The Namibian government introduced changes to its entry visa requirements that will go into effect April 1, 2025.

Key Points:

• The new visa policy will require nationals of 31 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S., to obtain a visa for entry.
• The proposal, submitted by the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, has been approved by the cabinet and specifically concerns nationals of countries that do not have a reciprocal visa waiver for Namibian nationals.
• Officials stated that nationals from the 31 countries will no longer qualify for visa-free access until reciprocal visa exemption agreements are in place.

Additional Information: Visitors from these specific countries will be able to purchase a visa upon arrival for a fee of 1,600 NAD (about US$34) for nationals of non-African Union countries, and 1,200 NAD for nationals of African Union member states who meet the requirements.

BAL Analysis: The policy aims to address the disparity in visa requirements between Namibia and Western countries.