Namibia mulls deportation of Americans, other foreigners without visa

Namibia has introduced new visa requirements for citizens of 33 countries, including the United States, effective April 1, 2025.

Consequently, the African nation is considering deporting foreign nationals without visa from the said date.

This move aims to establish diplomatic reciprocity and address imbalances in international travel arrangements.

Americans visiting Namibia will now need to obtain a visa upon arrival, which costs approximately $90 (1,600 Namibian dollars) for a 90-day stay.

The new policy aims to promote fair and balanced diplomatic relations with countries that have not reciprocated visa-free travel arrangements for Namibian citizens.

The tourism sector might be affected, as the additional step of obtaining a visa could deter some travelers.

Why Is Namibia Making This Change?

For years, the country granted visa-free access to citizens from many countries without receiving similar treatment for its citizens.

This change aims to encourage reciprocal arrangements.

A government representative explained, “Namibia has extended visa-free travel without receiving the same benefits in return. The new policy seeks to address this disparity.”

Which Countries Are Affected by Namibia’s New Visa Policy?

United States 🇺🇸
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Canada 🇨🇦
Germany 🇩🇪
France 🇫🇷
Italy 🇮🇹
Belgium 🇧🇪
Switzerland 🇨🇭
Netherlands 🇳🇱
Japan 🇯🇵
Norway 🇳🇴
Austria 🇦🇹
Portugal 🇵🇹
Sweden 🇸🇪
Spain 🇪🇸
Denmark 🇩🇰
Ireland 🇮🇪
Finland 🇫🇮
Ukraine 🇺🇦
Armenia 🇦🇲

How Will This Affect Namibian Travelers Abroad?

Many Namibians face considerable challenges when applying for visas to Western countries.

High rejection rates and lengthy processing times make it difficult for Namibian citizens to travel abroad.

For instance, Schengen visa applications from African countries, have nearly a 30% rejection rate, much higher than the global average.

As per VisaVerge.com, in 2023, the EU earned over €53 million from rejected applications from African nations.

Will This New Policy Impact Namibia’s Tourism Sector?

The tourism sector, a vital part of Namibia’s economy, contributed roughly 7% to the GDP in 2022.

Visitors from the affected countries, particularly Germany 🇩🇪 and the United States 🇺🇸, play a significant role in Namibia’s tourism base.

The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) expressed concerns, stating, “The additional step of obtaining a visa might deter some travelers, especially from European markets sensitive to price changes.”

Despite these concerns, government officials, including Tourism Minister Pohamba Shifeta, believe that the visa-on-arrival system will not significantly impact tourism.

They argue that obtaining a visa upon entry remains a relatively straightforward process.

What Does Namibia’s Visa-Policy Change Mean for African Nations?

The country’s approach reflects a broader trend among African nations. Countries like Kenya 🇰🇪, Rwanda 🇷🇼, Mozambique 🇲🇿, and Malawi 🇲🇼 are moving towards more liberal visa regimes to boost tourism and economic ties.

However, Namibia’s policy showcases a desire to balance openness with fair treatment on the international stage.

How Does This Decision Affect Travelers?

While this is more restrictive than the previous visa-free approach, it offers convenience by allowing travelers to obtain visas upon arrival.

Financial Implications of Visa Policies

Countries implementing strict visa policies often accrue significant profits from application fees.

For instance, the European Union and the United Kingdom earn substantial revenues from visa rejection fees.

These fees add financial burdens on applicants from countries like Namibia, prompting re-evaluation of existing visa protocols.

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