New visa on arrival: Waiting times upon entry back to normal

Fast processing at 12 manned immigration counters at Hosea Kutako International Airport east of Windhoek. Photo (June 2025): Sven Eric Stender

When entering Namibia at the international airport, you can expect to wait an average of one to one and a half hours again. This was the result of a random survey of tour guides conducted by Namibian.org.

In the weeks following the launch of the new 'Visa on Arrival' on 1 April 2025, there had been numerous complaints about waiting times of several hours. In mid-May, the article "Visa on Arrival: Travel Industry Fears Damage to Namibia's Image" on the Facebook platform 'Spotlighting Namibia' prompted critical reporting in Namibia's media.

Criticism was levelled at problems with online visa applications and processing at the immigration desk. The average waiting time had doubled or even tripled to up to three hours. This also applied to travellers with paid e-visa.

Holidaymakers arriving with Ethiopian Airlines in the early afternoon were particularly badly affected. They would not leave the airport until nightfall. Some self-drivers cancelled their first accommodation and looked for a room in Windhoek to avoid dangerous driving in the dark.

The immigration authorities immediately dismissed the criticism as unfounded. According to tour guides, the average waiting time at the airport decreased significantly shortly afterwards. They learned from their guests that all immigration counters were staffed and that processing was quick.

Since 1 April 2025, the 'Visa on Arrival' has also applied to citizens of countries that were previously able to enter Namibia without a visa (see report by Namibian.org). For online visa applications (see the immigration authority's e-services website), the travel company Gondwana Collection offers detailed assistance on its website.

Sven-Eric Stender