Namibia’s tighter visa rules would hamper tourism marketing efforts

They believe it is a backward step for tourism and economic growth at a time when many other African destinations are easing their visa requirements for foreign tourists. They also say the move would be counter to the clear benefits that countries like Zambia and Rwanda have enjoyed from visa liberalisation policies. 

In a recent public statement, the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance warns that the policy shift appears to contradict the Namibia Airports Company’s new air-access strategy, ‘Air Connect Namibia’, aimed at increasing international flights and connectivity. 

SADC is the Southern African Development Community. Its 16 member states include Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. 

“Evidence from across Africa, including success stories from Rwanda and Zambia, demonstrates that visa liberalisation significantly boosts tourism, foreign investment and overall economic growth,” the alliance says in its statement. 

“A more open visa policy attracts a diverse range of visitors, including business travellers, investors and tourists who contribute to the economy through spending, job creation, and tax revenue.” 

Will hinder many forms of travel 

According to Natalia Rosa, Project Lead for the alliance, a restrictive visa regime can negatively impact the entire tourism value chain. It hinders not only leisure travel, but also business travel, conferences, events, education, and trade. 

“Aligning visa policies with the air-access strategy is essential to maximise the benefits of increased flight options and attract a larger influx of travellers. Namibia could look to successful examples like Rwanda, which has seen significant growth in its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism sector due to visa liberalisation and investment in infrastructure,” she says. 

Namibia’s proposed new visa policy comes at a time when the SADC is preparing to pilot its Univisa, which will allow foreign tourists to move easily between member states, especially within the trans-frontier conservation areas, known as TFCAs. 

A snap survey by the Economic Policy Research Association, an independent think tank in Namibia, found that 87% of respondents believed visa restrictions will harm Namibia’s economy. 

According to the industry website Travel Agent Central, no official start date has been announced yet for the new restrictions. Nationals from the 31 countries will need to fill out an online visa application prior to travel, or be issued a visa upon arrival in Namibia at an applicable fee.