Namibia offers unforgettable experiences. But before booking your trip, make sure you understand the visa process for Italian citizens.
This guide walks you through the visa options and process, helping you avoid common mistakes that can get travelers turned away at the border.
Do Italian citizens need a visa for Namibia?
Yes. All Italian passport holders must obtain a visa before or upon arrival in Namibia.
You can choose between a Namibia eVisa or a Visa on Arrival (available at select entry points). Let’s break down both.
Two visa options for Italian citizens
1. Namibia eVisa
The eVisa is issued in advance and sent to your email. It’s faster, more predictable, and gives peace of mind.
Apply via:
You’ll need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking)
- A return or onward flight ticket
- A digital passport photo
- Payment method for the fee
Visa expert Femke Strietman says:
“Italians planning a multi-border African trip should go with the eVisa – it removes a lot of the unpredictability, especially at land crossings.”
2. Visa on Arrival
If you fly into Windhoek or enter via major land borders, you can get a visa on arrival.
But if any paperwork is missing, you risk being denied entry.
Required at the border:
- Italian passport (valid for 6+ months)
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee: NAD 1,080 (approx. €52), payable in cash or card
⚠️ Be cautious: Queues can be long and border officials may turn you away if documents aren’t in English or incomplete.
How to apply: iVisa vs. Government portal
Feature |
iVisa |
Namibian Gov Portal |
Language support |
✅ Multilingual (incl. Italian) |
❌ English only |
User-friendly interface |
✅ Very easy to use |
❌ Can be confusing |
Customer support |
✅ 24/7 chat & WhatsApp |
❌ Limited/no support |
Mobile app |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Application review |
✅ Documents double-checked |
❌ No review – submit at own risk |
Processing speed |
✅ Faster (priority available) |
⚠️ Less predictable |
Payment |
✅ Upfront, no hidden fees, flexible options |
⚠️ Currency conversion surprises, card only |
💬 Traveler quote from Giulia, Milan:
“The iVisa app made everything so smooth. I uploaded my documents and got approval in 3 days – worth every euro!”
Where can Italian citizens enter Namibia with each visa?
Entry Point |
Visa on Arrival |
eVisa |
Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Walvis Bay Airport |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Port of Lüderitz |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Port of Walvis Bay |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Ariamsvlei (from South Africa) |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Oranjemund (from South Africa) |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Noordoewer (from South Africa) |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Trans-Kalahari (from Botswana) |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Eros Airport (Windhoek, domestic only) |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
Ondangwa Airport |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
🚫 Note: Not all land borders consistently issue visas on arrival. Always verify before departure.
Common reasons Italian travelers are denied entry
Even with the right passport, here are issues that can stop you at the border:
❌ Documents in Italian only – make sure everything is in English
❌ Low-quality passport photo or scan
❌ Arriving at a border that doesn’t support visa on arrival
❌ Incomplete accommodation info
❌ Last-minute applications that haven’t processed in time
💡 Expert tip from Femke Strietman:
“Print everything – your eVisa, insurance, hotel booking. Don’t rely on your phone. Border officers appreciate paper.”
Questions? We’re here to help
Need support with your application? Chat with a visa expert via WhatsApp or live chat