South Africa’s neighbour to charge R1 600 visa entry fee for UK visitors

South Africa’s neighbour, Namibia, will soon levy R1 600 (£70) visa entry fees on nationals from a number of countries.

The visa requirement will come into place in 2025.

In May Namibia hinted that these changes were coming for over 30 nations.

The requirement will apply to nationals of countries that do not allow visa-free entry to Namibian nationals.

COUNTRIES SUBJECT TO NEW VISA RESTRICTIONS

The new visa regime will apply to nationals of 33 countries, including:

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau (SAR), Mauritius, Moldova, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

According to The Namibian, these countries do not allow unrestricted entry to Namibian passport holders.

RECIPROCITY ISSUE

Since obtaining independence in 1990, Namibia has allowed visitors from many nations to visit its shores without being subject to visa requirements.

Namibia’s Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security deputy minister Lucia Witbooi told Namibia’s cabinet yesterday that the new requirement comes into place because these countries have not changed their position in over 33 years.

NAMIBIA SEEKS PARITY

The country is now seeking parity since many nations have not altered entry requirements for Namibia’s nationals.

In fact, several countries have added restrictions on Namibian nationals. Canada and the United Kingdom have even scrapped visa-free entry for Namibians in the last decade.

“Thus, the government of the Republic of Namibia will always look at how Namibians are treated elsewhere for the system to take reciprocal measures where engagement has not yielded the desired outcome,” Witbooi said.

Witbooi said all decisions are made to further the interests of Namibian nationals.

NAMIBIA’S VISA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Witbooi highlighted that nationals from the listed countries will qualify for visas-on-arrival if they meet entry requirements.

The entry requirements for Namibia will include but are not limited to, a return ticket, medical insurance, proof of means of sustenance while in Namibia, not being wanted by any country for criminal activities and a passport valid for at least six months on the date of arrival.

The visa-on-arrival fee is set at N$1 600 (R1 600) per applicant.

IMPACTING TOURISM

The initiative drew criticism from tourism players both inside and outside of the country, saying that this visa requirement would become a barrier to entry for international visitors.

Amid criticism from industry bodies, Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said that the decision will have a minimal impact on the country’s tourism industry.

“We also note and acknowledge concerns to that effect, however, we understand the country’s need for reciprocity in international relations. We remain positive to this effect,” tourism ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said.

NAMIBIA’S NEW VISAS ON ARRIVAL

As it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival, Namibia’s new visa requirement is relatively inobtrusive.

It is indeed far less cumbersome than visa requirements which entail lengthy application processes and fees from intermediaries.  

Visa-on-arrival arrangements are less tedious than visas which must be obtained before travel to the country concerned.