International relations executive director Penda Naanda has dismissed allegations that the country’s visa regime is specifically targeting the United States of America.
Naanda asserts that the visa regime is based on diplomatic reciprocity rather than discrimination.
However, speaking in an interview with New Era last week, Naanda clarified that the visa policy adjustments are aimed at ensuring fairness in international travel arrangements.
“Let me also add that the issue; it was also confused with some sectors trying to say Namibia is targeting certain countries. Namibia is not targeting any country. If you look at the list of countries that have been proposed for this exercise, they are countries that we do not reciprocate with. But a lot of countries have already indicated that they want to reciprocate,” Naanda said.
He also said several nations have already approached Namibia with proposals to establish mutual visa agreements. “We have received some proposals. I won’t be able to tell you from which specific countries, of course, for now. But we have received some proposals and draft agreements, from countries wanting us to enter reciprocal agreements with them on the visa issues, particularly ordinary visas.”
The government’s position aligns with diplomatic norms, which encourage mutual visa waivers or requirements between countries. “Of course, when it comes to diplomatic passports and official passports, it’s something else. But countries are now realising that we need to reciprocate. And it’s a diplomatic norm,” Naanda stressed.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security’s latest Fact Sheet on visa requirements, the updated visa-on-arrival policy is set to take effect on 1 April, 2025.
Under this new framework, nationals from countries that have not granted Namibia visa exemptions will be required to apply for a visa to enter the country.
The updated visa list includes countries from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Some of the affected African nations include Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, while European countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain are also listed.
Meanwhile, travellers from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan have also been impacted by the revised policy.
According to the new policy, visa-on-arrival fees have been structured into two categories: N$1 200 (US$70) for African countries and N$1 600 (US$90) for other international travellers. Children aged 6 to 11 years will pay half the set visa fee, while those under six years are exempt.
Additionally, Namibia has introduced an e-Visa system to streamline the application process. Travellers can now apply online before arriving in Namibia to reduce waiting times at immigration checkpoints.
Exemptions
The fact sheet also highlights that Namibia maintains visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports from several countries, including China, India, Poland, and members of the African Development Bank and United Nations personnel.
The government reiterated that the new visa rules are not meant to alienate any country but rather to ensure balanced international travel protocols.
The policy shift reflects Namibia’s growing efforts to engage in equitable diplomatic relations while maintaining national security and administrative efficiency at its borders.