Visa Rules Tighten: Namibia Responds to EU Entry Policies

Charlie Visa on Arrival Systems 8 April 2025 | Updated On April 11, 2025 | 0

Starting April 1, 2025, citizens from 17 European Union and Schengen countries will need a visa on arrival to enter Namibia.

This means travellers from these countries will have to get a visa when they land in Namibia, instead of entering visa-free as they may have done before.

The decision, initially taken by the Namibian cabinet back in July, came into effect on April 1, 2025.

Namibia’s tourism sector is on the rise, with national room occupancy reaching 54.48% in 2024. That’s almost 3% higher than in 2023 and 1% above pre-pandemic levels in 2019, showing a steady recovery and growth in visitor numbers.

Countries Affected:

These 17 countries have just been added to Namibia’s visa-on-arrival list. However, nationals from other EU countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Vatican City have already needed a visa to enter Namibia for some time.

Travellers from several other countries also need a visa to enter Namibia, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, New Zealand, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Why Is Namibia Doing This?

Namibia says the move is a reciprocal measure. Since Namibian passport holders need a visa to enter the EU, Namibia is now applying the same rule to EU citizens.

Currently, Namibians must apply for a Schengen visa, which allows travel for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. For longer stays, such as for work or study, they must apply for a national visa.

Namibia hopes this change will encourage more balanced and fair travel rules between itself and EU countries.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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