Namibia is contemplating removing top tourism source markets from its visa exemption list as a result of the countries' refusal to reciprocate the favourable treatment they provide to their nationals when they visit the southern African country.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security announced that the Cabinet of the country had authorised the implementation of an entry visa requirement for 31 countries.
The affected countries include Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“In recent years, the Republic of Namibia has extended gestures of goodwill and favourable treatment to nationals of various countries,” the ministry said.
“However, despite these efforts, certain nations have not reciprocated. In light of these disparities, the government has deemed it necessary to implement a visa requirement to ensure parity and fairness in diplomatic interactions.”
It stated that the date of implementation and the procedures for the issue of visas for travellers from the impacted countries would be announced through diplomatic channels at a later time.
“The government emphasises that this measure is not intended to hinder legitimate travel but rather to uphold the principle of reciprocity in international relations,” it said.
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