Namibia is requiring citizens from 31 countries, primarily European nations, to obtain visas before traveling to the country. This move comes after the Namibian government determined that these countries do not offer the same visa-free entry to Namibians.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) announced the new policy, which will affect popular tourist destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Travelers from these countries will need to apply online and pay a visa-on-arrival fee of NAD 1,200 (roughly USD $64).
The decision aims to achieve reciprocity in visa policies between Namibia and other countries. Namibia’s tourism industry, a significant contributor to the national GDP (6.9%), relies heavily on European tourists. The MHAISS emphasized that the new requirement is not meant to discourage tourism but to ensure fairness in diplomatic relations.
An exact implementation date is yet to be announced. The Ministry will communicate details on the application process and official launch date through diplomatic channels. Tourism industry leaders have expressed concerns about the potential impact on visitor numbers, but the Namibian government maintains its commitment to fostering positive diplomatic ties while upholding the principle of reciprocity.
