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Namibian Passport General Information
Obtaining a Namibian passport is an essential requirement for individuals wishing to travel internationally. This document serves as proof of identity and allows individuals to cross borders legally. In Namibia, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration handles passport applications and renewals.
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What Documents Do I Require To apply for a Namibian passport?
To apply for a Namibian passport, the following documents are generally required:
- Completed application form for a passport
- Copy of a full or abridged Namibian birth certificate (original birth certificate must be presented for verification purposes)
- Copy of the Namibian citizenship certificate (original certificate required for verification)
- Copy of the Namibian Identity Document (ID) or proof of application for an ID
- Copy of the SWA Namibian Identity Card and proof of application for a Namibian ID
- Copy of the marriage certificate or Divorce Order (for women only)
- One passport size color photo with a clear background (applicable for applications in the regions or Namibian diplomatic missions/consulates, as well as minors and school-going children under the age of 16)
- Certification of number 8 on the application form by a commissioner of oath
- Duly certified copies of all documents
Fees for Applying for a Namibian Passport in Namibia
The fee for a new Namibian passport is N$400.00 for ordinary passports, refugee passports, and travel documents. Different fees apply for the surrendering or replacement of full, lost, or damaged passports: N$400.00 for surrendering a full passport, N$800.00 for diplomatic, official, ordinary, and refugee passports, and N$1000.00 for travel documents.
Who qualifies for a Namibian passport?
Namibian citizens are eligible to apply for a passport. Additionally, children born to Namibian parents who acquired Namibian citizenship before the child’s birth, or children borne by Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) holders, may also apply. It is important to note that the citizenship or PRP should have been granted to the parent or parents before the birth of the applicant.
New Application for a Namibian Passport
When applying for a new Namibian passport, the following steps should be followed:
- Complete the application form for a passport.
- Prepare copies of the required documents, including a full or abridged Namibian birth certificate, Namibian citizenship certificate, Namibian ID or proof of application, SWA Namibian ID or proof of application, marriage certificate or Divorce Order (for women only), and a passport-size color photo.
- Present both the copies and the originals of the birth certificate and citizenship certificate for verification purposes.
- Ensure that number 8 on the application form is certified by a commissioner of oath.
- All applicants aged 13 and above must sign in the designated space under number 7 on the reverse page of the application form.
- All copies of the required documents must be duly certified.
Replacement / Surrendering of a full/lost/damaged Passport
In the case of replacing, surrendering, or obtaining a new passport due to loss or damage, the following additional requirements apply:
- Applicants should apply in person, except for minors up to the age of 16.
- If minors do not have an ID, their parent(s) should apply on their behalf.
- Frequent travelers must submit certified copies of the personal data and the last stamped or endorsed page of the current passport if it is full.
- An application for a lost passport should be accompanied by a police declaration indicating where, when, and how the passport was lost.
- An application for a damaged passport will only be approved if the damaged passport is attached to the application form.
- Applicants wanting to retain their current passport due to a valid visa must make this request when submitting the new passport application.
How to Apply for Emergency Travel Documents in Namibia
In emergency situations, when immediate travel is necessary and a passport is not available, an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) can be issued. The following steps should be followed:
- Complete the application form for an emergency travel document.
- Prepare copies of the full or abridged Namibian birth certificate, Namibian citizenship certificate (if born outside Namibia), Namibian ID or proof of application, SWA Namibian ID or proof of application, marriage certificate or Divorce Order (for women only), and a passport-size color photo.
- Present both the copies and the originals of the birth certificate and citizenship certificate for verification purposes.
- Ensure that number 8 on the application form is certified by a commissioner of oath.
- All applicants aged 13 and above must sign in the designated space under number 7 on the reverse page of the application form.
- All copies of the required documents must be duly certified.
The fee for an emergency travel document is N$300.00.
In conclusion, obtaining a passport is a crucial step for individuals planning to travel internationally. By understanding the necessary documents and following the application process outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Namibia, applicants can ensure a smooth and efficient passport application experience. It is important to remember that different fees and requirements apply for various types of passports, such as ordinary, diplomatic, official, refugee, and travel documents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Obtaining a Namibian Passport
1. Who handles passport applications in Namibia?
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Namibia handles passport applications and renewals.
2. What documents are required to apply for a Namibian passport?
To apply for a Namibian passport, you generally need the following documents:
- Completed application form for a passport
- Copy of a full or abridged Namibian birth certificate (original birth certificate must be presented for verification purposes)
- Copy of the Namibian citizenship certificate (original certificate required for verification)
- Copy of the Namibian Identity Document (ID) or proof of application for an ID
- Copy of the SWA Namibian Identity Card and proof of application for a Namibian ID
- Copy of the marriage certificate or Divorce Order (for women only)
- One passport size color photo with a clear background
- Certification of number 8 on the application form by a commissioner of oath
- Duly certified copies of all documents
3. How much is the fee for applying for a Namibian passport?
The fee for a new Namibian passport is N$400.00 for ordinary passports, refugee passports, and travel documents. Different fees apply for surrendering or replacing full, lost, or damaged passports.
4. Who is eligible to apply for a Namibian passport?
Namibian citizens are eligible to apply for a passport. Additionally, children born to Namibian parents who acquired Namibian citizenship before the child’s birth, or children borne by Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) holders, may also apply.
5. What are the steps to follow when applying for a new Namibian passport?
When applying for a new Namibian passport, follow these steps:
- Complete the application form for a passport.
- Prepare copies of the required supporting documents.
- Present both the copies and the originals of the birth certificate and citizenship certificate for verification.
- Ensure that number 8 on the application form is certified by a commissioner of oath.
- All applicants aged 13 and above must sign in the designated space on the reverse page of the application form.
- All copies of the required documents must be duly certified.
6. What are the additional requirements for replacing or surrendering a full/lost/damaged passport?
If you need to replace, surrender, or obtain a new passport due to loss or damage, additional requirements include:
- Applying in person, except for minors up to the age of 16.
- Submission of certified copies of the personal data and the last stamped or endorsed page of the current passport if it is full.
- For a lost passport, an application should be accompanied by a police declaration.
- For a damaged passport, the damaged passport must be attached to the application form.
- If you want to retain your current passport due to a valid visa, make this request when submitting the new passport application.
7. How can I apply for Emergency Travel Documents in Namibia?
In emergency situations where immediate travel is necessary and a passport is not available, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) by following these steps:
- Complete the application form for an emergency travel document.
- Prepare copies of the required supporting documents.
- Present both the copies and the originals of the birth certificate and citizenship certificate for verification.
- Ensure that number 8 on the application form is certified by a commissioner of oath.
- All applicants aged 13 and above must sign in the designated space on the reverse page of the application form.
- All copies of the required documents must be duly certified.
8. How much does an emergency travel document cost?
The fee for an emergency travel document is N$300.00.
9. Is it necessary to follow different procedures and fees for different types of passports?
Yes, different types of passports, such as ordinary, diplomatic, official, refugee, and travel documents, have different requirements and fees. Make sure to refer to the specific guidelines based on the type of passport you need.
In conclusion, obtaining a Namibian passport is essential for international travel. By understanding the required documents and following the application process outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Namibia, you can ensure a smooth and efficient passport application experience.
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