Namibia ends Visa-Free Access for Over 30 Countries, Including the US and UK

Starting April 1, Namibia has implemented a significant policy change by revoking visa-free access for more than 30 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. This shift will undoubtedly alter travel arrangements for international visitors to the Southern African nation.

Historically, both the US and the UK have been among the select few nations that benefit from visa-free access to over 180 countries worldwide. However, this status has come to an end following a decision made by the Namibian Cabinet in July of the previous year.

Until now, most European nations, including Namibia’s largest tourism market, Germany, have enjoyed unrestricted entry. However, with the inauguration of Namibia’s fifth president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the government has moved forward with the decision to cancel visa-free access for several major first-world countries.

The Namibian government has cited a lack of reciprocity for Namibian passport holders as the primary justification for this policy change. Despite concerns raised by the local tourism industry about the potential negative impact on visitor numbers, the government remains firm in its stance.

In response, the US Embassy in Namibia issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), advising American citizens to apply for a tourist visa before traveling to Namibia. Each year, approximately 23,000 US nationals visit the country, and this new requirement is expected to affect their travel plans.

This decision follows the UK’s move in 2023 to revoke visa-free access for Namibian passport holders. Now, travelers from the affected countries will need to apply for an online visa or obtain a tourist visa upon arrival, which will cost approximately US$84.00

However, not all countries will be affected by this change. Eighteen countries, including South Africa, Angola, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, will continue to enjoy visa-free access to Namibia due to reciprocal agreements in place between them and the Namibian government.