Namibia entry requirements for France passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders can visit Namibia for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, you only need a valid passport and a return ticket. This visa-free policy covers most short visits, so you can skip embassy paperwork entirely.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Namibia. Airlines check this at check-in. Namibia does not enforce the 6-month validity rule for French passport holders. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Namibia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Windhoek airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or land crossing ticket also works if you're leaving overland. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Namibia. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Immigration officers rarely check this for French passport holders, but it's smart to have it accessible. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you'll be denied boarding — no exceptions. Renew early.
No visa, but still need a return ticket
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration almost always asks for proof of onward travel. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Most French visitors fly into Windhoek's main airport. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation proof. The officer will check your passport validity (6+ months), stamp you in, and hand it back. This usually takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green channel for most tourists — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostNAD 1,200 (~$65 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free period or if visa is required; apply at Namibian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostNAD 2,400 (~$130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; apply at Namibian embassy.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
CostNAD 2,000–5,000 (~$110–270 USD)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
NAD 2,000–5,000 (~$110–270 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Namibian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
NAD 1,500 (~$80 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Namibian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 3,000 (~$160 USD)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
NAD 10,000 (~$540 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of NAD 1 million in a Namibian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | NAD 200 (~$11 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required; apply at Namibian embassy. | NAD 1,200 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period; apply at Namibian embassy. | NAD 2,400 (~$130 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Namibia
No transit visa needed
France passport holders transiting through Namibia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsHosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek) · Walvis Bay International Airport
Health & vaccines for Namibia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk is present in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi) from November to June.
Tick-borne diseasesLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi) from November to June; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Windhoek
Namibia Immigration Office (Head Office)
Private Bag 13200, Windhoek
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund Immigration Office
Corner of Sam Nujoma Avenue and Theo-Ben Gurirab Street
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for coastal visitors.
Practical information for FR travellers
Country basics
CapitalWindhoek
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyNamibian dollar (NAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.6 NAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,MType D (3-pin round) and Type M (3-pin large round) plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink outside major cities; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or permit before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport (even for a few hours), the visa-free rules apply — 90 days max.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Namibian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions are made.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business meetings only. For work, study, or volunteering, you need a specific visa or work permit from a Namibian embassy before you travel.
Not routinely, but immigration officers can ask. It's wise to have a bank statement or credit card available just in case. No specific amount is required.
No vaccines are mandatory for entry from France. However, the CDC and WHO recommend routine vaccines plus hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever if you're coming from an endemic area. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Just have your passport and return ticket ready. Popular crossings include Ariamsvlei (from South Africa) and Ngoma Bridge (from Botswana).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.