an extensive list in my opinion.
One question remains on everyone’s mind, with these document requirements being implemented: Will it not deter prospective tourists from visiting Namibia, especially European Travelers?
The VoA application fee is set at N$ 1,600 (USD $88 at the time of writing) for non-African travelers and N$ 1,200 for African travelers. In our experience, this compares well with other countries in terms of pricing.
However, it is not always sunshine and roses. As with a lot of new things, with the new visa implementation, various reports indicate that tourists/visitors are facing long processing times at the port of entry, especially at Hosea Kutako Airport. Arrivals sometimes take up to 2-3 hours to be cleared which has raised concerns among travelers to Namibia.
I called the helplines listed on the website, 7 calls over 2 days – No answers.
Imagine running against the clock to submit a visa application and having to make international calls with no outcome and no help. I guess only time will tell if we’ve made the right decision.
One of the other curveballs we must be on the lookout for – the duration. It is possible to apply for up to 90-days; however you must clearly state 30 days. If you need a multiple entry permit for tourism and visits to neighboring countries such as Botswana and South Africa, you must specifically request multiple entry from the immigration officer when you arrive. Multiple entry permits are granted at the discretion of the immigration officer, and if not approved you will need to pay for a new visa when you next enter Namibia.
The big question remains … with all the hundreds of millions of Namibian dollars the government will receive this year from tourist visas (With the total revenue in the first months of 25.5 million Namibian dollars, we are currently looking at exceeding N$ 300 million in the first 12 months after launch), how much will be used to enhance the tourism sector of Namibia, making it worthwhile for those visiting the country?
The Namibian government has yet to provide clear answers on how the revenue will be allocated to improve the tourism infrastructure and overall visitor experience, if any. We are on the “worldwide-stage” now – we need to impress and lead by example for other African Countries. We can’t deliver sub-par services and expect substantial results.
This program by the MHAISS reflects Namibia’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector and making the country more accessible to international visitors . The online VoA program is expected to attract more tourists, thereby contributing to the growth of Namibia’s economy. However, addressing the current challenges and ensuring that the revenue is effectively re-invested into the tourism sector, will be crucial for the long-term success of this initiative.
The full impact of the implementation of Namibian Visas on Arrival and E-Visas, will only truly be reflected once we have analysed the economic benefit, as well as tourism numbers after a considerable time.
For more information on the VoA program and application process, travelers are encouraged to visit the official MHAISS website or contact their nearest local Namibian consular office. The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is only applicable to tourism purposes and cannot be used for business, study, or volunteering. Entering Namibia on the incorrect visa can result in serious fines, being banned or even imprisonment, and take it from me, the MHAISS are following up and checking.
The following options are available when using the Namibian Visa on Arrival System
Tip: When you receive your passport from the Immigration Official at the port of entry, please ensure your entry and exit dates are correct, as it is the passport holder’s responsibility to ensure correctness. *Ian Coffee, a Namibian Immigration Expert at IBN Immigration Solutions
