Namibia entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can enter Namibia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the airport with your passport and a few key documents ready.
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 — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Namibia | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Namibia. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free 90-day limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Namibia. Officers may ask where you are staying on arrival, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Immigration may ask to see you have enough cash, credit cards, or bank statements to cover your expenses. A daily budget of around 1,000 NAD (about $55 USD) per person is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Namibia. Airlines check this before you board. If you're even a day short, you won't fly.
No visa, no fuss — but have your documents ready
You don't need a visa, but immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Keep screenshots on your phone or printed copies in your carry-on.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Windhoek International Airport
You'll deplane and walk to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passports (not the SADC or Namibian lines). Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and hand it back. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
2
Baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel. Then walk through customs — there's a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel if you have goods over the duty-free limit. Officers sometimes randomly check bags.
3
Leaving the airport
Once you're through customs, you're free to exit. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available outside. If you've pre-booked a transfer, look for your driver holding a sign.
Download Namibia Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostN$ 1,200 (~$65 USD)
Apply at Namibian embassy or online. Requires passport, photos, itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostN$ 2,400 (~$130 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within six months.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
CostN$ 4,000 (~$215 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and supporting documents.
work visa
Work Permit (Employment Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
N$ 4,000 (~$215 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Namibian employer. Requires labour market test and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
N$ 1,500 (~$80 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognised Namibian institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
N$ 3,000 (~$160 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. No work allowed. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
N$ 10,000 (~$540 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least N$ 2 million in a Namibian business. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or wish to apply in advance. | N$ 1,200 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | N$ 2,400 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for exceeding visa-free or visa stay period. | N$ 200 per day (~$11 USD), max N$ 10,000 (~$540 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconvincing 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Namibia do not require a transit visa if they remain 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, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Present in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Tick-borne diseases (e.g., Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever)Low risk
Rare but present in rural areas; avoid tick bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhoea from contaminated food/water; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in northern regions (e.g., Kavango, Zambezi, Ohangwena). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for those areas. Low risk in Windhoek and central/southern regions.
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. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Windhoek
Windhoek International Airport Immigration
Hosea Kutako International Airport
24/7
For entry/exit and transit queries. Limited services for extensions.
Practical information for NZ 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 want to stay longer, you need to apply for a visa or permit before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (like parts of Africa or South America). If you're flying directly from New Zealand or via a non-risk country, you don't need it. Check the WHO list before you go.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details. Queues can be longer at busy crossings like Ngoma Bridge or Ariamsvlei.
No. There's no online pre-declaration or arrival form required. You just show up with your documents. Some airlines may hand out a paper customs declaration card on the plane — fill it out if given.
Namibia uses the Namibian dollar (NAD), which is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand (ZAR). Rand is widely accepted. ATMs are available at the airport and in cities. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger shops, but cash is king in rural areas.
Yes, but roads can be long and remote. Gravel roads are common. Rent a 4x4 if you're going off the main highways. Always carry extra water, a spare tyre, and a charged phone. Speed limits are strictly enforced.
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.