WINDHOEK, Sept 20 (The African Portal) – Namibia has approved visa-on-arrival (VOA) for an additional 35 countries in a bid to boost tourism, strengthen diplomatic ties and simplify entry procedures.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security said the Cabinet decision was a “clear reflection of Namibia’s commitment to openness, diplomatic goodwill and international cooperation.”
Travellers from the newly added countries will now be able to obtain visas on arrival at designated entry points across Namibia.
However, the policy introduces a N$400 ($22) administration fee for those applying at the border. Ministry executive director Nghidinua Daniel said visitors were encouraged to use existing pre-arrival visa services to avoid delays.
The changes also include a special exemption for Haiti: diplomatic passport holders will be fully visa-free, while ordinary passport holders will be exempt from visa fees, though still required to obtain VOA.
“These progressive changes are a clear reflection of Namibia’s commitment to openness, diplomatic goodwill and international cooperation,” Daniel said.
Among the new countries eligible are Barbados, Sweden, Panama, Cyprus, Suriname, Monaco, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Maldives.
The government said it expects the move to attract more visitors and further integrate Namibia into the global tourism and business community.
FULL LIST OF THE COUNTRIES
Aland Islands; American Samoa; Andorra; Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba Bahamas; Barbados; Monaco; Mogolia; Montenegro; Palestine; Panama; Samoa; Slovenia; Sovereign Order of Malta; Bermuda; Bolivia; Brunei Darussalam; Central Africa Republic; Cyprus; Georgia; Grenada; Haiti; Kiribati; Maldives; St. Vincent and the Grenadine; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; Suriname; Sweden; The Formal Yogoslav Republic of Macedonia; Tonga Trinidad and Tobago; Vanuatu, and Dominican Republic.
