How to Enter Namibia

Do I need a passport or visa to enter?

A passport and visa are normally required. Bearers of U.S. passports who plan to visit Namibia for tourism for less than 90 days can obtain visas at the port of entry and do not need visas prior to entering the country. Travelers coming for work or study, whether paid or voluntary, must obtain a work or study permit prior to entering Namibia. Passports must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond the traveler’s planned date of departure from Namibia.

We strongly encourage all travelers to or from Namibia via South Africa to have six or more unstamped visa pages in their passport. Travelers merely transiting South Africa (those not stopping over or exiting the international terminal in South Africa) may require fewer blank pages for travel. Visitors who do not have enough blank visa pages in their passport risk being denied entry in South Africa and returned to the United States at their own expense.

Additionally, travelers entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation. This requirement may be imposed on travelers flying to South Africa via yellow fever countries even when transiting passengers are required to stay on board the plane (e.g., South African Airways flights from the United States stopping in Dakar, Senegal). Please note that yellow fever inoculations are no longer administered at South African ports of entry. Travelers are now required to obtain a yellow fever inoculation at least 14 days prior to their arrival in South Africa; this is in accordance with WHO regulations. If a yellow fever inoculation is not obtained in accordance with these guidelines, passengers may be turned around at the South African port of entry.

While traveling within Namibia, U.S. citizens should keep passports containing valid visas, as well as a valid driver’s license, with them at all times. Occasionally national authorities may set up road blocks or stop foreign pedestrians and request identification; this happens frequently around the holidays in December and January, but may occur at any time. Some U.S. citizens have been delayed in their travels because they were unable to produce original passports and visas or a driver’s license upon request (photocopies are not acceptable). U.S. citizens who interact courteously and cooperatively with appropriate authorities, and who are able to produce appropriate documents, generally experience no delays and are able to travel freely in public areas.

Special Travel Circumstances in Namibia

Wild animals may pose some danger. Travelers are advised that, even in the most serene settings, animals are wild and can pose a threat to life and safety. For example, baboons are encountered throughout Namibia and commonly scavenge the belongings of travelers. In some areas, especially where camping is common, baboons may be used to human presence and be quite bold in approaching or taking items that interest them. Travelers are cautioned to observe all local or park regulations and heed all instructions given by tour guides. Keep belongings and food put away or in secure containers.

In addition, tourists are advised that potentially dangerous areas sometimes lack fences and warning signs, such as hiking trails or cliff sides. Appropriate caution should be used in all unfamiliar surroundings.

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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