More entry points added for e-visa and visa on-arrival
The ministry of home affairs has expanded the list of entry points in Namibia where travelers can apply for a visa on arrival and where those with an approved e-visa can enter the country.
The Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) confirmed this update in a statement following a follow-up meeting with the ministry and tourism stakeholders on Tuesday. The meeting aimed to address concerns and clarify procedures following the recent launch of Namibia’s e-visa, visa-on-arrival system, and arrival form for international visitors.
FENATA clarified that visitors must first sign up before logging in to submit an online application. To improve user experience, the tourism industry has requested the ministry to enhance online instructions to prevent applicants from selecting the wrong visa option.
Additionally, families or groups can submit multiple applications under a single profile. However, if one application is flagged for any reason, the system will not allow any further submissions until the issue is resolved. At this stage, no group payment option is available.
FENATA assured that regional flights will not affect the online visa application process. Travelers may enter Namibia through any border post designated for e-visas and visas on arrival.
All foreign nationals, including those holding a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) or Domicile Permit, must complete the arrival form upon entry into Namibia. Transit passengers, however, are exempt from visa requirements.
To apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival, travelers must provide a valid passport, a motivation letter, proof of sufficient funds in the form of a bank statement, confirmation of accommodation, a travel itinerary for Namibia, and valid medical insurance. The visa-on-arrival fee is set at N$1,600 for non-African travelers and N$1,200 for African travelers.
Currently, the e-visa system issues visas for a 30-day period. However, visitors may apply for an extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ head office for an additional 60 days at a cost of N$600, allowing a maximum stay of up to 90 days. According to FENATA, this policy was implemented for security reasons, as automatically granting 90-day visas would require stricter scrutiny.
FENATA also mentioned that authorities are actively monitoring the situation and may consider revising this policy in the future. In the meantime, they recommend that travelers intending to stay for more than 30 days apply for an extension upon arrival with an immigration official, while those staying for up to 30 days should opt for the online e-visa application.
Expanded entry points
Travelers with an approved online e-visa can now enter Namibia through any gazetted port of entry. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also expanded the list of border posts where travelers can apply for a visa on arrival, adding locations such as Mata Mata, Klein Manasse, Dobe, and Sendelingsdrift, with a full list to be released soon.
The updated list of entry points for in-person visa-on-arrival applications now includes 17 locations. These include major airports such as Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, and Lüderitz Airport. Travelers can also enter via harbours, including Walvis Bay Harbour and Lüderitz Harbour, as well as Oranjemund Airport. Several land borders have been included, such as Katwitwi, Ariamsvlei, Noordoewer, Oranjemund, Oshikango, Trans-Kalahari, Ruacana, Impalila, Ngoma, and Mohembo.
These updated visa regulations aim to streamline Namibia’s entry process, improve accessibility for international visitors, and support the country’s tourism industry.
The Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) confirmed this update in a statement following a follow-up meeting with the ministry and tourism stakeholders on Tuesday. The meeting aimed to address concerns and clarify procedures following the recent launch of Namibia’s e-visa, visa-on-arrival system, and arrival form for international visitors.
FENATA clarified that visitors must first sign up before logging in to submit an online application. To improve user experience, the tourism industry has requested the ministry to enhance online instructions to prevent applicants from selecting the wrong visa option.
Additionally, families or groups can submit multiple applications under a single profile. However, if one application is flagged for any reason, the system will not allow any further submissions until the issue is resolved. At this stage, no group payment option is available.
FENATA assured that regional flights will not affect the online visa application process. Travelers may enter Namibia through any border post designated for e-visas and visas on arrival.
All foreign nationals, including those holding a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) or Domicile Permit, must complete the arrival form upon entry into Namibia. Transit passengers, however, are exempt from visa requirements.
To apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival, travelers must provide a valid passport, a motivation letter, proof of sufficient funds in the form of a bank statement, confirmation of accommodation, a travel itinerary for Namibia, and valid medical insurance. The visa-on-arrival fee is set at N$1,600 for non-African travelers and N$1,200 for African travelers.
Currently, the e-visa system issues visas for a 30-day period. However, visitors may apply for an extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ head office for an additional 60 days at a cost of N$600, allowing a maximum stay of up to 90 days. According to FENATA, this policy was implemented for security reasons, as automatically granting 90-day visas would require stricter scrutiny.
FENATA also mentioned that authorities are actively monitoring the situation and may consider revising this policy in the future. In the meantime, they recommend that travelers intending to stay for more than 30 days apply for an extension upon arrival with an immigration official, while those staying for up to 30 days should opt for the online e-visa application.
Expanded entry points
Travelers with an approved online e-visa can now enter Namibia through any gazetted port of entry. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also expanded the list of border posts where travelers can apply for a visa on arrival, adding locations such as Mata Mata, Klein Manasse, Dobe, and Sendelingsdrift, with a full list to be released soon.
The updated list of entry points for in-person visa-on-arrival applications now includes 17 locations. These include major airports such as Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay Airport, and Lüderitz Airport. Travelers can also enter via harbours, including Walvis Bay Harbour and Lüderitz Harbour, as well as Oranjemund Airport. Several land borders have been included, such as Katwitwi, Ariamsvlei, Noordoewer, Oranjemund, Oshikango, Trans-Kalahari, Ruacana, Impalila, Ngoma, and Mohembo.
These updated visa regulations aim to streamline Namibia’s entry process, improve accessibility for international visitors, and support the country’s tourism industry.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article