Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced eVisa System
Namibia has streamlined its eVisa process for 2026, allowing online applications for faster processing (typically 3-5 days) at a fee of around $50-90 USD depending on nationality. This applies to visitors from countries without visa-on-arrival eligibility, and it's recommended to apply at least two weeks in advance to account for peak season delays.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Namibia, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Namibia requires passports to meet international standards, so ensure yours is not damaged or reported lost/stolen before travel.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter to avoid issues at immigration.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter Namibia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes, simply presenting a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
This privilege extends to over 100 nationalities; check the official Namibia Immigration website for the latest list to confirm eligibility before booking flights.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply for an eVisa online through the official portal, submitting scanned passport pages, a passport photo, proof of accommodation, and financial means (at least $40 USD per day). The fee is $50-90 USD, and processing usually takes 3-7 days, though expedited options are available.
Visa-on-arrival is available at major airports like Windhoek for $50 USD in cash, but pre-approval is safer to avoid queues during busy periods.
Border Crossings
Namibia shares borders with Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia; crossings by road require a valid passport and may involve waits of 1-3 hours, especially at popular points like the Noordoewer border with South Africa. Ensure your vehicle has a temporary import permit if self-driving, and carry yellow fever vaccination proof if coming from endemic areas.
Airports like Hosea Kutako International have efficient immigration, but always have return tickets ready as they're checked upon entry.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and often required for visa applications, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas), trip cancellation, and activities like safaris or dune hiking. Policies should include coverage for adventure sports common in Namibia, such as sandboarding in the Namib Desert.
Affordable options start at $30-50 USD for a two-week trip; providers like World Nomads specialize in adventure travel insurance tailored to Namibia's rugged terrain.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days can be applied for at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek, requiring proof of sufficient funds and reasons like extended tourism or family visits; fees are around $40 USD. Applications must be submitted at least 7 days before expiration to avoid overstay fines of up to $100 USD per day.
Overstays are taken seriously, so plan accordingly and consult immigration offices in major towns for guidance on paperwork.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Namibia uses the Namibian Dollar (N$). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Windhoek by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for internal flights to remote areas like Swakopmund.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside shacks or markets for kapana (grilled meat) under N$100, skipping upscale lodges to save up to 60% on food costs.
Stock up on groceries in supermarkets like Pick n Pay for self-catering during road trips, which is ideal for budget travelers exploring Etosha National Park.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses (combis) at N$200-400 for long distances, or consider a Namibia Tour Saver for discounted intercity travel over multiple days.
These options cut costs by 70% compared to private taxis, though they're less comfortable for remote routes—combine with hitchhiking where safe.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like the Welwitschia Plains, Fish River Canyon viewpoints, or desert sunsets, which provide authentic Namibian experiences without entry fees.
Many natural wonders are accessible via public roads, and community-based tourism initiatives offer cultural insights at no or minimal cost.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and lodges, but carry cash (N$ or ZAR) for rural areas, fuel stations, and markets where ATMs are scarce.
Use bank ATMs for withdrawals to get better rates, and notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks in remote regions.
Park Passes
Purchase a Namibia Annual Parks Pass for N$800, granting unlimited entry to all national parks like Namib-Naukluft and Etosha for a year.
It pays for itself after 2-3 park visits, making it essential for multi-destination itineraries focused on wildlife and landscapes.
Smart Packing for Namibia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable layers for extreme temperature swings, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection during desert days and fleece for chilly nights in the Namib or Etosha.
Neutral colors are best for safaris to avoid startling wildlife; include a wide-brim hat and quick-dry fabrics for dusty conditions in Sossusvlei.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type D/M plugs, a solar charger or power bank for off-grid areas, and a rugged phone case for sand exposure; download offline maps like Maps.me for navigation in remote parks.
A binoculars and DSLR camera are must-haves for wildlife spotting in Etosha, and consider a satellite communicator for safety in isolated regions without cell coverage.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and altitude sickness meds if heading to the Brandberg Mountains, plus vaccinations for hepatitis and typhoid.
High-SPF sunscreen (50+), lip balm, and rehydration salts are crucial for the arid climate; include malaria prophylaxis if visiting northern wetlands during wet season.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable backpack or duffel for easy packing in 4x4 vehicles, a reusable water bottle with filter for safe hydration from taps or streams, and a headlamp for evening campsites.
Pack zip-lock bags for dust-proofing items, a multi-tool knife, and photocopies of your passport sealed in waterproof pouches for border crossings.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for dune climbs in the Namib Desert and rocky trails in Damaraland, paired with lightweight sandals for hot days in Swakopmund.
Waterproof options are useful for occasional flash floods in the wet season, and always break in shoes before travel to prevent blisters on long walks.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and moisturizer to combat dry skin from the desert air, plus wet wipes for water-scarce areas during multi-day safaris.
A compact torch, earplugs for noisy camps, and insect repellent with DEET (30%+) are essential for evenings when mosquitoes are active in riverine zones.
When to Visit Namibia
Dry Season (May-August)
This is peak time for wildlife viewing in Etosha with temperatures of 10-25°C, as animals congregate around waterholes in the arid landscape, making safaris highly rewarding.
Cooler weather is ideal for hiking in the Namib Desert and exploring Sossusvlei dunes without extreme heat, though book lodges early due to high demand.
Shoulder Season (September-October)
Warm days around 25-35°C offer fewer crowds and blooming deserts after winter rains, perfect for photography in Deadvlei and birdwatching in the Caprivi Strip.
Accommodation rates drop slightly, and it's a great window for self-drive adventures before the intense summer heat sets in.
Wet Season (November-March)
Hot and humid with temperatures of 30-40°C, this period brings lush greenery and newborn animals, ideal for budget travelers seeking dramatic storms over the Skeleton Coast.
Roads may become impassable in floods, but it's prime for bird migration and lower prices on tours in less-visited northern parks.
Transition Season (April)
Mild weather of 20-30°C marks the end of rains, with wildflowers starting to appear and opportunities for uncrowded visits to Fish River Canyon hikes.
It's a balanced time for cultural experiences in Himba villages and coastal activities in Walvis Bay, with moderate pricing before dry season peaks.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Namibian Dollar (N$). South African Rand (ZAR) is accepted at 1:1 parity. Cards widely used in urban areas but cash essential for rural spots.
- Language: English is official, with Afrikaans, German, Oshiwambo, and Herero commonly spoken. English suffices in tourist zones.
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2
- Electricity: 220-240V, 50Hz. Type D (three-pin round) and M (three-pin large) plugs
- Emergency Number: 112 for all services (police, medical, fire); police direct line 10111
- Tipping: Customary 10-15% in restaurants and N$20-50 for guides/drivers; not expected in markets
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Carry extra in remote areas
- Pharmacies: Available in cities like Windhoek; stock up on essentials before heading to the desert