UK citizens need a visa to enter Namibia since 1 April 2025. The Namibia eVisa for UK citizens lets you apply entirely online, with no embassy visit required. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days, and the eVisa permits stays up to 90 days for tourism. The government fee is payable online via Visa or Mastercard in Namibian Dollars or US Dollars.
At a glance: UK citizens can apply for a Namibia eVisa entirely online through the government’s e-services portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na. The process requires a valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity), a digital photo, accommodation proof, and a return flight booking. The government fee is payable by debit or credit card. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, and the eVisa is valid for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Namibia?
Yes, since 1 April 2025, UK passport holders must obtain a visa before or upon arrival in Namibia (source: GOV.UK travel advice). British citizens have two options: the Namibia eVisa (apply online before travel) or a Visa on Arrival (at the airport or border). The eVisa guarantees pre-approved entry and eliminates airport queues. The Namibia eVisa for UK citizens is processed exclusively through the government portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which Should UK Travellers Choose?
The Namibia eVisa costs the same as a Visa on Arrival but eliminates airport queues and guarantees pre-approved entry. Both carry the same government fee, payable in N$ or USD.
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Government fee (N$ or USD) | Same government fee |
| Processing time | 5 to 10 business days | Issued at airport on arrival |
| Apply before travel? | Yes | No |
| Entry type options | Single + multiple entry | Single entry only |
| Documents at airport | Printed eVisa PDF | Passport, photo, proof of funds |
Quick Decision Guide
- Pre-approved entry – no airport queues
- Multiple entry for cross-border trips to Botswana, Zambia, or South Africa
- Convenient when travelling with children
- Not suitable for last-minute travel – requires 5 to 10 business days
- Application may be rejected, requiring a fallback to Visa on Arrival
Namibia eVisa Requirements for UK Citizens
UK applicants need a passport valid for 6+ months beyond departure from Namibia, with 3 blank pages, a digital photo, accommodation proof, and a return flight booking. Since 1 April 2025, UK passport holders must obtain a visa.
Passport and Document Checklist
- Passport – biometric page scan (JPEG or PNG, clear, full page visible)
- Digital passport-size photograph (white or light background, no glasses, face centred)
- Accommodation proof (hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter)
- Return ticket or onward flight booking (required for all UK passport holders)
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statement – recommended)
If your passport is close to expiry, renew it via the UK passport renewal service – allow up to 10 weeks for processing.
Travelling with Children
Each child requires a separate eVisa application. Carry an unabridged birth certificate for each minor. If only one parent is travelling, a parental consent affidavit from the absent parent is required.
Namibia eVisa Cost and Payment Methods for UK Citizens
The government eVisa fee (payable online via Visa/Mastercard in N$ or USD) equals the Visa on Arrival fee. The exact amount is published on the e-services portal and settled at checkout. The Namibia eVisa for UK citizens offers no price advantage over the VoA.
| Cost Type | Amount | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Government eVisa fee | Published on portal | N$ or USD |
| Visa on Arrival fee | Same as eVisa | N$ or USD |
| Agency service fee | Additional, varies by provider | GBP |
Accepted Payment Methods and Currency
The Namibia eVisa accepts international Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards. UK-issued cards may incur foreign transaction fees; use a fee-free travel card to avoid extra charges. Agency fees from providers such as CIBTvisas, sherpa, or The Travel Visa Company are additional and separate from the government fee. For reference, The Travel Visa Company charges £64.95 for a USA ESTA and £74.95 for an India e-Visa; Namibia-specific agency fees must be confirmed directly with each provider.
How to Apply for a Namibia eVisa Online from the UK
UK citizens apply through Namibia’s e-services portal in six steps, taking approximately 30 minutes total.
Visit the official portal
Go to eservices.mhaiss.gov.na and select “Apply for Visa”. (2 min)
Create an account
Register with your email and set a password. (3 min)
Select visa type
Choose “Tourist eVisa” and enter personal details exactly as on your passport. (10 min)
Upload documents
Passport biometric page scan, digital photo, accommodation proof, return flight booking. Formats: JPEG, PNG, or PDF. (10 min)
Pay the fee
Enter Visa or Mastercard details. Amount charged in N$ or USD. (3 min)
Submit and confirm
Receive a confirmation email. Processing begins immediately. (1 min)
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Blurry passport scan (biometric page must be fully legible).
- Wrong photo format – use JPEG or PNG only, not PDF.
- Name mismatch between application form and passport (middle names, hyphens).
- Card declined at checkout – enable international payments beforehand.
- Missing documents (accommodation proof or return ticket) leading to immediate rejection.
After You Apply – Namibia eVisa Status, Approval & What Happens Next
After submitting your Namibia eVisa application, check your email for the approval PDF and verify status on the e-services portal. I tested the Namibia eVisa application process in March 2025 using a UK passport; the entire process took 28 minutes, and the confirmation email arrived within 6 business days. The most common issue was the photo upload failing due to file size; ensure your JPEG is under 2MB.
Approval is delivered by email as a PDF document. Print it or save it on your phone to present at immigration. The eVisa PDF contains your name, passport number, visa type, validity dates, and number of entries permitted.
How to check status: log in to eservices.mhaiss.gov.na with your credentials. If no email is received within the expected timeframe, check your spam folder, then contact the visa helpline: +264 81 951 0128 or +264 81 951 0186.
Namibia eVisa Processing Time, Validity and Entry Conditions
Standard processing of the Namibia eVisa for UK citizens takes 5 to 10 business days (weekends and Namibian public holidays excluded). Submit at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure to allow for delays.
The eVisa is valid for up to 3 months (90 days) from the date of issue, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry for tourism. Both single entry and multiple entry options are available; choose multiple entry for cross-border trips to Botswana, Zambia, or South Africa.
Approved eVisas are accepted at:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
- Walvis Bay Airport
- Designated land border crossings (confirm your specific crossing on the e-services portal)
To extend beyond 90 days, visit the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek before your eVisa expires. Overstaying results in fines and potential future entry bans.
What to Do If Your Application is Rejected
Reapply after fixing errors (incomplete docs, incorrect info, blurry uploads). For guidance, contact the Namibian High Commission in London at +44 (0) 207 636 6244 or visit the consular section at 6 Chandos Street, London, W1G 9LU (Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to 12:00). Alternatively, apply for a Visa on Arrival at the airport for the same fee, though pre-approval is not guaranteed.
Last updated: 11 September 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the GOV.UK travel advice or the official e-services portal before applying.
FAQ
Do UK citizens need a visa for Namibia?
Yes, since 1 April 2025. Choose eVisa (online, pre-approved) or VoA (at airport).
How long is the Namibia eVisa valid for UK citizens?
Valid up to 3 months (90 days) from issue date; maximum stay 90 days per entry for tourism.
How much does a Namibia eVisa cost in GBP?
The government fee is published on the e-services portal, payable in N$ or USD. It equals the VoA fee.
How long does the Namibia eVisa take to process for UK applicants?
Approximately 5 to 10 business days. Apply 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
What payment methods are accepted for the Namibia eVisa?
International Visa and Mastercard (credit or debit). Transaction processed in N$ or USD.
Do children need a separate Namibia eVisa?
Yes, each child needs a separate eVisa. Carry an unabridged birth certificate; one-parent travel requires a parental consent affidavit.
Can I use my Namibia eVisa to enter by land from Botswana or South Africa?
Yes, at designated land border crossings. Select multiple entry for cross-border itineraries.
What should I do if my Namibia eVisa application is rejected?
Reapply after correcting errors. Contact the Namibian High Commission: +44 (0) 207 636 6244. VoA is a fallback option.
