Namibia’s new visa-on-arrival (VoA) system, introduced in April, has drawn criticism from tourism industry stakeholders about delays, inconsistencies in implementation and high costs affecting its effectiveness and competitiveness.
On April 1, Namibia scrapped visa exemptions for 31 countries, including key source markets such as Germany, the UK, the US and the Netherlands. Travellers from these countries must now apply for a VoA.
The VoA is processed digitally at major points for a fee of N$1 600 (€78.59) per person for nationals of non-African countries.
However, operators say the roll-out has not gone smoothly.
Ally Karaerua, Chairperson of the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA), said some members have reported improvements in processing times but concerns remain about Namibia’s competitiveness. “Any impediment to tourist movement will not support competitiveness hence the introduction of the VoA will not be an exception,” he said.
Karaerua shared a comparative breakdown of visa fees and access policies across Southern Africa. Namibia’s N$1 600 (€78.59) single-entry fee remains one of the highest in the region. Botswana charges approximately BWP 300 (€19.50) for a single-entry visa and Zimbabwe US$30 while South Africa offers visa-free access to many nationalities.
“We are seeing a slight decrease in tourism but, in the absence of clear measurable statistics, it will be irresponsible to subscribe any changes in arrivals to the visa issue,” Karaerua added. “There are many facets, which might have contributed to that.”
FENATA confirmed it has maintained ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Home Affairs since the roll-out and that “the Ministry is always willing to listen”.
Meanwhile, Nrupesh Soni, Founder of the Namibia Travel & Tourism Forum (NTTF), noted that, while sentiment among members is cautiously optimistic, the system’s implementation has faced teething issues.
“There is clear support for the revised VoA system in principle. However, the execution has introduced a few friction points,” said Soni. “Teething issues have emerged, particularly at busy ports of entry, where inconsistencies in process and delays are frustrating operators and arriving guests.”
Challenges have included unrecognised eVisa printouts and unexpected documentation demands at immigration counters, Soni added. “These instances are not the norm but they stand out when you’re welcoming high-value travellers.”
On the business front, Soni said Namibia is taking steps in the right direction to support digital innovation but added: “To fully align with ‘ease of doing business’, the back end needs investment. The experience at the port should match the promise made online.”
In terms of data or impact indicators, NTTF would like to see the publication of an evaluation of the VoA’s impact. This should include metrics such as processing times, traveller satisfaction scores, feedback from border agents and operators, and time spent in immigration queues at key ports to allow for proactive system improvements.
When asked whether the VoA process should be extended to other nationalities, Karaerua said he would prefer to see the system scrapped altogether. However, if it remains in place, he suggested it should be considered for key source markets such as India and China.
