Namibia Considers Tourist Visa for UK Holidaymakers

Charlie Europe Latest Immigration News News & Events UK 13 June 2024 | | 0

Namibia is planning to introduce a tourist visa requirement for UK visitors in response to new travel rules imposed by the UK on Namibian citizens.

In July 2023, the UK Government unexpectedly started requiring Namibians to obtain a visa before visiting the UK, ending a previous agreement that allowed visa-free stays of up to six months. The then-Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, stated that some Namibians were misusing this arrangement to enter the UK and then claim asylum.

On May 24, The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) announced that Namibia’s Cabinet had authorised the removal of 31 countries from the visa-exempt list, citing a lack of reciprocity. These include notable tourist markets, including the UK, the US, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Although the implementation date has not been set, nationals from the affected countries will be issued visas on arrival, subject to an applicable fee and an online visa application, according to the MHAISS’s statement.

“We have no clear timeline for when this change will happen or what the application process will involve.,”

“While visas don't necessarily deter travellers, the additional paperwork can be a hassle. This is especially true for operators or airlines offering last-minute deals, as it can complicate bookings.”
Chris Mears, chief executive of the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA)

Although specific fees for the new visa have not been disclosed, Namibia currently charges £95 per person for tourist visas for other countries.

The Namibian Government stated that it had previously offered “gestures of goodwill and favourable treatment to nationals of various countries” but felt this was not being reciprocated. “Given these disparities, the government has decided to implement a visa requirement to ensure fairness in diplomatic interactions.”

Tourist Destination

Namibia is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, known for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and diverse cultural experiences.

British tourists, in particular, have been showing growing interest in Namibia, despite it not being one of the top destinations for UK nationals compared to more traditional options. The number of UK visitors has been rising due to increased awareness of Namibia’s natural beauty and adventure tourism opportunities.

Namibia is a popular twin-centre destination and is typically paired with South Africa, Botswana or Zambia.

According to reports, from the beginning of 2024 to March 2024, Namibia had 125.5 million arrivals including British citizens and other nationals who do not need a visa to travel.

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