Namibia Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The Namibian tourist visa is an endorsement that lets individuals travel to the country to take part in tourism-related activities. A large percentage of nationalities have visa-free entry into the country. A lot more have a visa on arrival in the country. However, since India is not among either of these categories, a Namibia tourist visa for Indian citizens is a requirement to travel to the nation.

The application for the Namibia visa for Indians is an offline process. It involves filling an application form and submitting it at the diplomatic mission. However, before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible as per the requirements for the tourist category. You may then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Namibian High Commission in India and download the tourist visa application form. 
2. Fill in the form with all the required details. 
3. Along with the completed application form, the documents, and the fees, visit the High Commission during the working days. 
4. Submit the application and pay the fees.

Note that you must provide genuine documents and provide only correct information. Providing false information and submitting fake documents are grounds for automatic visa refusal. 

In order to apply for the Namibia tourist visa from India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism alone. 
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.
• You must possess yellow fever vaccination certificates if you are travelling through an infected country. 

As per the Namibia tourist visa requirements from India, you must submit the following documents at the High Commission to complete your application. 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Namibia. 
• 2 photos as per the specifications. 
• A fully filled application form.
• Covering letter mentioning the details of the visit. 
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel bookings, rent agreements, etc.
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets.
• Bank statements for the past 3 months.
• Detailed travel itinerary.

The Namibia tourist visa photo requirements state that the photographs submitted must meet the following specifications - 

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the Namibian tourist visa is around 10-15 working days. However, this can vary significantly based on several factors such as the volume of applications at the High Commission, the number of entries, the duration and validity, and so on. As a result, ensure that you apply well in advance. 

The application fee can vary slightly depending on the foreign exchange rates. It can also depend on the number of entries. Apart from this, there may be service charges levied by the visa agent for the application. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application.

Once you have made the application at the High Commission, it will then begin processing. If the Namibian High Commission requires it, they may ask you to attend an interview in person or even to submit additional documents. Note that, once you have made the application, you will not be able to modify it. 

Once a decision has been made regarding the application, you may collect the passport from the High Commission during the allotted hours on working days. Alternately, if you have applied through a travel agency, you can ask them to collect it for you

Since the entire process is offline, there is no online tracking services provided by the High Commission. However, if you have applied through a travel agent, you can contact them to check if they can check the status by contacting the High Commission.

On successfully obtaining your tourist permit, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey -

Before you travel - 

• Note the validity, stay duration, and the number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 

At the border

• You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Your entry stamp will be placed on the passport.
• You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

When you enter Namibia

• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot work on the payroll of a Namibian company or take part in business activities.
• You may be able to extend this type of visa. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.