Swiss tourists beware: Namibia's visa policy has changed

Planning an adventure to Namibia? If you're travelling with a Swiss passport, here's what you need to know about getting a visa for Namibia.

This guide compares the Namibia eVisa and visa on arrival options, with expert tips to help you avoid border delays, incomplete paperwork, or denial of entry.

Do Swiss citizens need a visa to travel to Namibia?

Yes. Swiss passport holders must have a visa to enter Namibia for tourism. You have two main options:

• Apply online for a Namibia eVisa
• Get a visa on arrival at select borders and airports

While both options are valid, many travelers from Switzerland prefer the eVisa because it’s faster, safer, and easier to plan with in advance.

Namibia visa options for Swiss travelers

1. Namibia eVisa (recommended)

Apply online before departure and receive your visa by email. This lets you skip airport queues and gives you peace of mind before flying.

Apply via:

• Namibia’s official eVisa portal
• iVisa or the iVisa app

Requirements:

• Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months
• Digital passport photo
• Proof of accommodation (hotel or host)
• Return or onward ticket
• Payment by card or digital wallet

💡 Expert tip from iVisa’s Femke Strietman:

“If you’re travelling across southern Africa – like into Botswana or South Africa – getting your eVisa ahead of time saves you border hassle.”

2. Visa on Arrival

Swiss travellers can get a visa on arrival at most international airports and a few land borders. It’s convenient, but can include long queues and more paperwork.

What to bring with you:

• Valid Swiss passport (6+ months)
• Printed hotel booking or invitation letter
• Proof of return or onward travel
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Visa fee: ~NAD 1,080 (about CHF 55), payable in cash or card

⚠️ Important: Officials may reject digital-only documents. Always carry printed copies to avoid delays or denial.

iVisa vs. Namibian government portal: which should you use?

Where can Swiss citizens enter Namibia with each visa?

You can enter Namibia with either a visa on arrival or an eVisa at major international airports like Windhoek Hosea Kutako and Walvis Bay, as well as key land borders with South Africa (Ariamsvlei and Noordoewer) and Botswana (Trans-Kalahari).

However, not all land crossings are reliable for visa on arrival, especially smaller posts like Ngoma or Oshikango, where services may be inconsistent.

For peace of mind, especially if you're arriving by land, we recommend using the eVisa.

“We didn’t realise our border didn’t issue visas on arrival. We had to drive hours to another post.”
— Anna G., Zurich

Common reasons Swiss travellers are denied entry to Namibia

Even with a valid visa, travellers can be turned away. Common reasons include:

❌ Incomplete documentation: Make sure to bring all required documents, bringing too much is better than too little.

❌ Cropped or poor-quality passport photo: Check the requirements carefully or use iVisa's user-friendly service.

❌ Arriving at a land border without visa-on-arrival service: Double-check which borders offer this service before you go, or apply for the eVisa beforehand.

❌ Only showing documents on a phone: Print everything.

❌ Applying too late for the eVisa: Apply at least 7 days in advance to avoid issues.

❌ Documents only in German or French: Make sure everything is translated to English.

💡 Tip from iVisa’s Femke Strietman:

“Always bring printed copies of your eVisa, passport, hotel booking, insurance – even if you have them digitally. It makes border crossing much smoother.”

Travel tips for Swiss tourists in Namibia

• Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD); credit cards work in cities, but bring cash for rural areas

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is limited outside towns – consider a local SIM or eSIM

• Safety: Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa; still use common-sense precautions

• Health: Bring high SPF sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and travel insurance with emergency cover

• Driving: Swiss licence holders can drive with an international driving permit. Roads are often gravel or sand, so 4WD may be useful

Questions or need help?

Talk to a visa expert via live chat or WhatsApp.