Visa Services

All Visa Applications Must be Completed Online

The U.S. Embassy Windhoek, like all other U.S. Embassies worldwide, only accepts fully-completed visa applications filled out online, using the Electronic Visa Application Form or EVAF, at evisaforms.state.gov.

The application should have no hand-written information and should be three pages long, with the third page having a barcode.  Those applicants without a correctly filled in EVAF will not be given and interview and will be instructed to correctly fill in a new application online.  This new policy applies to all visa applicants.

Applications can be done at any computer with a connection to the internet and a printer, including home computers, internet cafes, and the American Cultural Center in the Sanlam building.

How to Apply

The American Embassy in Windhoek Namibia issues all categories of U.S. non-immigrant visas to foreign nationals who wish to travel to the United States for business, pleasure, studies, and certain categories of temporary employment. Immigrant visas for Namibian citizens are processed by the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, South Africa.

How do I apply for a visa?

In order to apply for a non-immigrant visa to visit or study in the United States, you will be required to present the following items during consular working hours:

1. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date you intend to depart the United States.
2. A completed and signed visa application form.
• Electronic Visa Application Form
• Supplement - All Male Applicants Aged 16-45 DS-157
• Contact Information & Work History Form DS-158
3. A recent, color photograph of the applicant, 5cm x 5cm, with a white background (to be attached to the back of the application form).
4. A non-refundable visa application fee of US$ 131.00 or the Namibian dollar equivalent (Sorry, we cannot accept checks or credit cards)!
5. Any supporting documentation which helps demonstrate your ties to Namibia, such as a job letter, marriage certificate, titles of property ownership, proof of finances, invitations, etc.
6. If applying for a student visa, you must also present a valid Form I-20 issued by the school to which you have been accepted, as well as documentary evidence of your ability to pay tuition and other financial obligations as itemized on the I-20.

The PDF forms can be downloaded using Adobe Reader.  If you do not have Adobe Reader, download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

What are the criteria for qualifying for a U.S. visa?

Whether you are applying for a visitor’s visa, student visa, or most other categories of non-immigrant visa, you must be able to prove to the satisfaction of the consular officer that you have sufficient ties to your country of residence to compel your return after a temporary stay in the United States. Under US law, each applicant for a non-immigrant visa is presumed to be an intending immigrant until such time as s/he proves to the satisfaction of a consular or immigration officer that s/he is entitled to non-immigrant status. Because each applicant is unique, there is no prescribed list of criteria to qualify for a visa.

In each case, we consider a variety of factors, including the applicant’s family, social, financial, employment, and other ties to his/her country of residence.

May I work or study in the US on a visitor’s visa?

Holders of a B-1/B-2 visa (visitor for business or pleasure) are generally not permitted to work or study while in the United States. Before taking up gainful employment or enrolling in an academic program in the United States, you should ensure that you hold the proper category of visa. Violation of U S immigration laws can often lead to unpleasant circumstances, including permanent exclusion from the United States. When in doubt, ask a consular or immigration officer before engaging in any activity which may violate you immigration status.

How long may I stay in the United States?

The validity of a non-immigrant visa is the amount of time during which the holder may use the visa for travel to the United States. The validity of your visa does not determine your maximum allowable stay in the United States—only the immigration officer at the place where you enter the US can make that determination. Holders of B-1/B-2 visitor’s visas are normally admitted for a maximum stay of six months, while students and exchange visitors will normally be admitted for the duration of their program of study. Under US law, persons who remain in the US beyond the dated granted by an immigration official can be made ineligible to hold another US visa.

If you have questions about any of the information on this page, please send us an e-mail mailto:consularwindho@state.gov and we will reply as soon as possible.

State Department: Additional information on U.S. Visa Programs