Namibia is introducing a new visa-on-arrival programme at Walvis Bay Harbour in an effort to improve cruise tourism.
Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism called for faster immigration processes for cruise ships after the Queen Mary 2 docked at Walvis Bay earlier this month with over 1 000 passengers. Many of these travellers had to be refunded by tour operators due to missing booked activities because of long wait times.
The new visa-on-arrival reduces bureaucratic hurdles for passengers and eliminates the need for prior visa applications, leading to shorter processing times at the harbour. The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) said it planned to receive 32 more passenger vessels before December.
The visa costs NAD1 200 (R1 200) and is valid for 90 days, while visas obtained before travel are NAD600 (R600). The initiative was announced on April 18 and came into effect immediately.
“As a crucial entry point for maritime trade and tourism, Walvis Bay Harbour’s role in driving economic prosperity cannot be overstated,” said Etienne Maritz, Executive Director of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.
Visas-on-arrival are already available at other Namibian entry points, such as Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Walvis Bay Airport and land border posts, including the Trans Kalahari border post, Katima Mulilo, Ngoma and Oshikango.
South Africa is one of Namibia’s top source markets for tourism, alongside Angola, Germany, Zambia, Botswana and France.
