Neighbouring South Africa will charge an entry fee of R1,600

South Africa’s neighbour Namibia will soon charge a R1,600 entry fee to nationals of several countries.

The visa requirement will take effect in 2025. In May, Namibia hinted that these changes would apply to more than 30 nations.

The requirement will apply to nationals of countries that do not allow visa-free entry to Namibian nationals.

COUNTRIES SUBJECT TO NEW VISA RESTRICTIONS

The new visa regime will apply to nationals of 33 countries, including:

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau (SAR), Mauritius, Moldova, Netherlands and United Kingdom.

According The Namibian, These countries do not allow unrestricted entry to Namibian passport holders.

QUESTION OF RECIPROCITY

Since gaining independence in 1990, Namibia has allowed visitors from many nations to visit its shores without being subject to visa requirements.

Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Witbooi told Namibia’s Cabinet yesterday that the new requirement comes into effect because these countries have not changed their position in more than 33 years.

NAMIBIA SEEKS PARITY

The country is now seeking parity as many nations have not changed entry requirements for Namibian nationals.

In fact, several countries have added restrictions on Namibian nationals. Canada and the UK have even eliminated visa-free entry for Namibians in the past decade.

“Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Namibia will always look at how Namibians are treated elsewhere so that the system can take reciprocal action when engagement has not produced the desired result,” Witbooi said.

Witbooi said all decisions are taken to promote the interests of Namibian citizens.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING NAMIBIA TO OBTAIN A VISA

Witbooi stressed that citizens of the listed countries will be eligible for visas on arrival if they meet entry requirements.

Entry requirements to Namibia will include, but are not limited to, a return ticket, medical insurance, proof of means of support while in Namibia, not being wanted by any country for criminal activities, and a passport valid for at least six months on the date of arrival.

The visa on arrival fee is set at N$1600 (R1600) per applicant.

IMPACT ON TOURISM

The move drew criticism from tourism players both inside and outside the country, who said the visa requirement would become a barrier to entry for international visitors.

Amid criticism from industry bodies, Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said the decision will have minimal impact on the country’s tourism industry.

“We also take note and acknowledge the concerns in this regard, but we understand the country’s need for reciprocity in international relations. We remain positive in this regard,” said Tourism Ministry spokesman Romeo Muyunda.

NEW VISAS ON ARRIVAL IN NAMIBIA

Since it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival, Namibia’s new visa requirement is relatively low-key.

In fact, it is much less complicated than visa requirements, which involve lengthy application processes and intermediary fees.

The procedures for obtaining a visa on arrival are less tedious than visas that must be obtained before traveling to the country in question.