Namibia entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
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.
Apply for Namibia eVisaOfficial portal: Namibia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will receive your entry permit when you arrive in Namibia; no need to visit an embassy beforehand. Entry permit issued at port of entry | Irish passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Namibia. The visa is issued at the port of entry (airport or border post). No prior application is required, but you may apply online in advance via the official e-Visa portal if you prefer. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months remaining | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Namibia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport – make sure there's a free page for it. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry/exit stamp. It is advisable to have more than one blank page to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your onward travel booking to show if asked. Proof of departure | While not explicitly stated in the database, immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket to confirm you will leave Namibia before your permitted stay ends. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient funds for stay | Although not explicitly required in the database, you may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Namibia. Carry bank statements or cash to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online form before you travel. Not required | No arrival declaration or online pre-registration is required for Irish citizens entering Namibia. | Not required |
| E-Visa application (optional)If you prefer to have your visa sorted before you fly, you can apply online – but it's not mandatory. Optional pre-arrival application | Although a visa on arrival is available, you may choose to apply for an e-Visa in advance through the official Namibian e-Visa portal at https://evisas.mhaiss.gov.na/. This can save time at the border. | Optional |
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 3 months
CostApprox. NAD 1,200 (USD 65)
For business activities; must be arranged before travel.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityMultiple entry
CostApprox. NAD 2,000 (USD 110)
Requires employment contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
Study visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityMultiple entry
CostApprox. NAD 1,500 (USD 80)
Requires acceptance letter from Namibian institution.
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 (for stays exceeding 90 days)Apply at Namibian embassy before travel. | Approx. NAD 1,200 (USD 65) |
| Extension of stayApply at Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek. | Approx. NAD 500 (USD 27) |
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 citizens transiting through Namibia do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
Transit hubsHosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
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 = 16.27 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.