The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism wants the new visa rules to have a minimal impact on tourism, but Is set to monitor the situation and adjust as needed, according to spokesperson Romeo Muyunda.
Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda downplayed concerns about the new visa regime’s impact on tourism, saying: “We believe when this comes into effect, the impact on tourism would be minimal. We also believe that tourists would be able to acquire visas upon arrival, which offers flexibility to our tourists.”
The Ministry supports reciprocity in international relations, and the new visa regime will impact visitors from 37 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and several others.
The new visa regime will also affect visitors from New Zealand, UK, US, and 20 other countries, but will not impact nations with reciprocal visa arrangements, such as South Africa and Botswana. The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has joined the opposition to the new visa rules.
The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance warns that stricter visa requirements could harm Namibia’s economy, including tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail, which rely heavily on international visitors. They advocate for a more open visa policy to attract diverse visitors, generating revenue, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth.
Natalia Rosa, project lead for the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, warns that the new visa regime will have far-reaching economic impacts, saying: “It hinders not only leisure travel but also business travel, conferences, events, education and trade, thereby limiting overall economic growth and development.” Rosa urges the government to reconsider and engage with stakeholders to find balanced solutions.
Natalia Rosa suggests Namibia follow Rwanda’s example, which saw MICE tourism growth through visa liberalisation and infrastructure investment: “Namibia could look to successful examples like Rwanda, which has seen significant growth in its MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism sector due to visa liberalisation and investment in infrastructure.”
She finds Namibia’s new visa regime puzzling, given its remote working visa and SADC’s Univisa plans. Rosa recommends alternative solutions: “Instead of tightening visa restrictions, Namibia could explore… more efficient visa processing systems (e.g., e-visas), targeted visa waivers for specific groups or enhanced security measures at borders.”
Natalia Rosa urges the examination and removal of barriers to entry for international visitors: “All barriers to entry for international visitors must be critically examined and addressed to encourage longer stays, increase spending in the economy and accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector.”
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Nangula Uaandja, CEO of Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, acknowledges both economic and political perspectives: “While I personally subscribe to the economic side of the coin, I understand where cabinet is coming from… Maybe it is time for a new conversation and a different way of engagement.”
She encourages global partners and visitors to reflect on their treatment of Africans and consider a fresh approach.
