WINDHOEK, March 28 — Namibia on Thursday implemented a new visa policy, allowing tourists from countries where the southern African nation does not have diplomatic representation to obtain visas on arrival, eliminating the need for prior applications for tourism, visitation, or transit through the country. Speaking at the launch in the national capital of Windhoek, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Albert Kawana said the decision to implement visa-on-arrival services aligns with the African Union’s agenda for African integration and Namibia’s strategies for economic development. The move is also expected to boost tourist arrivals in the Ohangwena and Karas regions. “With today’s launch, I do not doubt that the Ohangwena and Karas regions will experience increased tourist arrivals through the five border posts I mentioned earlier,” he said. Under the new system, visitors from countries without diplomatic missions in Namibia complete an application form, undergo background checks, and pay a fee of 1,200 Namibian dollars (about 63 U.S. dollars) upon approval. The visa permits a 90-day stay in the country and can be extended for an additional fee of 600 Namibian dollars. The designated border posts include Oshikango, Mohembo, Ariamsvlei, Oranjemund, and Noordoewer.
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