Namibia introduces visa requirements on countries ...

Namibia introduces visa requirements on countries requiring visas from its nationals

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Namibia’s cabinet has agreed and directed its Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security to introduce entry visas on at least 31 countries.

This development is viewed as a strategic move aimed at a balance in diplomatic relations, targeting countries that also require the same travel document from its nationals.

This comes after Namibia extended gestures to nationals of a number of countries, who have not reciprocated the same gesture, noting that the Namibian government has seen it necessary to introduce and implement visa requirement.

In a statement, the Home Affairs ministry also said the implementation dates are yet to be announced, adding that nationals from various countries will have to abide by the requirements.

“In recent years, the Republic of Namibia through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has extended gestures of goodwill and favourable treatment to nationals of various countries.

“However, despite these efforts, certain nations have not reciprocated. In light of this disparity, the government has deemed it necessary to implement a visa requirement to ensure parity and fairness in diplomatic interactions,” the ministry said.

Notable countries on the list include Belgium, Denmark, France and Germany among others, with the ministry adding that it will provide the existing guidelines and procedures for issuance of visas for travellers from the affected countries.

“Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uzbekistan,” the statement read in part.

The Government emphasised that the latest measure is not intended to hinder legitimate travel, but rather aimed at upholding the principles of reciprocity in international relations.