If you have all of the correct/ necessary documents with you when crossing at a border post you should have no trouble with the officials. Please note, Namibian officials are not open to bribery.
Please take off your hat and sunglasses upon entry of the border post building(s) and remember to be patient at all times.
Visas and passports
If you are a South African citizen heading into Namibia you do not need a visa to enter the country.
Length of stay
Tourists are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days if they can produce a return ticket (for those flying) and their passport is valid for another 6 months. A visa will be issued upon arrival. Make sure that enough days have been granted for your stay before you enter the country. You will be held accountable if you leave without checking for errors on the officials’ part. Overstaying in the country may result in drastic fines.
Health requirements
Compulsory vaccination:
Yellow Fever (if you come from an affected area)
Recommended vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Polio
- Tetanus
Precautions:
Some areas in Namibia carry Malaria risk, therefore prophylaxis may be necessary.
Custom regulations
The following items are duty-exempt: items for personal use, 1 liter of liquor, 2 liters of wine, 50 ml perfume, 250 ml Eau de toilette, 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 250 g tobacco, other new or used items to the value of N$2000. All things exceeding this limit including food, are subject to strict tariff regulations. One may not import more than 10 kg meat or meat products, fruit and vegetables. This also applies to travelers from South Africa. Gifts up to a value of N$200 and all personal items are duty-free. For questions phone customs in Windhoek: Tel: 061 2099111.
Vehicle sticker
If you’re driving a vehicle across the border, the vehicle needs to have a sticker placed on the back of the car indicating the country the vehicle is registered in. For example, if you plan to drive a vehicle that is registered in South Africa, into Namibia, the vehicle will have to have a ZA sticker on it. Similarly, if the vehicle is registered in Namibia and is being driven into South Africa, the car will require a NAM sticker on it.
Border Crossing with a Rental Car
If you travel from Namibia to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe in a rented car, you need a written permit by the car rental company.
Road Toll
If you travel to Namibia by car, a cross border charge of N$160 is payable as a contribution to road maintenance.
Documents Required
- Valid passport of the driver
- Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver
- Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver
- If vehicle is still being financed, carry a letter of authority from the bank (must include dates of travel) together with the vehicle license papers.
- Valid driver’s license
- Carnet de Passage: Only compulsory if the vehicle is being shipped to Namibia. Police Clearance Certificates are not required for temporary importation. These are only required if the vehicle is being used for rental purposes or if the importer is in the country on a working permit.
- Permit: Allowed up to three months, if staying in Namibia for longer and on a working permit, a provisional payment of duties valued at 16.5% of the value of the car has to be paid to customs. This is refundable upon the car’s export from Namibia. The work permit must be shown on the passport and on the letter from the company in Namibia confirming that you will be working for them. Cars registered in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana do not need to obtain a Carnet.
- ZA Sticker: Available at any AA Accredited Sales Agent store
- Motor Insurance Certificate: Obtainable at the Border Free of Charge. Valid for 30 days
South Africa Border post times
- Ariamsvlei / Nakop – Open 24 hours a day
- Klein Menasse – Open 08:00 – 22:00
- Noordoewer / Vioolsdrif – Open 24 hours
- Aroab / Rietfontein – Open 08:00 – 16: 00
- Velloorsdrif / Onseepkans – Open 08:00-22:00
- Mata Mata – 08:00 – 16:30
- Trans Kalahari (Buitepos) / Mamuno – 07:00 – 24:00