Namibia Tourist/Business Visitor Visa

A Namibia Tourist Visa is intended for individuals visiting the country for leisure and sightseeing. This visa allows foreign nationals to explore Namibia’s well-known attractions as well as its remote and culturally rich destinations.

Citizens of 49 visa-exempt countries can enter Namibia without applying for a visa in advance. These travellers will receive a tourist visa upon arrival, valid for up to 90 days, provided they hold a valid passport.

Namibia Business Visitor Visa

A Namibian Business Visitor Visa falls under the general travel visa category and does not authorise employment or gainful economic activity in Namibia. It is issued to individuals visiting for short-term business engagements or exploratory purposes related to business formation or partnerships.

Permitted activities under the Namibian Business Visitor Visa include:

• Meetings with local branches or subsidiaries of foreign companies
• Official government visits
• Conferences and seminars
• Corporate events and networking
• Business meetings without receiving any remuneration
• Short training programmes (less than 90 days)
• Participation in sports events
• Attendance at expositions or trade fairs

Important: Applicants must cover all visa-related costs unless they are from a country that has signed a Visa Abolition Agreement with Namibia.

To check whether your country is exempt from obtaining a visa before arrival, consult the official list provided by the Namibian government:

Click here to see if your country is visa-exempt.

Last updated: 23/07/2025

Four documents/forms must be submitted with any visa application in Namibia:

1. A completed Namibia visa or permit application form, specific to your visa type.
2. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and at least three blank pages.
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.
4. Proof of payment of the relevant Namibian visa application fee.

The government fees for Namibian Tourist and Business Visitor Visas vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. As a general guide, the application fee typically ranges between NAD 1,080 and NAD 2,500. These fees must be paid directly to the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs or the relevant diplomatic mission.

Applicants from visa-exempt countries do not need to pay visa application fees but must still meet all entry requirements. It is important to verify the applicable fee with the Namibian embassy or consulate before applying, as charges may change without notice.

The Ministry of Home Affairs provides the following processing timeframes for visitor visas:

• Tourist (Holiday) Visa: Typically processed within 7–10 working days, plus 2 working days for passport endorsement.
• Business Visitor Visa: Also processed within 7–10 working days, with endorsement taking an additional 2 working days.

Processing timelines may vary based on the completeness of submitted documents, application volumes, and consular schedules. To avoid delays:

• Submit fully completed and certified application forms
• Include valid passport with required blank pages
• Provide all supporting documentation (proof of travel bookings, financial means, invitation letters, etc.)

Upon approval, your passport will need to be submitted for endorsement to finalise the visa.

Tourist and Business Visitor Visas for Namibia are designed for short-term stays. These visa types are generally simple to apply for, with limited documentation and lower costs compared to long-term or work-related permits. The process can be completed from your country of residence prior to travel.

Step 1: Confirm Whether You Need a Visa

Citizens of visa-exempt countries (currently 49) can enter Namibia for up to 90 days without applying in advance. Travellers from non-exempt countries must apply for a Tourist or Business Visitor Visa before arrival.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Prepare the following documents:

• A passport valid for at least six months, with three blank pages
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Completed Namibia Visa Application Form
• Proof of payment for the visa application fee
• For Business Visitor Visas: Invitation letter from the host company in Namibia, stating the purpose and duration of the visit

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted at a Namibian embassy, high commission, or an authorised Visa Facilitation Centre (e.g. VFS) in your country of residence. All documentation must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

Step 4: Wait for Visa Processing

Processing usually takes 7–10 working days but may vary depending on your location and the time of year. Once approved, you will be notified to submit your passport for visa endorsement.

Step 5: Travel to Namibia

Upon arrival, ensure you carry printed copies of your visa approval and supporting documents, in case you are asked to present them at the port of entry.