Namibia
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Namibia
You · American passport
Usually up to 90 days
Visa on arrival. Sort it out before you travel.
namibia-botschaft.de · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
As long as you can stay
A foreign-plated vehicle can stay as long as its driver is allowed to. When your days run out, so do its.
rfanam.com.na · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 60 days out
DVS import permit, microchip, rabies, blood tests within 30 days, heartworm treatment, certificate within 10 days, and documents emailed to the state vet before departure. See the steps
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Namibia.
We'll email you if Namibia's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Namibia.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Have a vet implant an ISO microchip and record the number on every document.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination
Vaccinate against rabies with an inactivated vaccine after the microchip is in place.
- At least 30 days after the rabies shot
Wait 30 days after rabies vaccination
Entry is only allowed once at least 30 days have passed since the rabies vaccination.
- On or after the health certificate
Government endorsement of the certificate
Have the health certificate endorsed/stamped by the government veterinary authority of the country you leave from.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Veterinary import permit (dogs only)
Apply for an import permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Windhoek (vet.permits@mawlr.gov.na, +264 61 276 592) before travel; carry the original with the pet.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Blood tests (Babesia gibsoni, heartworm, Leishmania, Brucella canis, T. evansi) (dogs only)
Negative tests within 30 days before export; start monthly heartworm prevention after the negative heartworm test and continue 6 months after arrival.
- Within 10 days before you arrive
Vet exam within 10 days of departure
A vet must examine the pet and find it healthy within 10 days before travel.
- Within 10 days before you arrive
Official health certificate
Get the destination's health certificate signed by an official (government-authorised) vet; it is valid for 10 days.
- At least 1 day before you arrive
Email documents to the Namibian state vet (dogs only)
Before departure email the permit copy, vaccination record and negative test results to the state vet at your arrival point to get landing/entry permission.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Veterinary import permit (cats only)
Apply for an import permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Windhoek (vet.permits@mawlr.gov.na) before travel; carry the original with the pet.
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Namibia
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa on arrival | Usually up to 90 days | namibia-botschaft.de · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa on arrival | Usually up to 90 days | namibia-botschaft.de · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa on arrival | Usually up to 90 days | namibia-botschaft.de · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa on arrival | Usually up to 90 days | namibia-botschaft.de · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa on arrival | Usually up to 90 days | namibia-botschaft.de · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | 90 days a year | namibia-botschaft.de · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa on arrival | Usually up to 90 days | namibia-botschaft.de · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa on arrival | Usually up to 90 days | namibia-botschaft.de · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Namibia
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | As long as the driver can stay | rfanam.com.na · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | As long as the driver can stay | rfanam.com.na · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | As long as the driver can stay | rfanam.com.na · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | As long as the driver can stay | rfanam.com.na · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | As long as the driver can stay | rfanam.com.na · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | As long as the driver can stay | rfanam.com.na · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | As long as the driver can stay | rfanam.com.na · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | As long as the driver can stay | rfanam.com.na · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Namibia leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
