Namibia is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. It boasts deserts, plains, and a rich cultural heritage.
CapitalWindhoek
Population2,540,905
Official language(s)English
CurrencyNamibian Dollar
Time zoneUTC+2
The best time for photography is during sunrise and sunset.
Namibia allows relatively short visa-free stays for many tourist nationalities, but the exact length and whether you need a visa depend on your passport. Check the rules for your nationality before departure. Also, an electronic travel authorization (such as an ETA, eTA, or K-ETA) is different from an online arrival/ customs registration system; Namibia is not generally known for a separate pre-arrival online passenger declaration, and paper forms or on-arrival instructions may be used. Be careful with restricted items such as meat, fruit, and other quarantine-sensitive goods.
Check passport and stay conditions
At immigration, officials may verify your passport validity and the purpose of your visit. For tourism, keep your return ticket, accommodation details, and evidence of sufficient funds ready.
Receive entry endorsement and check permitted stay
Tourists are typically granted an entry stamp or a permitted period of stay. Check the date written in your passport right away, as overstaying can cause problems.
Quarantine and customs checks
Namibia can be strict about quarantine-sensitive items such as meat, fresh fruit, plants, and seeds. If you have anything to declare, tell customs openly, and it is safest not to bring food items that may raise questions.
Check your stay limit and departure flight
Before leaving, recheck the entry stamp and the authorized length of stay in your passport. If you have overstayed, it may cause issues at departure, so arrive at the airport early enough for your flight.
Pass departure control
Departure formalities in Namibia are usually handled by presenting your passport and boarding pass. There is not generally a separate exit tax that can be stated with certainty, so check the taxes included in your ticket and airport instructions.
Handle tax refunds at the airport if eligible
If VAT refund is available for your purchases, you will usually need to show the receipts and goods at a designated airport counter. Eligibility and procedures vary by shop and product, so keep all documents you received at purchase.