- 36 more countries gain access to Namibia’s visa-on-arrival
- Move aims to boost tourism and strengthen international ties
WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – Namibia has expanded its visa-on-arrival scheme to citizens of 36 additional countries in a bid to bolster tourism, attract investment and deepen diplomatic relations.
Nghindinua Daniel, Executive Director at the Ministry of Immigration, said the new additions bring the total to 126 nationalities eligible under Namibia’s immigration laws.
“The addition of thirty-six countries to Namibia’s visa-on-arrival program adds to the list of 90 nationalities already eligible in terms of the country’s immigration laws,” Daniel said in a press release.
Expanded access and global relations
The latest countries on the list include the Central African Republic, the State of Palestine, Trinidad and Tobago, American Samoa, Barbados and Saint Lucia.
The announcement comes nearly a year after Namibia ended visa-free entry for 33 countries, among them the United States and the United Kingdom, citing a lack of reciprocity.
At the time, former British High Commissioner to Namibia Charles Moore backed the government’s decision.
“One of the principles responsible for any sovereign government is to protect their country’s borders,” he told the national broadcaster in April.
“We unfortunately imposed a visa regime on Namibia last year due to the number of asylum seekers we were receiving because that was impacting on our own relationship with Namibia.”
While UK and US citizens must now apply for visas before travel, Namibia has maintained visa-free access for 41 African countries, including Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Lesotho, Eswatini and Tanzania.
Push for African integration
The visa-on-arrival expansion also coincides with the visit of the Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign, a Pan-African initiative led by former Ghanaian legislator Ras Mubarak.
The campaign, which is currently in Namibia, advocates for seamless intra-African travel, cultural exchange, and economic integration in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“The Trans Africa Unity Campaign is seeking to work with governments, private sector, stakeholders, and civil society to advance the cause of African unity and economic integration through a visa free policy and tourism,” Mubarak said.
According to the Africa Visa Openness Index, 48 of 54 African nations already grant visa-free entry to at least one other African country, highlighting growing momentum for regional integration.
Namibia, celebrated for its deserts, wildlife and coastal attractions, is banking on easier entry to stimulate growth in its tourism sector, a vital contributor to its economy.
