Namibia has taken another bold step toward boosting its tourism sector and strengthening international relations by expanding its visa on arrival in Namibia policy. As of September 2025, 36 additional countries are now officially qualified for an arrival visa,
bringing the total list of eligible nationalities to over 120.
This move aligns with Namibia’s broader efforts to enhance diplomatic goodwill, encourage foreign investment, and streamline travel procedures. While the measure creates new opportunities for travelers, it also comes with updates to visa fees, especially for those who choose to apply directly at the border rather than through the electronic portal. In this article, we’ll explore the new developments in the visa on arrival in Namibia policy, the full list of newly eligible countries, updated fees, and what it all means for international travelers
Namibia Expands Visa on Arrival Policy
36 additional nationalities are now eligible for visas upon arrival in Namibia, according to an official confirmation from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS). Travellers from these nations may now more easily obtain entrance authorisation before to their departure thanks to the expansion’s integration with the government’s computerised visa system.
According to the ministry, this policy shift is part of Namibia’s ongoing efforts to:
- Boost tourism revenue, a key driver of the national economy.
- Strengthen bilateral relations with more countries.
- Improve border efficiency by encouraging the use of online applications.
The announcement resolves earlier confusion over the number of countries added, as the official list has now been clarified and finalized.
The 36 New Nations That Namibia Will Accept for Visas Upon Arrival
Citizens of the following nations and territories can now get a visa upon arrival in Namibia thanks to the latest update:
- Åland Islands
- American Samoa
- Andorra
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Bolivia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Central African Republic
- Cyprus
- Dominican Republic
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Kiribati
- Maldives
- Malta
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Palestine
- Panama
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Slovenia
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vanuatu
These 36 countries join 90 others, including the US, Canada, and the majority of EU countries, that have been able to get a visa upon arrival in Namibia since April 2025.
Why Namibia Expanded Visa on Arrival Eligibility
The expansion of the visa on arrival in Namibia program serves multiple national objectives:
- Tourism Development – Namibia is a premier safari and eco-tourism destination. Simplifying entry for more travelers boosts arrivals and tourism spending.
- Economic Diversification – Tourism is a vital alternative revenue stream as the country reduces reliance on mining.
- Diplomatic Cooperation – Adding more countries demonstrates Namibia’s openness and strengthens international partnerships.
- Administrative Efficiency – By integrating the new nationalities into the e-visa portal, Namibia reduces congestion at border posts.
This expansion demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to aligning with global travel trends, where countries are increasingly easing entry restrictions to attract more visitors.
How the Visa on Arrival in Namibia Works
Travelers from eligible countries have two main options to secure their visa on arrival in Namibia:
- Pre-Approved e-Visa on Arrival
- Visitors apply online before traveling.
- The application is processed through Namibia’s electronic visa portal.
- The visa is still issued at the border but pre-cleared, making entry faster and smoother.
- Manual Application at the Border
- Travelers apply directly at the port of entry.
- This traditional option causes longer wait times.
- It will soon become significantly more expensive.
Authorities strongly encourage travelers to use the online system to reduce delays and improve efficiency.
Updated Fees for Visa on Arrival in Namibia
Alongside the policy expansion, Namibia has introduced new fee structures for the visa on arrival in Namibia, specifically for manual applications at border crossings.
- Current Fee: N$1,600 (approx. €79 / USD $85)
- Upcoming Fee: N$2,000 (approx. €99 / USD $115) for border-issued visas
- Additional Surcharge: An extra N$400 will apply to in-person applications
The government explained that these higher fees are meant to discourage manual applications and promote online processing through the electronic portal. The exact implementation date of the new fee structure has not yet been announced, as administrative steps are still underway
Benefits of the Expanded Visa on Arrival Policy
There are several advantages for both tourists and Namibia as a whole from the extension of the visa upon arrival:
For Travelers:
- Greater Accessibility: More nationalities can now enter Namibia without lengthy pre-departure paperwork.
- Convenience: Online applications simplify the process and speed up border clearance.
- Tourism Opportunities: Easier entry allows more people to explore Namibia’s renowned wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage.
For Namibia:
- Increased Tourism Revenue: More visitors translate into higher spending on accommodation, transport, and local services.
- Job Creation: A growing tourism sector supports employment across multiple industries.
- Global Visibility: The expanded policy enhances Namibia’s reputation as an open and welcoming destination.
What Travelers Should Know Before Applying
If you plan to take advantage of the expanded visa on arrival in Namibia, keep the following points in mind:
- Apply Online First: Even though you can apply at the border, it’s cheaper and faster to use the e-visa portal.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your country is listed among the 126+ eligible nationalities.
- Have Documents Ready: Valid passport, proof of accommodation, and return travel details are typically required.
- Budget for Fees: Be aware of the new cost structure and plan accordingly.
By preparing ahead, travelers can make the most of Namibia’s streamlined entry process
The Bigger Picture: Namibia’s Travel and Economic Goals
The visa on arrival in Namibia expansion is more than just a tourism measure—it is part of a broader national strategy.
- Economic Diversification: With global diamond markets uncertain, Namibia is investing in tourism as a sustainable growth driver.
- Regional Leadership Namibia solidifies its standing as a top southern African travel destination by implementing a progressive visa policy.
- Global Integration: Expanding visa eligibility fosters closer ties with international partners and opens opportunities for business and cultural exchange.
This holistic approach highlights Namibia’s long-term vision of balancing openness with economic sustainability.
Conclusion
36 more nations have been added to the list of nationalities that can obtain a visa upon arrival in Namibia.represents a major step in the country’s tourism and economic strategy. By simplifying entry, encouraging e-visa applications, and updating fee structures, Namibia is striking a balance between efficiency, revenue generation, and international cooperation.
For travelers, the policy means greater access to one of Africa’s most stunning destinations, from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife of Etosha National Park. For Namibia, it means more visitors, stronger international ties, and a more resilient economy.
As the new policy takes full effect, visa on arrival in Namibia is set to become an even more important gateway for global travelers seeking adventure, culture, and opportunity in southern Africa.
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