Windhoek – Namibia will introduce visa requirements for citizens of 31 countries, primarily European nations, starting April 1, 2025. The move is a direct response to these countries’ continued imposition of visa restrictions on Namibians.
Affected nations include the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and Italy, among others. Travelers from these countries will now need to pay a 1,600 Namibian dollar (approximately $90 USD) visa fee upon arrival.
Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, Lucia Witbooi, confirmed the new policy on July 17. The government argues that the decision is a necessary step to ensure reciprocity in travel relations.
The tourism industry has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the new visa rules on visitor numbers. The Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) fears the added bureaucracy could deter tourists. However, Tourism Minister Pohamba Shifeta has downplayed these concerns.
The move comes amid growing tensions between Africa and Europe over visa policies. The European Union rejected a third of African visa applications in 2023, generating substantial revenue from visa fees. Namibia’s decision can be seen as a countermeasure to this trend.
While travelers from other African countries will continue to pay a reduced fee of 1,200 Namibian dollars for a visa on arrival, those from the targeted 31 nations will have the option to apply for visas before their trip.
Namibia’s Home Affairs and Immigration Ministry has justified the policy as a means to protect the rights and interests of Namibian citizens.
