Before you start your 4x4 and open your rooftop tent, there are a few practical things that need to be sorted first. Because as impressive as the dunes of Sossusvlei or the elephants of Etosha are, your adventure in Namibia can't really begin without good preparation.
In this checklist, we go over everything you should think about before you leave: from your passport and visa to your driver's license and vaccinations. That way, you can hit the road with peace of mind and fully enjoy your road trip in Namibia.
Passport: check the validity and blank pages.
To travel to Namibia, you need a valid international passport that is at least 6 months beyond your return date. Please note: your national ID card is not sufficient.
Your passport must also have at least three blank pages that face each other. These are needed for the visa as well as for entry and exit stamps. Without enough blank pages, you risk being denied entry upon arrival.
So make sure to check your passport well in advance and apply for a new one in time if necessary.
Namibia visa: mandatory from 2025
Since April 1, 2025, most European travelers will need a visa to enter Namibia.
You have two options.
Request the “visa on arrival” online (recommended)
You can apply for your visa in advance through the official Namibian government website. We recommend this, as it can help avoid extra fees upon arrival.
The visa currently costs 1600 NAD (about 84 €).
Important: print your visa and take it with you. Upon your arrival in Namibia, you'll need to present this document to the immigration service.
Request the “visa on arrival” upon arrival.
You can also pay for your visa directly at the airport upon arrival. The process usually goes smoothly, but it may take a bit longer depending on the queue.
The cost is 2000 NAD per person, including a service fee of 400 NAD (about €104).
Necessary documents for the visa application
For your visa, you'll need a few documents. Some of these will be provided automatically if you're traveling with Namibia Nomads.
✅ Travel itinerary
✅ Proof of return flight (ticket number or booking reference)
If you booked through Namibia Nomads, you'll receive:
- the itinerary about 2 months before departure,
- the e-tickets about 30 days before departure via email.
What to respond to the question “money on arrival”?
When applying for a visa, you may be asked a question regarding “money on arrival”.
Our rangers typically don’t bring Namibian dollars from Belgium, as you can almost always pay by card on-site and there are plenty of ATMs. So, you can confidently answer “no”.
What they actually want to know is whether you have sufficient financial means during your stay (cash, debit card, or credit card). No specific amount is required, and no official documents need to be presented. So far, this has never been checked upon arrival.
💡 Did you accidentally apply for a Holiday Visa?
No worries. Some travelers consciously or unconsciously choose the "Holiday Visa". This is generally intended for a longer stay (more than 30 days), but it is also valid for shorter trips.
It is often a bit cheaper than a Visa on Arrival, but the application process is more complicated. For example, you will be asked for:
- travel and medical insurance
- proof of sufficient financial means (like a payslip)
- confirmation of your place of stay (such as a hotel reservation)
Our advice: opt for the Visa on Arrival upon arrival. Fewer documents to provide, less risk of errors, and the same waiting time.
Driving license
If you want to drive yourself in Namibia (which we highly recommend), you need to be able to present a version of your driver's license in English during a check. This applies to almost all European travelers, whether you have a Belgian, Dutch, French, or German license.
Although some official sources (like the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) state that a national license is sufficient, experience shows that the Namibian police often explicitly request a translation.
Why? Because local police don't always know how to read a European license. If they don't understand it, they might issue a fine. An English license helps avoid disputes, delays, and unexpected costs.
You have two safe options:
Apply for an international driving permit
It’s an official document that complements your license and is translated into several languages, including English. The place to request it depends on the country where you reside.
Have a certified translation done of your national license.
This can be easily done online through an accredited translation service. A translation is generally a bit cheaper than an international permit and works just as well in practice.
Vaccinations
For a trip to Namibia, no vaccinations are mandatory.
However, the following vaccines are often recommended:
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus
- Polio
Stopover in Ethiopia
Are you making a stopover in Ethiopia?
In that case, the yellow fever vaccine is not required as long as you don't leave the airport. It may sometimes be requested only if the stopover lasts more than 12 hours.
If in doubt, consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice.
Summary checklist
Before you leave, make sure everything is in order:
✓ International passport (valid for at least 6 months after return)
✓ At least three blank facing pages in your passport
✓ Visa for Namibia (online or upon arrival)
✓ Printout of your visa or confirmation of application
✓ Travel itinerary and proof of return flight
✓ International driving permit or English translation of your license
✓ Check recommended vaccinations
You are now ready for your road trip in Namibia.
Curious about what else you need to pack? Check out our packing list.
Happy preparations and see you soon in Namibia! 🌍🚙
