Authorities in Namibia have announced new visa rules for tourists from the United States starting next month.
Following the new changes, US nationals planning to travel to Namibia for tourism purposes will be subject to visas, VisaGuide.World reports.
The decision has been confirmed through an official statement by the United States Embassy in Namibia, stressing that it will take effect on April 1, 2025.
Beginning April 1, 2025, the Namibian Government will require U.S. citizen tourists to obtain a visa prior to entering the country. Visitors are recommended to apply for their visa in advance of planned travel through Namibia’s online visa-on-arrival portal.
The new changes came shortly after Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah assumed office as Namibia’s first female president.
The Embassy provided its statement on Tuesday evening, March 25, therefore from next month, US tourists are required to follow visa rules more carefully.
Shift From Previous Arrangement
The recent changes announced by authorities in Namibia mark a shift from the previous arrangement that permitted US passport holders to visit Namibia for purposes such as tourism or business for up to 90 days visa-free.
The US Embassy in Namibia highlighted that visitors using this online visa application system are required to carry a hard copy of their approval notice when they travel.
The Embassy added that the government will offer an alternative for those coming through high-volume sights.
Visitors arriving in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, or entering at high-volume border crossing points will also have the option of purchasing a tourist visa upon arrival at the respective airport or border crossing point.
Visa Measure Was Previously Warned
The recent changes come following an announcement made by authorities in Namibia last May that the country will impose visa requirements for countries that do not reciprocate visa-free travel for Namibians.
According to a report from TRT Global, the statement provided back then noted that “this strategic decision, aimed at fostering fair and balanced diplomatic relations, will affect a total of 31 countries.”
The list consists of the European Union countries, Canada, as well as the United States, among others.
Announcing the decision, Namibia’s government said that its relationship with these countries has been one-sided, excluding travelers from visa requirements but the measure has not been reciprocated by these countries.
In addition, authorities in Namibia also announced an increase in visa fees.