Namibia will soon clear the status of about 10 countries which were previously placed on the
list of countries whose citizens required visas to enter Namibia.

Government recently declared that Namibia will roll out similar visa requirements on citizens from countries that subject Namibians to stringent visa requirements before allowing entry into such countries.

A total of 33 countries were listed. Such countries were informed of the standing by the Namibian governmnet. 

The move attracted mixed reactions – mainly from the bussiness and tourism sectors – with many arguing that it could negatively impact such industries.

Executive director (ED) in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade Penda Naanda told New Era that 10 countries have responded positively to Namibia’s stance.

He said a process to review visa policies and requirements between Namibia and these countries are at an advanced stage, and could soon bear the desirable results for all countries involved.

Naanda did not name the countries, noting that it was premature to do so in light of ongoing consultations.

“We have received some agreements. I won’t be able to tell you which specific countries now. But we have received some agreements – draft agreements of countries wanting us to enter into reciprocal agreements with them on the visa issues, particularly ordinary visas,” he noted.

Naanda stated that the policy has been well- received by these countries, with no formal complaints or criticism lodged against Namibia from affected communities. 

The ongoing discussions would facilitate visa-free entry on a reciprocal basis between Namibia and affected countries.

The executive director noted that the policy on the visa regime is a strategic move to foster fairness and reciprocation in international relations, enhancing national security and generating much-needed revenue. 

Naanda said some countries are using the visa exercise as a revenue-generation tool – something Namibia has been missing out on.

“When we are required to have visas in other countries, we comply. And as such, we expect everyone to comply with the rules and regulations as far as our visa regime is concerned for those coming to Namibia. 

I haven’t received any communication from any government expressing concern about us implementing this new exercise. Instead, it was welcomed because many countries are using this exercise to create revenue. And this is exactly what we are doing. We also need to create revenue,” Naanda emphasised. 

Once these agreements are finalised, those countries will be removed from Namibia’s visa requirement list.

The ED pointed out that every sovereign nation has the right to regulate entry into its borders without external interference – just as Namibians comply with visa requirements when travelling abroad.

At the heart of Namibia’s decision  is the principle of reciprocity – a standard practice in international diplomacy. 

“The government’s stance is clear. If a country grants Namibians visa-free entry, we will reciprocate. If not, we apply the same policy to them,” Naanda asserted.

Many of the affected countries, including the United States of America, Germany and the United Kingdom currently require Namibians to apply for visas before entering their borders.

 The Namibian government sees it as only fair to enforce a similar requirement for its citizens.

Naanda said the government cannot afford to divert funds from critical developmental projects to support visa processing. 

Instead, visa fees will help cover these expenses, while simultaneously contributing to the national revenue stream.

“How do we process? How do we acquire the machinery to run our visas at the airport? How do we acquire stamps? Where is that money supposed to come from? It’s supposed to be generated through visa fees,” he stated.

Tourism 

Critics on social media have argued that the new visa policy might discourage tourists from visiting Namibia, potentially impacting the country’s vibrant tourism sector. 

“Tourists plan their trips well in advance. A small visa fee will not stop them from experiencing Namibia’s natural wonders. The cost is minimal when converted to euros or dollars,” he assured.

He added that Namibia remains one of the most sought-after travel destinations, boasting the breathtaking Etosha National Park, the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert, and the rich cultural experiences unique to this country.

“A tourist who wants to visit Namibia for its wildlife, landscapes and adventure tourism will not change their plans over a small visa fee. We have something unique that cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” he noted.

Naanda pointed out that compared to the high costs of visas for Namibians travelling abroad, such as the UK’s visa fees which can exceed thousands of Namibia dollars, this country’s charges are relatively affordable.

National progress

He reiterated that for Namibia, this policy is not just about visas – it is about nation-building. 

He noted that at only 35 years of independence, the country is still developing its systems to align with global standards. 

The government views such initiatives as necessary steps towards achieving its long-term vision for economic growth and national security.

“We are still a young country, compared to those we are competing with – some of which have been independent for over a century. We are laying the foundation for a well-structured system that will benefit future generations,” Naanda said.

He observed that as the country moves towards Vision 2030, policies which promote fairness, security and economic sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping its future.

He then urged Namibians to support the government’s efforts, assuring them that this decision was not made lightly. 

Revenue stream

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security on Monday announced that the newly-implemented e-visa programme has generated N$19 million in just one month.

Namibia officially launched its online visa application system on 3 March 2025. 

The new system allows travellers from 33 countries to apply for visas before arrival. 

The programme was hailed for significantly reducing waiting times and alleviating congestion at border points. 

This initiative aims to streamline the entry process, making it more efficient for visitors to Namibia.

Albert Kawana, the former Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, praised the programme’s success during the transition event held at the ministry. 

He stated that the programme’s success could lead to billions of Namibia dollars in revenue by the end of the year.

A total of 12 562 visitors applied for the e-visa in March, each paying N$1 600.

 “This shows that the decision was sound, and that the programme is one of the most effective initiatives I introduced during my tenure,” Kawana stated.