Do UK travellers need a visa for Namibia?

Yes — and this is a recent change worth knowing about: since 1 April 2025, British visitors need a visa to enter Namibia. Until then the UK was visa-free, so older guidebooks and memories may mislead you. The good news is that it's simple: you can either get a visa on arrival at the airport, or apply online in advance through Namibia's e-visa system. Either way it's straightforward.

There are two details to note. First, the visa carries a fee (1,600 Namibian dollars for adults, a little over £60, with lower rates for children). Second, Namibia is stricter than most on passports: you need at least three blank pages and six months' validity. Sort these and your arrival is smooth.

Below we explain the visa options, the passport requirements, health advice and a few practical points. Rules are changing here, so always confirm the latest on the UK government's Namibia travel advice before you fly.

The quick answer

• Yes, UK travellers now need a visa for Namibia — a change since 1 April 2025.
• You can get a visa on arrival, or apply for an e-visa online in advance.
• The fee is 1,600 Namibian dollars for adults (a little over £60), less for children.
• Passport must be valid at least 6 months and have at least 3 blank pages — more than most countries.
• The visa is typically issued as multiple-entry for the period you request.
• Applying online in advance can save queuing after a long journey.
• No compulsory vaccinations from the UK, but parts of the north are malaria areas.
• Always check the latest GOV.UK Namibia advice before travelling.

Namibia's passport requirements are stricter than most, so check yours carefully:

• Validity: at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• Blank pages: you need at least three blank pages — more than the usual two, and a common reason travellers are caught out. Count your free pages before you fly and renew if you're short (especially if you're combining Namibia with other African countries that also need pages).
• Condition: undamaged, with the photo page intact.

Because Namibia is often combined with South Africa or Botswana — each of which also wants blank pages and stamps in and out — it's well worth having plenty of empty pages. If in doubt, renew your passport in good time.

Vaccinations. No vaccinations are compulsory to enter Namibia from the UK, though a travel clinic may recommend some. Malaria is a risk in the northern regions (Etosha's surrounds, the Zambezi/Caprivi strip), particularly in the wetter months, so discuss antimalarials with your GP or travel clinic; central Namibia, the coast and the desert are generally malaria-free. A yellow fever certificate is required if you're arriving from a risk country (relevant if you're combining Namibia with, say, Zambia or another risk area). See a clinic 4–6 weeks ahead — this is general guidance, not medical advice.

How our experience helps

The visa change caught many travellers by surprise, so we keep on top of Namibia's evolving rules and tell you exactly what applies to your trip. We'll advise on the e-visa versus visa on arrival, flag the three-blank-pages requirement early (especially on multi-country African trips), and ensure your route's malaria advice is clear. You'll arrive with confirmed bookings to show, and our local team knows the airport routine at Windhoek. The result is that entering Namibia is quick and stress-free.

Frequently asked questions

Do UK citizens need a visa for Namibia? Yes — since 1 April 2025. You can get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa online in advance. Until then the UK was visa-free, so check current rules.

How much is the Namibia visa? 1,600 Namibian dollars for adults (roughly £60–£65), 800 for children aged 6–11, and free for under-6s.

Should I get a visa on arrival or an e-visa? Either works; the e-visa, applied for online in advance, saves you queuing at the airport after a long journey. Visa on arrival is a reliable alternative.

How many blank passport pages do I need for Namibia? At least three — more than most countries — plus six months' validity. Count your pages before travelling, especially on a multi-country African trip.

Do I need malaria tablets for Namibia? Only for the northern regions (around Etosha and the Zambezi/Caprivi strip), mainly in the wetter months. Central Namibia, the coast and the desert are generally malaria-free. Ask your GP or travel clinic.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Namibia? Only if arriving from a risk country — relevant if you're combining Namibia with certain neighbours. A direct trip from the UK doesn't require it.

Related reading

• Is Namibia safe for travellers over 60?
• The best time to visit Namibia
• How many days do you need in Namibia?