Namibia Announces E-Visa: New Requirements for 33 Countries
Namibia will introduce its e-Visa on Arrival system on March 3, 2025, enhancing entry procedures for international tourists. From April 1, 2025, travelers from 33 countries must apply for a visa before arrival. Learn more about the process, costs, and affected nations.
Namibia has officially addressed recent concerns over its e-Visa system, confirming that the new electronic visa-on-arrival platform will launch on March 3, 2025. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) dismissed reports of technical failures, stating that the system is still in its preparatory phase.
E-Visa Portal Not Yet Active
The clarification comes after claims that European tourists had cancelled trips due to malfunctions in the e-Visa portal. However, the MHAISS clarifies that the e-Visa system is not yet live.
Moreover, the Namibian authorities have assured travellers that the upcoming system will be fully operational and streamlined for a hassle-free entry experience.
Official Launch and Application Process
The official launch of the Visa-on-Arrival Application form and the E-visa for visa-on-arrival is scheduled for March 3, 2025. Travellers are advised to wait for the official launch for accurate information and application details.
New Visa Rules for 33 Countries from April 2025
Starting April 1, 2025, Namibia will enforce new visa requirements for citizens from 33 countries that currently require visas for Namibian travellers. This move aligns with the principle of reciprocity and aims to bolster Namibia’s diplomatic stance globally.
Affected Countries
The new visa requirement will affect citizens from the following 33 countries:
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uzbekistan
Visa Fees and Entry Points
The visa fee is set at 1,600 Namibian dollars (approximately 84 € / 88 US$). Visas can be obtained at designated entry points, including Windhoek and Walvis Bay airports.
How the New E-Visa on Arrival System Works
According to Etienne Maritz, Executive Director of MHAISS, the e-Visa for visa-on-arrival will be introduced alongside the Visa-on-Arrival Application Form. This system will allow tourists to apply online before travelling, eliminating delays and ensuring a more efficient border clearance process.
“The newly designed e-Visa for visa-on-arrival will launch alongside the Visa-on-Arrival application form. With this user-friendly portal, tourists can apply for visas from the comfort of their homes, ensuring a smoother and more efficient entry process,” Maritz stated.
What Travellers Should Do Next
Travelers planning to visit Namibia in 2025 should:
- Stay updated on the official MHAISS e-Visa portal: eservices.mhaiss.gov.na
- Check if their country is affected by the new visa policy
- Prepare to apply for an e-visa before departure
- Budget for the visa fee and ensure all documents are in order
Final Thoughts
With Namibia’s new e-Visa system set to launch in March 2025, travellers can expect a more efficient and transparent visa process. While the government ensures a smooth rollout, it advises tourists to verify the latest updates on official platforms to avoid misinformation.
For further insights on visa policies and travel news, stay tuned to our latest updates.
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