The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) in Namibia has announced that the country has authorised the removal of 31 countries from its visa-exempt list which do not offer reciprocal visa requirements to Namibian citizens.
Although an implementation date has not been set, nationals from the affected countries will need to fill out an online application form and be issued visas-on-arrival, according to the MHAISS’s statement. It is anticipated that visitors from these countries will also need to pay the standard visa-on-arrival fee of NAD1 200 (R1 200/€59/ $64).
The tourism sector contributed 6,9% to the country’s GDP, reports the Namibia Tourism Satellite Account. European markets, upon which Namibia’s tourism economy is deeply reliant, are on the list of countries that may now require a visa-on-arrival, and this is of particular concern to tourism industry leaders.
The countries which will require a visa-on-arrival includes:
“In recent years, the Republic of Namibia has extended gestures of goodwill and favourable treatment to nationals of various countries. However, despite these efforts, certain nations have not reciprocated. In light of these disparities, the government has deemed it necessary to implement a visa requirement to ensure parity and fairness in diplomatic interactions,” read the MHAISS’s statement.
The Ministry said the date of implementation and procedures for the issuance of visas for travellers from the affected countries would be communicated at a later stage through diplomatic channels.
“The government emphasises that this measure is not intended to hinder legitimate travel but rather to uphold the principle of reciprocity in international relations. Namibia remains committed to fostering positive and mutual, beneficial diplomatic relations with all nations,” said the MHAISS.
