Namibia’s Cabinet has authorized the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) to impose entry visa requirements on nationals from 31 countries that have not reciprocated Namibia’s visa-on-arrival policy. The new policy, announced by Etienne Maritz, executive director at MHAISS, is aimed at promoting fair and balanced diplomatic relations.
The affected countries include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Britain, and the United States. Maritz explained that the decision follows years of Namibia extending goodwill gestures without receiving similar treatment in return. “This measure is not intended to hinder legitimate travel but to uphold the principle of reciprocity in international relations,” Maritz emphasized.
The implementation date and application procedures will be communicated through diplomatic channels at a later stage. Nationals from the 31 countries will be issued visas upon arrival in Namibia, subject to an applicable fee and an online visa application process.
Impact on Tourism and Diplomatic Relations
The new visa policy could have significant implications for Namibia’s tourism industry, which has been a substantial contributor to the economy. In 2022, tourism directly contributed 6.9% to Namibia’s GDP, amounting to N$14.3 billion, and generated 57,571 direct jobs.
Bonnie Mbizo, acting CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), expressed concerns over the potential negative impact on tourist arrivals and revenue. “We need consultation to provide our input and ensure the best outcome for all involved,” Mbizo stated.
Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), also highlighted the competitive nature of the tourism industry and warned that Namibia’s efforts to position itself as a premier travel destination could suffer a setback. “This decision sends a troubling message to the global travel trade,” she said.
Government’s Perspective on Reciprocity
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Albert Kawana defended the policy, citing the mistreatment of Namibians abroad as a key reason. “Our nationals are often treated like criminals, even with valid visas,” Kawana explained. He assured that arrangements would be made for tourists with pre-existing bookings to minimize disruption.
Visa Policy and Economic Growth
Prior to this decision, Namibia had introduced a visa-on-arrival policy at several entry points, including Walvis Bay Harbour, Hosea Kutako International Airport, and various border posts. This policy, which took effect on April 18, 2024, aimed to enhance tourism and trade by offering convenience to travelers while maintaining security measures. The visa-on-arrival costs 1,200 Namibian dollars ($65) and is valid for 90 days.
Namibia’s Visa-Free Travel Landscape
As of May 2024, Namibian passport holders can enjoy visa-free entry to 53 countries worldwide. However, they are required to obtain a visa to travel to 124 other countries. The new policy affects nationals from the following countries:
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uzbekistan
Conclusion
Namibia’s new visa policy reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment for its citizens while maintaining positive and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations. As the tourism industry and stakeholders adjust to these changes, the focus will be on balancing security, convenience, and economic growth. The global travel community will be watching closely to see how these measures impact Namibia’s position as a leading travel destination in Africa.
