With its contrasting landscapes, natural marvels and endless horizons, Namibia is an ideal destination for clients keen to adventure and explore.
Whether they are visiting for the cultural diversity, abundant wildlife or awe-inspiring landmarks, there is a new visa process for clients when travelling to the African country.
Namibia introduced this Visa on Arrival regime, designed to be easy for applicants to apply online prior to arrival, on 1 April 2025. This is now the official process recommended by the Namibia Tourism Board and saves travellers both time and paperwork. (If you are unsure whether a passport is eligible, a list of applicants who may use this service can be found via the link above.)
It’s also worth noting applicants with UK passports must use the Visa on Arrival service and not the Holiday Visa service.
Matthias Lemcke, director Europe for Namibia Tourism Board, recently completed the process himself.
He says: “It is super easy. There are two options, visitors can complete the process online before travel or do it on arrival. We suggest doing it online before you travel to save the hassle and time at the airport.
“The platform is provided by the Ministry of Immigration. When you access the website, make sure you select ‘Visa on Arrival’, not the ‘Holiday Visa’. Then create an account and fill in the client’s personal details – you will need their first and final holiday address details as well as their headshot and a PDF scan of their passport.
“Next you complete the online payment and click submit. The e-visa will then be generated in just a few minutes. You then need to print this out and the client should take it with their travel documents.”
Planning a trip to Namibia is simple too. Although there are no direct flights, clients can travel from multiple UK destinations via Frankfurt with Lufthansa offering daily connections. There is also an option to fly from Manchester or London with Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa or with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic via Johannesburg and on to Namibia with Airlink.
Adventure awaits
The hardest part is packing in all the experiences and activities once clients arrive. Lemcke says: “Namibia is a roundtrip destination. Travel is done best by self-drive in a 4x4 from lodge to lodge on gravel roads – the infrastructure is very good. Adventure seekers don’t even have to stay in lodges the whole time as they can get a 4x4 with a roof tent and camp.”
He notes some of the highlights: “Namibia has a population of three million people in a country about two and a half times the size of the UK so you really experience its vastness and can be immersed in nature.
“It is home to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib, where there are dunes up to 400m high. Also the Kalahari with its red sand, zebra, giraffe and kalahari lions.
“The Fish River Canyon is the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA and the Skeleton Coast is a vast stretch of coastline where you can try boat cruises, go kayaking with seals while the pelicans follow you, and of course eat plentiful fresh fish and oysters.
Lemcke adds that in the north, the Etosha national park is the place for a safari while the Zambezi region that flanks the well-known river is also home to the Okavango Delta and visitors can try safaris by boat and spot huge herds of elephants and hippos.
Giraffes in Namibia. (Credit: Unsplash - M Oros)
A destination rich with experiences, Lemcke says now is a great time to visit Namibia: “With unique experiences, the luxury of safari, meeting new people and coming home with great stories, it is far from mass tourism and for customers thinking: ‘Where should I travel now?’ Namibia is the place that offers you the space to be an explorer.”
For more Namibia holiday inspiration visit visitnamibia.com.na or for further information email info@namibia-tourism.com. Connect with Namibia on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
