Namibia travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Namibia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Namibia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Namibian High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Namibia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. It must also have at least 3 blank pages. If you’re travelling to Namibia through South Africa read the South Africa travel advice.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

From 1 April 2025 you will need a visa to visit Namibia. The Namibian authorities have launched a visa on arrival scheme, which is extended to UK passport holders.

You can either apply for a visa on arrival when you arrive at a Port of Entry for Namibia, or you can apply online before you travel for an e-visa. For either route, the cost is 1,600 Namibian dollars for travellers over 11 years old. Children between the ages of 11 to 6 will will be charged 800 Namibian dollars. Children under the age of 6 will not be charged a fee for a visa on arrival. When granted a visa on arrival, you will receive a multiple entry visa valid for the period that you have requested.

If you plan to work or volunteer, or if you want to stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa. These categories are not covered by the visa on arrival process.

Applying for a visa on arrival

Full details on how to apply for the online e-Visa for Visa on Arrival, including the online application form, can be found at Visa On Arrival.

This link also includes information on the process for the application and the documentation required.

Applying for other visa categories

Apply through the Namibian High Commission in the UK.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Make sure the date on your entry stamp and the amount of time you have been given to stay is correct. Immigration officials will check these details when you leave Namibia.

The Namibian authorities could detain, arrest or fine you if you overstay or have an incorrect or missing entry stamp in your passport.

Travelling with children aged 17 and under

If you’re a parent travelling with children aged 17 and under, you must carry their:

• valid passport
• full birth certificate with both parents’ details (original or certified copy)

Namibian immigration officials will not accept an abridged (short) birth certificate. If your child was born in the UK, you can order a full unabridged birth certificate online.

If you’re a legal guardian and your name is not on the birth certificate, you will need to have documentation to prove it.

If you’re not a parent or legal guardian of children you’re travelling with, you must have an affidavit from their parents or guardians giving consent.

If a child is travelling with one parent or legal guardian, the other parent or legal guardian should give consent for travel in an affidavit.

Unaccompanied children must carry:

• a valid passport
• proof of consent from a parent or legal guardian in an affidavit
• a letter from their host giving the address where they’ll be staying

Contact the Namibian High Commission in the UK for more information.

Travelling with children through a South African airport

If you’re travelling with children through a South African airport, see South Africa travel advice for information about the documents you must carry.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Namibia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Namibia guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Namibia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date you enter Namibia and have at least 3 blank pages.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Work visa: required

You can submit your tourist visa application online or on arrival at designated ports of entry, including:

• Hosea Kutako International Airport
• Walvis Bay International Airport
• main land border crossings

For all other visa types, you must submit your application in advance at a Namibian embassy or consulate.

Make sure the length of stay indicated on your entry stamp is valid for the duration of your stay (up to 90 days) and that immigration officials have given you a correctly dated entry stamp, as this will be checked upon departure.

E-Services – Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security of the Republic of Namibia

Extending your visa

Namibian authorities are very strict regarding visa validity. If you wish to stay in Namibia beyond your authorized period, apply for an extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek. The extension must be requested before your visa expires.

Overstaying can result in heavy fines, arrest, imprisonment or deportation.

Work permits

It is illegal to perform any type of work, including volunteering, on a tourist visa. To work or volunteer in Namibia, you must have a valid work permit. Convicted offenders could face heavy fines, imprisonment or deportation.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of accommodation
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• proof of health insurance coverage

Children and travel

When travelling to and from Namibia, children under 18 must present certain documents.

If travelling with both parents:

• a valid passport
• a long-form birth certificate

If travelling with one parent:

• a valid passport
• a long-form birth certificate
• a letter of consent from the other parent or a copy of a death certificate where applicable

If travelling with other adults:

• a valid passport
• a long-form birth certificate
• a proof of consent from the biological parents or legal guardians in the form of a sworn affidavit for the child to travel internationally
• contact information for the child’s parents or legal guardians

If travelling alone:

• a valid passport
• a long-form birth certificate
• proof of consent from one or both parents or legal guardians in the form of a sworn affidavit for the child to travel abroad
• contact information of the child’s parents or legal guardians
• a letter from the person who is to receive the child, containing the residential address and contact details where the child will be residing
• a copy of the identity document of the person who is to receive the child. This could be:
• a valid passport and visa
• a permanent residence permit

If you are transiting by road through South Africa with children under the age of 18, consult the entry/exit requirements for South Africa.

Children and travel

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).