What South Africans MUST know about Namibia's visa and entry rules

Namibia is an exhilarating escape for South Africans, whether you're embarking on a thrilling desert road trip or seeking luxury at Sossusvlei.

Before you head out, here’s the real scoop on Namibia’s entry and visa policy for South African travelers, plus insider tips to ensure your journey goes smoothly.

Do South Africans need a visa for Namibia?

Good news, South African passport holders don’t need a visa for visits to Namibia, making it a quick and easy getaway.

Whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer adventure, you can enter Namibia visa-free, so there's no need to worry about applying in advance or at the border.

However, if you're thinking of staying longer or venturing off the beaten path, there are a few things you should still keep in mind. Here’s how to make your trip even smoother.

Traveling to Namibia from South Africa: Tips and insights

Even though you don't need a visa, there are still some essential steps to take care of to ensure your trip is seamless:

1. Check your passport

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date. Ensure that you have at least two blank pages for any entry or exit stamps.

2. Prepare Proof of Accommodation

Whether you’re booking a hotel, renting an Airbnb, or receiving an invitation from a host, you’ll need proof of where you’ll be staying during your visit.

3. Return or onward travel ticket

Make sure you have a return ticket or proof of onward travel to show that you plan to leave Namibia before your visit expires.

4. Basic travel itinerary

Especially if you're planning an extended trip, it's always a good idea to have a basic itinerary to show where you'll be going and what you’ll be doing.

5. Proof of funds

Keep a bank statement or evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay while in Namibia.

Common travel mistakes to avoid

While entry to Namibia is straightforward for South Africans, avoid these common travel missteps:

❌ Not double-checking passport validity – Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before entering Namibia.

❌ Skipping travel insurance – While not required, having travel insurance can save you from unexpected expenses, especially as many parts of Namibia are very rural, and private healthcare or emergency services can be expensive.

❌ Ignoring remote border crossings – If you plan on traveling via land borders, make sure you know their operating hours and entry conditions.

How long can South Africans stay in Namibia without a visa?

South African passport holders can enter Namibia visa-free for up to 90 days within a calendar year.

What you can do during your stay

With a visa-free entry, you can:​

✔️ Tourist activities such as safaris, sightseeing, and exploring Namibia's natural beauty.

✔️ Visit family and friends residing in Namibia.

✔️ Attend workshops and meetings, provided you are not the facilitator.

💡 Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, adds:

"While you can visit Namibia without a visa to attend business meetings, an important distinction is that you can't be the facilitator of the meeting, which is considered working in the country."

✔️ Explore business opportunities, including market research and networking.

✔️ Seek medical treatment at Namibian healthcare facilities.​

What you cannot do without a Namibian visa

Without a visa, you cannot:​

❌ Engage in employment or perform work for a Namibian company or organization.

❌ Study or conduct research that involves remuneration or academic credit.

❌ Volunteer in roles that would typically require a work permit.​

If your intentions include any of these activities, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit through Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.​

Got questions about traveling to Namibia or another country?

Need help with a visa application as a South African traveler? Chat with our team via WhatsApp or head over to iVisa’s support. We’re happy to assist.