Namibia will officially enforce its visa requirement for non-reciprocating countries from April 1, 2025, while also increasing the cost of visa fees for travellers from non-African Union (AU) Member States.
In May, Namibias Cabinet controversially approved the introduction of a visa requiremen t for 31 previously visa-exempt countries, including top tourism source markets such as Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and the US. Travellers from the affected countries will now be required to apply for a visa on arrival.
The implementation modalities were announced by Namibias Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) on social media on Saturday, June 29.
Countries that have not reciprocated Namibias gesture of visa exemption will qualify for a visa on arrival and online application effective April 1, 2025, the Ministry posted.
Industry concernsA number of industry leaders have spoken out about this new visa requirement. This includes the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance that says it could severely hamper the country's tourism industry and economic growth.
