Namibia entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can visit Namibia for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy applies in 2026 and covers most short-term visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Namibia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Namibian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Namibia | Immigration officers at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, lodge booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for it if your stay seems unclear or if you arrive without a fixed itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for accommodation, food, and transport. There is no set minimum amount, but showing at least 500 NAD per day (roughly €25) covers the basics. | Recommended |
6-month passport rule strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you'll be denied boarding. Renew early.
Overstaying is costly
Overstay fines start at NAD 1,000 and can lead to a ban from re-entering Namibia. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Most Irish visitors fly into Windhoek's main airport. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single queue for all non-SADC nationals. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Queue for immigration
The queue can take 20–45 minutes depending on flight arrivals. Fill out the landing card (usually handed out on the plane or available at the counter). Present your passport and supporting documents when called.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visitor's permit. Check the stamp says '90 days' before walking away. If it's less, ask politely for clarification.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare. Red channel if you have goods over NAD 5,000 or restricted items.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~N$ 1,200 (approx. $65 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Namibian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~N$ 2,400 (approx. $130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
Cost~N$ 3,000 (approx. $160 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~N$ 3,000 (approx. $160 USD) plus application fees
For those with a job offer in Namibia. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~N$ 1,500 (approx. $80 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognised Namibian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
~N$ 5,000 (approx. $270 USD)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~N$ 10,000 (approx. $540 USD)
For investors who contribute to Namibia's economy. Requires minimum investment of N$ 1 million. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; apply for longer stays via alternatives. | N/A (visa-free entry applies) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; apply for longer stays via alternatives. | N/A (visa-free entry applies) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | Unknown (not available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines or bans; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (enforced at immigration discretion) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
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
Irish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Namibia, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Present in northern Namibia (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi regions); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Tick-borne diseasesLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest 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
Directorate of Immigration and Border Control
Private Bag 13200, Windhoek
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring all required documents.
Swakopmund
Immigration Office Swakopmund
Cnr Sam Nujoma Ave & Tobias Hainyeko St
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles permits for coastal visitors; less crowded than Windhoek.
Practical information for IE 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 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days are up — contact the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Windhoek.
No, if you're transiting (staying airside and leaving within 24 hours), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the standard visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Technically, no — tourist visas don't permit any work, including remote work for a foreign employer. In practice, short-term remote work is often tolerated, but it's a grey area. For longer stays, consider Namibia's digital nomad visa (if introduced) or a work permit.
No mandatory vaccinations for Irish travellers. However, yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (ZAR). Rand is widely accepted. Bring some cash (NAD or ZAR) for small purchases — cards work in cities but not in rural areas. ATMs are common in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Namibia is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime rates. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) can happen in cities. Take standard precautions: don't leave valuables visible in cars, avoid walking alone at night in Windhoek city centre, and use registered taxis.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.