South Africa’s neighbor, Namibiawill be lifted soon 1600 rand (£70) visa costs for citizens of various countries.

The visa requirement will come into effect in 2025.

In May, Namibia indicated that these changes would apply to more than 30 countries.

This obligation applies to nationals of countries that do not grant visa-free access to Namibian nationals.

COUNTRIES TO WHICH NEW VISA RESTRICTIONS APPLY

The new visa regime applies 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 the United Kingdom.

According to The Namibian, These countries do not grant unrestricted access to Namibian passport holders.

RECIPROCITY ISSUE

Since independence in 1990, Namibia has allowed visitors from many countries to its shores without a visa requirement.

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

NAMIBIA SEEKS EQUALITY

The country is now striving for equality as many countries have not changed their entry requirements for Namibian nationals.

In fact, several countries have imposed restrictions on Namibian citizens. Canada and the United Kingdom have even removed visa-free entry for Namibians in the last 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 measures where engagement has not produced the desired results,” Witbooi said.

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

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR NAMIBIA

Witbooi stressed that nationals of the countries mentioned are eligible for a visa on arrival if they meet the entry requirements.

Entry requirements for Namibia include (but are not limited to) a return ticket, health insurance, proof of means of subsistence during your stay in Namibia, not being wanted for criminal activity by any country, and a passport valid for at least six months upon your date of arrival.

The cost of a visa on arrival is N$1,600 (R1,600) per applicant.

IMPACT ON TOURISM

The initiative was criticised by both domestic and foreign tourism players, who argued that the visa requirement would be a barrier to international visitors.

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

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

NEW VISAS ON ARRIVAL FOR NAMIBIA

Since it is possible to apply for a visa on arrival, the new visa requirement in Namibia is relatively inconspicuous.

It is indeed much less cumbersome than visa requirements, which involve lengthy application procedures and intermediary fees.

Arranging a visa on arrival is less cumbersome than arranging a visa, which you have to arrange before departure to the country in question.