Exciting news for travellers! Namibia is set to launch its brand-new e-Visa system on March 3, 2025, making entry into the country smoother and more efficient. If you’ve heard concerns about technical issues, don’t worry—the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS) has clarified that the system is still in its preparatory phase and has not yet gone live.
Wondering what this means for you? Let’s break it down into simple terms so you know exactly what to expect.
Namibia’s E-Visa System: What’s Happening?
The Namibian government has confirmed that the e-Visa platform will go live on March 3, 2025. This digital visa-on-arrival system aims to simplify the visa application process for international travellers.
There were some reports that European tourists had to cancel their trips due to technical glitches with the e-Visa system. However, officials have denied these claims, explaining that the system hasn’t launched yet. Travellers can rest assured that once it goes live, it will be fully functional, user-friendly, and designed to provide a seamless entry experience.
Key Dates to Remember
- March 3, 2025 – The Visa-on-Arrival Application Form and e-Visa for visa-on-arrival officially launch. Travellers can start applying for their visas online before arriving in Namibia.
- April 1, 2025 – New visa requirements take effect for travellers from 33 countries. If you’re from one of these countries, you’ll now need a visa to enter Namibia.
Which Countries Are Affected by the New Visa Rules?
Starting April 1, 2025, citizens from 33 countries will be required to obtain a visa before entering Namibia. This decision is based on reciprocity, meaning that these countries require Namibians to apply for a visa, so Namibia is implementing the same rule.
If you’re from any of the following countries, you’ll need a visa:
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uzbekistan
How Much Will the Visa Cost?
If you’re from one of the affected countries, you’ll need to pay a visa fee of 1,600 Namibian dollars—which is about €84 (EUR) or $88 (USD).
Visas can be obtained at key entry points, including Windhoek and Walvis Bay airports, making the process more convenient for incoming travellers.
How the E-Visa on Arrival System Works
Namibia’s new e-Visa system is designed to make the visa process faster and more efficient. Here’s how it will work:
Apply online – Before your trip, you can submit your Visa-on-Arrival Application Form through the official e-Visa portal.
Get pre-approved – This helps reduce processing time at the border.
Arrive in Namibia – Once you land, your visa will be ready, ensuring a hassle-free entry process.
According to Etienne Maritz, Executive Director of MHAISS, this user-friendly system will eliminate delays and make travelling to Namibia much easier.
“With this newly designed platform, tourists can apply for visas from the comfort of their homes, ensuring a smoother and more efficient entry process,” Maritz stated.
What You Should Do Next
Planning to visit Namibia in 2025? Here’s what you need to do:
Check if your country is affected – If you’re from one of the 33 listed countries, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
Wait for the official launch – The e-Visa system goes live on March 3, 2025, so don’t try applying before then.
Visit the official e-Visa portal – Get the latest updates and submit your application at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na.
Budget for the visa fee – Make sure you have the required payment ready.
Prepare your documents – Ensure you have everything you need for a smooth application process.
Final Thoughts
Namibia’s new e-Visa system is set to revolutionize the country’s entry process, making it easier, faster, and more transparent. While the government finalizes preparations, travellers are encouraged to stay informed by following official sources to avoid misinformation.
For more updates on travel policies and visa requirements, stay tuned to our latest news!
