Since the introduction of its new e-visa and visa-on-arrival system, Namibia has welcomed over 70,000 visitors and generated N$100 million in revenue.
In a move to reform its immigration policy, Namibia recently introduced a visa requirement for nationals of several countries who previously enjoyed visa-free entry.
This measure, effective April 1, 2025, was enacted to promote reciprocity, as the 33 countries now requiring visas also impose visa rules on Namibian citizens. The goal is to ensure fair treatment between nations while keeping Namibia accessible to international visitors.
The 33 countries whose nationals now need a visa to enter Namibia are:
- Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, United Kingdom, and United States.
Namibia disputes allegations and defends visa reform
In a statement released yesterday, Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security firmly rejected recent allegations published by Spotlighting Namibia, which claimed significant delays and inefficiencies in the new visa system.
According to officials, “the contents of the article is not only factually incorrect but appear to be a deliberate attempt to distort public perception, create confusion, and discredit a successful national policy that has significantly enhanced both Namibia’s immigration systems and its tourism sector.”
The Ministry explained that since the new visa policy was introduced, over 70,000 travelers have entered Namibia through both online and on-arrival visa application processes, generating more than 100 million Namibian dollars in revenue. This income “has been paid directly into the State Revenue Fund, aim to support national development initiatives that benefit all Namibians.”
Namibian authorities measure visa system efficiency
To back up their position, the Ministry shared data from border control operations conducted on May 25, 2025, at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek.
Two international flights arriving from Frankfurt and Addis Ababa processed more than 450 passengers, with an average processing time between 19 and 23 seconds per traveler.
Officials said these results reflect the effectiveness of the Electronic Border Management System (EBMS), which tracks entries and exits in real-time.
The Ministry stated, “these are the verified, accurate clearance times. They directly dismiss the unfounded claims made by Spotlighting Namibian, which erroneously suggested passenger processing delays of three to four hours. The facts speak for themselves, Namibia’s immigration system is efficient, responsive, and continuously improving to enhance the traveller experience.”
For balance, it should be noted that Spotlighting Namibia has published a response following the Ministry’s statement.
Namibia: a streamlined visa process and rethought pricing for families
The Ministry also noted it has significantly simplified the arrival process for travelers.
Previously, travelers with an e-visa still had to complete a form upon entry, unnecessarily lengthening the procedure. This step has now been removed: the e-visa now functions as both a visa and an immigration form.
Thanks to this reform, fees are paid in advance, document validity is confirmed before travel, and passengers can proceed directly to immigration control without extra steps—greatly speeding up processing times.
Additionally, visa fees have been recently revised to create a fairer system, especially for families.
Children under six years old are now fully exempt from visa fees, and reduced rates apply for children aged 6 to 11. Nationals from African countries also benefit from preferential pricing.
For nationals of African countries:
- Standard fee: 1,200 NAD (approx. US$70)
- Children 6 to 11 years old: 600 NAD (approx. US$35)
- Children under 6 years old: Visa fee waived
For nationals of other countries:
- Standard fee: 1,600 NAD (approx. US$90)
- Children 6 to 11 years old: 800 NAD (approx. US$45)
- Children under 6 years old: Visa fee waived
Namibia reaffirms commitment to excellence and transparency
In closing, Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to strict, secure, and transparent management of national borders.
The Ministry pledged to continue offering visitors a professional and welcoming experience aligned with international standards, stating: “Namibia remains open for tourism, secure for visitors, and steadfast in its commitment to excellence and hospitality.”
