Namibia

🇳🇦

Phone Code

+264

Capital

Windhoek

Population

2.6 Million

Native Name

Namibia

Region

Africa

Southern Africa

Timezone

West Africa Summer Time

UTC+02:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Namibia is a Southern African country bordering Angola, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean. One of Africa's most sparsely populated countries (2.6 million people in area twice the size of California), Namibia is known for stunning desert landscapes, exceptional wildlife, stable democracy, and being one of Africa's safest and most developed nations. A former German colony (German South-West Africa 1884-1915, legacy visible in architecture, food, and German-speaking population) then South African territory until independence in 1990. Windhoek, the capital, is clean, modern city with German colonial buildings and African markets. Namibia contains world's oldest desert (Namib Desert, 55+ million years), tallest sand dunes (Sossusvlei, 325m), and unique wildlife adapted to extreme aridity. Visitors are drawn to Sossusvlei dunes (Big Daddy dune, Deadvlei clay pan with dead trees, sunrise photography), Etosha National Park (excellent self-drive safari, elephants, rhinos, lions at waterholes), Fish River Canyon (second largest canyon after Grand Canyon), Skeleton Coast (shipwreck-strewn Atlantic coast, seal colonies, desert-adapted elephants), Swakopmund (German colonial beach town, adventure sports), Damaraland (desert elephants, rock art), and Namib-Naukluft National Park. Namibia offers spectacular desert scenery, excellent wildlife viewing, self-drive accessibility, safety, and authentic African adventure in one of continent's most photogenic destinations.

Visa Requirements for Namibia

Namibia offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 80 countries for tourist stays up to 90 days, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, all EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and most Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations. This liberal policy makes Namibia one of Africa's most accessible destinations. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 2 blank pages for stamps. Immigration at Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) is straightforward and professional. Visitors receive free entry stamp valid for 90 days. Extensions possible through Ministry of Home Affairs if needed. Those requiring visas can apply at Namibian embassies/consulates before travel. Namibia's visa policies reflect stable democracy, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and commitment to growing tourism sector. Popular overland entry from South Africa, Botswana (via Caprivi Strip for Victoria Falls), and Angola. Yellow fever certificate required ONLY if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Namibia is politically stable, safe, and welcoming to tourists with English as official language making it accessible.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days; passport valid 6 months beyond stay with 2+ blank pages; stamped free at entry (airport or land border); proof of sufficient funds and return ticket may be requested but rarely; extendable at Ministry of Home Affairs; cannot work; most common entry method; straightforward professional immigration.

For tourism or business for citizens of 80+ countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, South Africa, SADC nations.

Visa Extension

Additional 90 days possible (180 days total maximum per year); apply at Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek before initial 90 days expire; requires passport, application form, proof of funds, accommodation confirmation, extension fee (~N$800/$50); relatively easy process but time-consuming; many prefer to exit/re-enter from South Africa.

For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 90 days.

Embassy Visa

30-90 days typically; apply through Namibian embassy or consulate; requires application form, passport, photos, hotel booking or invitation letter, return ticket, proof of funds; Namibia has limited embassy network - may apply through South African embassies where Namibia not represented; processing 5-15 days; fees vary by nationality.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, primarily some African and Asian countries.

SADC/KAZA Protocols

SADC nationals (Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, etc.) enter visa-free up to 90 days. KAZA UniVisa (for Zambia-Zimbabwe-Botswana-Namibia-Angola tourists) allows multiple entries to participating countries; useful for Victoria Falls/Chobe/Okavango circuit; promotes regional tourism integration.

Special protocols for Southern African Development Community citizens and Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area visitors.

Important Travel Information

Self-drive paradise: Namibia is Africa's best self-drive destination. Excellent road network (tarred main roads, well-maintained gravel roads), clear signage, minimal traffic, and safe. International Driving Permit required alongside home license. 4x4 recommended but not essential (sedan OK for main attractions). Drive on left (British legacy). Fuel stations in towns but long distances between - fill up regularly. Speed limits: 120 km/h tarmac, 80-100 km/h gravel. Wildlife on roads at dusk/dawn - drive carefully. GPS/maps essential.

World's oldest desert and tallest dunes: Namib Desert is 55+ million years old (world's oldest). Sossusvlei area features towering red sand dunes including Big Daddy (325m, tallest in world) and Dune 45 (named for being 45km from park gate, popular sunrise climb). Deadvlei is white clay pan with 900-year-old dead camel thorn trees against orange dunes - most photographed location in Africa. Sunrise entry requires park pass and pre-dawn departure from nearby Sesriem. Photography extraordinary.

English official language: Namibia's official language is English (adopted at independence 1990 for neutrality, despite tiny English-speaking population). German widely spoken (legacy of colonization, German restaurants, bakeries, street signs). Afrikaans common (South African influence). Indigenous languages: Oshiwambo, Herero, Damara/Nama (click language). English proficiency in tourism sector excellent. No language barriers for travelers - major advantage over much of Africa.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Windhoek
States & Regions in Namibia

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Hosted missions

Embassies in Namibia

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Namibia
United States in Namibia

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