Namibia is gearing up to introduce visa requirements for citizens from over 30 countries that don’t offer reciprocal visa-free entry. But will this strategy balance the scales, or could it lead to unintended consequences?
Starting next April, travellers from countries like the US, Germany, and Japan will need a visa to enter Namibia. This will come with a fee of about $90 (€82). According to Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia, the Namibian government is simply aiming for fairness. “We want to ensure that Namibians are treated equally compared to those who need visas to come here,” Paetzold told DW.
For years, Namibia has sought reciprocal visa arrangements, especially with developed nations. While Germans, for instance, can visit Namibia visa-free for up to 90 days, Namibians face a lengthy visa process to enter Germany. The UK’s tightened visa policy for Namibians last July, driven by an increase in asylum applications, may have been the final straw for Namibia’s decision to adjust its approach.
The new policy is seen as Namibia asserting itself and making waves. Emmanuel Bensah, an ECOWAS & AU Policy Analyst, noted that Namibia’s stance reflects a broader desire to shift narratives on the continent. Brazil is also revising its visa policies, planning to reinstate visa requirements for the US, Canada, and Australia next year.
Namibian travellers often face a tough time with bureaucratic hurdles, high costs, and visa rejections. Shelleygan Petersen shared her experience: “Getting into Europe was a nightmare. It took three months and the interview was stressful.”
Though Namibian visa rejection rates for the Schengen area are relatively low at around 5% in 2023, the new policy promises a streamlined process, with visas available on arrival or online and no mention of lengthy interviews.
Tourism is a major pillar of Namibia’s economy, contributing around 7% of GDP, with foreign direct investment at 8.4% in 2022. Paetzold believes the visa will not completely deter tourists but admits that the fee might influence travel plans, particularly for those on a tighter budget. “Travelers might opt for South Africa instead, where no visa is required,” Paetzold said.
Clarifications are still needed, such as how the policy will affect short-term visitors from neighbouring countries or how travellers will demonstrate they have no criminal record. However, Paetzold remains optimistic. “If the process is straightforward, it shouldn’t cause major issues.”
Namibia’s move comes at a time when the African Union struggles with visa-free travel within the continent. It’s notable that only five African countries, Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Kenya, offer visa-free access to all Africans.
Bensah suggests Namibia might have been better off pushing for a visa-free regime within Africa rather than targeting Western countries. “Balancing tourism, investments, and national priorities is crucial,” he advised. While Namibia’s new visa policy aims to address reciprocity issues, its broader impact on tourism and regional dynamics remains to be seen.
