Namibia's Visa-on-Arrival Policy: A Boon for Investors and Tourism

Namibia's government has announced a significant shift in its visa policy, effective from 1 April 2025, to attract more international investors and tourists. The new visa-on-arrival system will require nationals of 33 countries to pay a fee of N$1,600 (approximately US$90) upon arrival. This policy aims to ensure diplomatic reciprocity and address imbalances in international travel arrangements.

The new visa fees are expected to generate significant revenue for Namibia. According to Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board's CEO Nangula Uaandja, if even 0.1% of the global market potential of 2.5 billion travellers translates into 2.5 million visitors, and each of them pays N$1,000 upon arrival, Namibia could generate N$2.5 billion in revenue. This revenue generation will contribute to the country's economic growth and development.

The revised visa policy is expected to enhance Namibia's global competitiveness in the tourism sector. The government is keen to ensure that the changes do not negatively impact tourism, with consultations conducted to address concerns regarding fees and potential restrictions on budget travellers. The introduction of the online visa application system aims to reduce congestion at border posts and ensure a smoother entry process, further boosting the tourism industry.

The visa-on-arrival initiative is designed to facilitate seamless entry for high-value tourists who often become investors. This could lead to an increase in foreign capital and position Namibia as a regional business and travel hub. The government is committed to effectively marketing Namibia as a destination of choice to attract a fraction of the available global travel market, further boosting the country's economic growth and development.



The new visa-on-arrival system aligns with Namibia's broader initiatives to modernize immigration processes and promote economic cooperation with other African nations. By simplifying the visa process, Namibia hopes to attract more international visitors and investors, boosting its economic appeal and tourism sector. The government is committed to ensuring that the visa-on-arrival policy does not negatively impact tourism, particularly from European markets sensitive to price changes. Through consultations with stakeholders and benchmarking fees against similar policies in other countries, the government aims to maintain a competitive and attractive visa policy.



In conclusion, Namibia's new visa-on-arrival policy is a strategic move to attract more international investors and tourists, generate revenue, and enhance the country's global competitiveness in the tourism sector. By simplifying the visa process and ensuring a smooth entry experience, the government aims to boost the country's economic growth and development while maintaining a secure and efficient immigration system.