Namibia is a land of ethereal landscapes, from the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park. For citizens of the United States of America, the travel landscape changed significantly on April 1, 2025. While US travelers previously enjoyed visa-free entry, a new reciprocity-based policy now requires Americans to obtain a visa to enter this stunning Southern African nation.
If you are planning a trip, the Namibia eVisa (also known as the Online Visa on Arrival) is the most efficient way to secure your entry. This guide covers everything about the Namibia eVisa for USA Citizens, document requirements to the fastest processing times available.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Namibia?
Yes. As of April 1, 2025, the Namibian government requires all U.S. passport holders to obtain a visa for tourism, business, or short-term work. This change follows the principle of diplomatic reciprocity. Fortunately, Namibia has introduced a streamlined online system to ensure this new requirement doesn’t hinder your travel plans.
What Are the Available Namibia eVisa Types for Americans?
Depending on the purpose of your visit, you can apply for several categories of online authorization:
- Holiday/Tourist Visa: Perfect for those visiting for vacation, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.
- Visa on Arrival (Online Pre-Approval): This is the most common path for tourists, allowing you to get pre-approved online to save hours of manual paperwork at the border.
- Short-Term Work Visa: Specifically for individuals entering Namibia for professional assignments, consultancy, or technical work lasting up to 3 months.
Which Namibia Airports Accept the eVisa for Entry?
The Namibia eVisa is officially accepted at the major international gateways. The most common entry point for US citizens is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. Additionally, the Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) also accommodates travelers arriving with online authorizations.
Can Americans Work Remotely on a Tourist eVisa?
While a Holiday/Tourist Visa is strictly for leisure, many digital nomads ask if they can “check emails” or perform remote work for a US-based company. Technically, the tourist visa prohibits local employment (earning money from a Namibian source). If you are performing professional services for a Namibian entity, you must apply for the Short-Term Work Visa.
Which Land Borders Accept the Namibia Online Visa?
If you are traveling by road from neighboring countries like South Africa or Botswana, you can use your eVisa at several key border posts. These include:
- Ariamsvlei (Bordering South Africa)
- Noordoewer (Bordering South Africa)
- Trans-Kalahari (Bordering Botswana)
- Wenela (Bordering Zambia/Zambezi region)
How Long Does Namibia eVisa Processing Take?
The online system offers three tiers of speed to accommodate different schedules:
- Standard Processing: 1 – 2 Business Days.
- Rush Processing: 6 – 12 Hours.
- Super Rush Processing: 1 Hour (Ideal for emergency travel or those already at the airport).
What Are the Namibia eVisa Document Requirements for US Citizens?
To ensure a 0% rejection rate, provide high-quality scans of the following Namibia Visa Requirements:
- Valid US Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity and 3 blank pages.
- Recent Passport Photo: Digital, color photograph with a white background.
- Travel Itinerary: Proof of your return or onward flight bookings.
- Accommodation Confirmation: Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation.
- Proof of Funds: A recent bank statement or credit card copy.
- Medical Insurance: Coverage for your entire stay in Namibia.
Is a Flight Ticket Necessary for the Application?
Yes, providing a flight itinerary is a mandatory part of the application process. Immigration authorities use this to verify your intention to leave the country within the authorized stay period. If your travel plans are flexible, ensure you have at least a confirmed flight reservation or “Project” itinerary that matches your requested stay dates.
How Many Bank Statements Do I Need to Provide?
Generally, a single bank statement from the most recent month is sufficient, provided it clearly shows your name and a balance that demonstrates you can support yourself for the duration of your trip. Authorities look for “Proof of Funds” to ensure visitors don’t become a burden on the state.
What Are the Hotel Stay and Accommodation Rules for Tourists?
As a tourist, you must provide the physical address of where you will be staying. If you are moving between multiple lodges or campsites, it is best to provide the booking confirmation for your first 3 nights. If you are staying with a resident, you must provide an invitation letter along with a copy of their ID or residency permit.
Can I Use Apple Pay for the eVisa Payment?
Yes, namibia-evisa.com supports modern payment methods. You can securely pay your visa fees using Apple Pay, or major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). This ensures a fast transaction, especially for “Super Rush” applications.
Are There Specific Rules for Minors Traveling on a Transit or Tourist Visa?
Namibia has strict “Unabridged Birth Certificate” requirements for minors (under 18). Even if the child has an eVisa or Transit Visa, parents must carry the child’s full birth certificate. If only one parent is traveling, a notarized Affidavit of Consent from the absent parent is mandatory to prevent child trafficking.
What Should I Do if My Payment Failed But Money Was Deducted?
If you experience a technical glitch where the payment shows as failed but your bank account was charged, do not apply again immediately. Contact the 24/7 support team at namibia-evisa.com with your transaction ID or email address. They can manually verify the payment and push your application into the processing queue without a double charge.
How Much Does the Namibia Online Visa Cost in Total?
The cost includes:
- Government Visa Fee: The standard immigration fee.
- Service Fee: For document verification and application handling.
- Optional Rush Fee: Only applicable for 1-hour or 12-hour processing.
Are There Mandatory Vaccines for Entering Namibia?
Currently, there are no mandatory vaccines for travelers arriving directly from the United States. However, if you are transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country (such as Ethiopia or Kenya) for more than 12 hours, you must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon arrival.
