WINDHOEK — Starting April 1, 2025, nationals from 33 countries will be required to pay for visas upon arrival in Namibia, as announced by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security Lucia Witbooi on Wednesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, this new regulation targets countries that have not reciprocated Namibia’s previous exemptions from visa requirements. These exemptions, which have been in place since Namibia’s independence, allowed diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders from certain countries to enter Namibia visa-free for stays up to 90 days. “Since the exemption was granted 33 years ago, it is perhaps time to review and assess whether Namibia will continue giving a visa-free regime to countries that have not reciprocated our good gesture, perhaps based on other considerations,” Witbooi stated.
The decision follows instances where countries like Canada and the United Kingdom reversed their stance on visa exemptions for Namibians, implementing visa requirements in 2012 and 2023, respectively. The new visa fee will be N.dollars 1,600 and will affect countries including Belgium, Brazil, Armenia, Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan.
Witbooi further explained that while nationals from these countries will need to pay the visa fee, they will still qualify for visas on arrival as long as they meet Namibia’s entry requirements. These requirements include a return ticket, medical insurance, proof of financial means for the duration of the stay, a clean criminal record, and a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.