Namibia Passport: The Application Process, Benefits, and Renewal

Benefits for the Namibian Passport Holders

Namibia is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, including the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the rugged terrain of Damaraland, and the vast salt pans of Etosha National Park. Namibia has a diverse cultural heritage, with over ten ethnic groups and a wealth of traditional art, music, and dance.

• Travel visa-free countries: Namibian passport holders can travel to various visa-free countries or with a visa on arrival. As of 2023, Namibian citizens can access 96 countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, and Brazil, among other visa-free countries.
• Consular services and protection: When traveling abroad, irrespective of visa-free countries or visa-required countries, the Namibian Embassy or Consulate in that country can provide you with consular services and protection if needed, such as emergency travel documents or assistance to all Namibian passport holders during a crisis.
• Business opportunities: With a Namibian passport, you can travel to visa-free countries or other countries to pursue business opportunities, attend conferences, or negotiate deals without worrying about visa requirements.
• Dual citizenship: Namibian law allows for dual citizenship to only those Namibian passport holders who hold Namibian citizenship by birth or descent, and the other country’s law allows such dual citizenship.
• Increased mobility: As Namibian passport holders, you can travel to new and exciting destinations, allowing you to broaden your horizons and experience different cultures in visa-free countries or visa-on-arrival countries.
• Access to education: Namibian passport holders can study abroad without worrying about visa requirements, giving them access to world-class educational opportunities and scholarships abroad, like the Chevening scholarship from the UK. Namibia citizens can also take advantage of studying abroad at destinations like China, Russia, and Germany. They can choose from various visa-free countries, visa-on-arrival countries, or visa-required nations.
• Voting rights: As Namibian passport holders, you have the right to vote in national elections, regardless of where you are in the world.

In summary, the Namibia passport provides numerous benefits to its citizens, including visa-free countries, consular services, protection, business opportunities, increased mobility, access to education, and voting rights. It’s an essential document that grants you the freedom to explore and connect with other cultures.

Here are some of the countries that Namibian citizens can travel visa-free or with a visa on arrival as of 2023, according to the Global Passports Index:

• Zambia
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Cuba
• Jamaica
• Belize
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Brazil
• Russia
• The United Kingdom
• Malaysia
• The Philippines

There are a total of 96 countries that you can travel visa-free with a Namibia passport worldwide. You can check the complete list here.

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check with the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security for the latest passport fees. Additionally, prices for expedited processing, replacement of lost or stolen passports, and other services may apply and can increase the cost of obtaining or renewing a Namibian passport.

1. Namibian citizenship: To apply for a Namibian passport, you must be a Namibian citizen with a citizenship certificate or a Namibian birth certificate. This means you must have been born in Namibia or acquired Namibian citizenship through naturalization, descent, or marriage.
2. National ID card: You must have a valid Namibian national ID card. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to apply for one before you can apply for a passport.
3. Completed application form: You must complete the passport forms accurately and honestly. The passport forms will ask for personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and contact details. You’ll also need to provide details of your parents, occupation, and travel plans.
4. Passport photos: You must submit two recent passport-sized photos that meet the Namibian passport photo requirements. The photos must be in color, taken against a white background, and show a full front view of your face. The photos must also be quality and taken within the last six months.
5. Proof of payment: You need to pay the appropriate passport fee. They accept cash, but the fee varies depending on the type of passport you’re applying for and the processing time.
6. Supporting documents: You may need to provide supporting documents, such as birth certificates or a copy of your Namibian ID card. These documents are required to verify your identity and citizenship. You may also need to provide additional original or certified copies if requested by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security.
7.  In-person application: You must apply for a Namibian passport at a designated passport office or embassy. You’ll need to bring your completed application form, passport photos, and supporting documents.

Being mindful of the ever-changing entry requirements, passport rules, and documents in the passport application process is essential. You must check for the updated list of documents needed for your passport application and apply accordingly. If required, you may seek help from immigration officials. A well-researched application is more prone to getting accepted and approved without hassle.

Application Process for Acquiring a Namibian Passport

The application process for a Namibian passport involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

1. Gather the required documents: Before applying for a Namibia passport, you must ensure you have all the necessary documents. These may include a completed passport application form, passport photos, proof of payment, and supporting documents such as a birth certificate or national ID card.
2. Visit a passport office or Namibian Embassy: Once you have all the required documents, you’ll need to visit a designated passport office or Namibian Embassy to apply for your passport. You’ll need to bring your completed application form, passport photos, and supporting documents.
3. Submit your application: When you arrive at the passport office or Namibia Embassy, you must submit your application to the passport officer. They’ll review your documents to ensure everything is in order and may ask you additional questions to verify your identity or travel plans.
4. Pay the passport fee: You’ll need to pay the appropriate passport fee at the time of application. The fee varies depending on the type of passport you’re applying for and the processing time.
5. Wait for processing: After you’ve submitted your application and paid the fee, your application will be processed. The processing time may vary depending on the type of passport you’re applying for and the demand at the time of application. Checking with the passport office or Namibia Embassy for current processing times is always good.
6. Collect your passport: Once your passport has been processed, you’ll need to return to the passport office or Namibia Embassy to collect your new passport. You’ll need to bring your old passport (if you’re renewing), national ID card, and any other documents requested by the passport officer.

Without a Namibian Birth Certificate or a Namibian Citizenship Certificate, the Ministry of Home Affairs will not process application forms. If you cannot provide your birth certificate, you must first apply for a duplicate Birth Certificate before applying for a Namibian passport.

Unless the applicant has altered their surname, the signatures on the passport application and Namibian ID must match. If the applicant’s last name is changed to a married name, the names on the application and signature must also be in the married name. Please keep in mind that the Ministry does not hyphenate surnames.

All papers must have been certified within the last six months.

1. Application processing time: The processing time for a standard Namibian passport is typically around 1-3 months from the time of application. However, this may vary depending on the demand at the time of application and any additional checks that may be required.
2. Express service: If you need your passport urgently, you can apply for an express service. The processing time for an express passport is typically three working days, but this service comes at an additional cost.
3. Collection time: Once your passport has been processed, you must return to the passport office or embassy to collect your new passport. The collection time may vary depending on the office, but it’s typically within the same week as the processing time.

To avoid delays, it’s always a good idea to check with the passport office or embassy for current processing times and apply well before your planned travel dates.

1. Gather the required documents: You’ll need to ensure you have all the necessary documents before applying for a passport renewal. These may include a completed passport renewal form, passport photos, proof of payment, and your current (expired) passport.
2. Visit a passport office or Namibian Embassy: Once you have all the required documents, you must visit a designated passport office or embassy to apply for your passport renewal. You’ll need to bring your completed application form, passport photos, and current (expired) passport.
3. Submit your application: When you arrive at the passport office or embassy, you must submit your application to the passport officer. They’ll review your documents to ensure everything is in order and may ask you additional questions to verify your identity or travel plans.
4. Pay the passport renewal fee: You’ll need to pay the appropriate passport renewal fee at the time of application. The fee varies depending on the type of passport you’re renewing and the processing time. An ordinary renewal of an existing passport costs $22, and a lost or damaged passport fee is $44.
5. Wait for processing: After you’ve submitted your application and paid the fee, your passport renewal will be processed. The processing time may vary depending on the demand at the time of application. Checking with the passport office or embassy for current processing times is always good.
6. Collect your new passport: Once your passport has been renewed, you’ll need to return to the passport office or embassy to collect your new passport. You’ll need to bring your old (expired) passport, national ID card, and any other documents requested by the passport officer.

It’s essential to remember that obtaining a passport can take time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Whether planning a vacation, studying abroad, or embarking on a new job opportunity, having a Namibian passport can open up a world of possibilities.

So if you’re considering applying for a passport, don’t hesitate to take the first step. With some preparation and determination, you can obtain a Namibian passport and embark on exciting new adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Namibian Passport