River Rafters Namibia Cross Border Information

Cross Border Requirements

Our camp is situated in Namibia, meaning if you’re traveling from abroad, you’ll need to cross an international border to reach us. Guests travelling by road, typically enter Namibia via either the Vioolsdrift (Noordoewer) border post or Nakop (Ariamsvlei) border post, depending on their preferred travel route. Vioolsdrift is the closest border crossing to our camp and is the most convenient option for most guests.

Namibia boasts well-established immigration and customs systems, making passage through road borders generally straightforward with the correct documentation. The crossing time can vary from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on border congestion.

While some travellers have encountered bribery issues at posts elsewhere in Africa, Namibian officials are known for their friendliness, efficiency, and resistance to corruption. It’s essential to ensure you have all required official documents for immigration and customs clearance.

A friendly demeanour goes a long way, so consider removing your hat and sunglasses and wearing a smile for a warmer reception upon arrival.

Important Travel Update for Guests Travelling Via South Africa:

From 1 July 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires all travellers entering or leaving South Africa by road, air or sea to complete an online Traveller Declaration before travelling.

As most of our guests travel to and from Namibia by road via South Africa, please ensure you complete your declaration within 24 hours before crossing the South African border in both directions (entering and leaving South Africa).

When completing the declaration, you will need:

Your passport or travel document details
Your travel details
Your contact information
Details of any travelling companions (if applicable)
Information about any goods, currency or other items that require declaration

Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation. Please keep this confirmation available on your mobile phone or as a printed copy, as it may be requested by Customs officials.

Failure to complete the declaration or to make an accurate declaration may result in delays at the border.

Click here to learn more

To complete your Traveller Declaration, please visit the SARS Traveller Declaration Portal: www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/

Requirements for tourists entering Namibia for stays under 90 days:

Valid Passport. It must be valid for 6 months from the exit date with at least 2 blank pages.
Visa if you are from a visa requiring country. Does not apply to RSA.
All minors (under 18) to have Unabridged birth certificates.
Cross Border Road Toll is payable at the border as a contribution to road maintenance.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate if travelling from affected area (see counties list below).
Border arrival form. Obtainable at border or download.
SARS Traveller Declaration (to be done online within 24 hours before crossing the South African border in both directions (entering and leaving South Africa).
Please check with the border for any special health requirements or regulations. It is the customers own responsibility to be updated on these types of requirements.
Vehicle documents:
a. Valid passport of the driver
b. Valid driver’s license
c. Certified copy of vehicle registration papers in the name of the driver (The Chassis, engine number, trailer number, and license details will be checked by the police.)
d. Letter of authority from the registered owner if the vehicle is not owned by the driver.
e. 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.
f. If vehicle is hired, you will need to have the Rental company contract documents with you.
g. Country sticker for vehicle
h. Letter from Insurance confirming their knowledge of the border crossing.
i. Travelers from non-SACU member countries must apply for a Temporary Import Permit. For more information, please view this document. Not applicable to RSA citizens.

Requirements for tourists entering Namibia for stays over 90 days:

The above + the below
Vehicle documents:
Permit – Duties payment of 16.5% of the value of the car must be paid to customs. This is refundable upon the car’s export from Namibia.

NATIONALS OF THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES, IN THE YELLOW FEVER ENDEMIC ZONE, MUST:

be in possession of a Yellow Fever Certificate and
present themselves to Port Health at Ports of Entry in Namibia for screening before immigration screening.

Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Cote d’lvoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Cuinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guiana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra – Leone, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela

*NOTE: The list of countries affected by Yellow Fever is subject to change at any time. Please confirm the latest list with the Namibian Consulate.

Length of stay:

Tourists can stay for a maximum of 90 days in Namibia if they can produce a return ticket and their passport is valid for at least another 6 months.

For other situations you’ll need to get a visa in advance and your vehicle will require the import permit. Make sure that the visa has enough days granted for your stay. Possible errors of the border official will eventually go to your account. Overstaying the permitted period can draw drastic fines. Check your visa before leaving the immigration counter. You may be detained or fined if you don’t follow visa or immigration requirements.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Namibia High Commission +27 (012) 481 9100 or the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration for details about visas, currency, customs, and quarantine rules.

	Vioolsdrift Border:	Nakop Border:
Namibia Side	Tel: 00264-63-297122	Tel: +264(0)63 280 057
South Africa Side	Tel: +27(0)27 761 8760	Tel: +27(0)54 571 0008

Important:

It is the responsibility of the client to obtain and comply with the most updated border regulations and to be in possession of the required documents, vaccinations and other medical certificates as may be required. Please be sure to contact the border to get the most updated and current regulations.

Please visit our website for our Terms & Conditions: https://riverrafters.co.za/terms-and-conditions/

Important Travel Update for Guests Travelling Via South Africa:

Requirements for tourists entering Namibia for stays under 90 days:

Requirements for tourists entering Namibia for stays over 90 days:

Length of stay:

Important:

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Important Travel Update for Guests Travelling Via South Africa:

Requirements for tourists entering Namibia for stays under 90 days:

Requirements for tourists entering Namibia for stays over 90 days:

Length of stay:

Important:

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