Visa website facing glitches – Application upon arrival

For about two weeks, tourists have been complaining about problems with Namibia's online portal for applying for the 'Visa on Arrival (VoA)'. The cause appears to have been a software update end of May. Many in Namibia's travel industry put tourists' minds at ease: the visa is also available at the immigration counter.

No access to the website, complains one tourist who wanted to apply for the necessary Visa on Arrival (VoA) online. Process for filling out the form suddenly breaking off, complains another. The system also experienced glitches when uploading required documents or making online payments.

The Namibian travel industry was informed upon inquiry that the immigration authority is working at full stretch to resolve the problems. It is a self-developed system that has experienced occasional minor glitches before.

There's no need to panic. As its name suggests, the Visa on Arrival (VoA) can also be applied for directly upon arrival. However, it was unclear whether the announced additional fee for processing at the counter is now being charged – and waived in this case.

Many also fear that the longer processing time per arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) will lead to longer waiting times. However, the number of counters for arrivals with and without online visas is expected to be adjusted accordingly.

The VoA has been in effect since 1 April 2025 (see report on Namibian.org). It costs 1,600 Namibia dollars (about 84 euros; amount at current exchange rate, 1 N$ = 1 ZAR). Children pay half price.

The additional fee was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) in September 2025 (see the Namibian.org report). It amounts to N$400 (about 21 euros; amount at current exchange rate).

Detailed information about the Visa on Arrival and the required documents can be found on a page of the Gondwana Collection Namibia website.

Facing hiccups since a software update: The website for applying for the Namibian 'Visa on Arrival (VoA)'.  Photo: Screenshot of the Namibian immigration authority's website.