Effective April 1, 2025, Namibia has implemented a revised visa policy that requires citizens of 31 countries to obtain a visa upon arrival. This change affects prominent nations, including the U.S., the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy.

Changes

• Visa on Arrival: Citizens from 31 countries, including prominent nations such as the US, France, Germany, the UK, Canada, and Italy, must obtain a visa upon arrival in Namibia.

• Visa Fee: The visa-on-arrival fee will be N$1,600 (approximately US$88).

• Electronic Visas (e-Visas): Citizens from countries not included in the visa waiver program can still obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa). 

Background

Namibia has implemented these changes to its visa policy program in response to a lack of reciprocity from certain countries. While Namibia exempts citizens from many countries from visa requirements, these countries do not offer the same courtesy to Namibian citizens. 

The list of these countries is: 

List of Countries

Rationale

Namibia argues that its visa policy with these 31 countries has been one-sided. Namibia offers visa-free entry but does not receive the same treatment in return.

Additional Notes

The implementation of e-Visas was initially planned for October 2024 but has been delayed.

Namibia also increased visa fees, effective April 1, 2024. The new fees are:

• N$1,600 (approximately US$88) for nationals of non-African Union countries obtaining a visa on arrival.

• N$1,200 (US$67) for nationals of African Union member states who meet the visa-on-arrival requirements.

This policy update comes amid Namibia's efforts to recover its tourism industry to pre-pandemic levels (approximately 1.8 million tourists per year). Tourist arrivals reached 1.05 million in 2023, reflecting some improvement.

Conclusion

Namibia's new visa policy is meant to make it easier for people from other countries to come to Namibia. Namibia's new visa policy is based on the principle of reciprocity. By requiring visas from certain countries, Namibia aims to encourage them to grant visa-free entry to Namibian citizens. This policy shift and increased visa fees will significantly impact Namibia's tourism revenue and international relations.