Namibia is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, which makes it one of the easier countries in this directory for documents: a U.S. certificate needs an apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state, and no translation, because both countries work in English.
Quick facts
That combination — one certification, no translation, no consular step — makes a Namibian file among the cheapest and quickest to prepare of any country covered here.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Apostille on a Namibian document | Charged in Namibia | Competent authority there |
| Consular authentication | Confirm with the section | Where an office asks for it |
| Translation | Not applicable | Both countries work in English |
Namibian documents travelling the other way are apostilled by the competent authority in Windhoek, which usually requires someone there to attend.
How to prepare a document for Namibia
- Ask the receiving institution whether an apostille satisfies it.
- Order a certified copy from the issuing office.
- Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary.
- File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or Washington for federal records.
- Send tracked and keep copies.
Required documents
- Original certified copy with signature and seal.
- Completed authentication request and payment.
- Photo identification for consular services.
- Prepaid tracked return envelope.
What the embassy does
It registers Namibian citizens abroad, handles nationality and passport matters, issues emergency travel documents, issues tourist and business visas, registers births, deaths and marriages, and assists Namibians in difficulty.
Additional notes
One of the simpler ones
No translation and a single certification make this straightforward by the standards of this directory. Take advantage of it.
Ask anyway
Some institutions still ask for consular authentication out of habit. One question settles it.
Order two copies
They are cheap and the postage to Windhoek is not.
Never apostille a photocopy
The certificate attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.