Entry/Exit Requirements

A passport and visa are normally required. Bearers of U.S. passports who plan to visit Namibia for tourism for less than 90 days can obtain visas at the port of entry and do not need visas prior to entering the country. Travelers coming for work or study, whether paid or voluntary, must obtain a work or study permit prior to entering Namibia. Passports must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond the traveler’s planned date of departure from Namibia.

We strongly encourage all travelers to or from Namibia via South Africa to have six or more unstamped visa pages in their passport. Visitors who do not have enough blank visa pages in their passport risk being denied entry in South Africa or in Namibia and returned to the United States at their own expense.

Additionally, travelers entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation. This requirement may be imposed on travelers flying to South Africa via yellow fever countries even when transiting passengers are required to stay on board the plane (e.g., South African Airways flights from the United States stopping in Dakar, Senegal). Please note that yellow fever inoculations are no longer administered at South African ports of entry. Travelers are now required to obtain a yellow fever inoculation at least 14 days prior to their arrival in South Africa; this is in accordance with WHO regulations. If a yellow fever inoculation is not obtained in accordance with these guidelines, passengers may be turned around at the South African port of entry. Click here for a list of yellow fever countries.

Travelers transiting through South Africa should also visit South Africa’s Country Specific Information page. Parents traveling with children should pay special attention to new rules in South Africa governing traveling minors. Original birth certificates and/or affidavits may be required for minors traveling with one or both parents.

Visit the Embassy of Namibia's website for the most current visa information.

While traveling within Namibia, U.S. citizens should keep passports containing valid visas, as well as a valid driver’s license, with them at all times. Occasionally national authorities may set up roadblocks or stop foreign pedestrians and request identification; this happens frequently around the holidays in December and January, but may occur at any time. Some U.S. citizens have been delayed in their travels because they were unable to produce original passports and visas or a driver’s license upon request (photocopies are not acceptable). U.S. citizens who interact courteously and cooperatively with appropriate authorities, and who are able to produce appropriate documents, generally experience no delays and are able to travel freely in public areas.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or foreign residents of, Namibia.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.