Namibia Expands Visa on Arrival and Plans Airport Upgrades to Boost International Tourism
Namibia has taken bold new steps to enhance its appeal as a leading destination in Southern Africa, following the approval of key measures by the country’s Cabinet aimed at simplifying international entry and strengthening the tourism sector. According to a government statement released on September 9, 2025, these decisions—adopted during the 19th Cabinet Meeting on September 2—are expected to have far-reaching impacts for both inbound travellers and the African travel industry at large.
One of the most significant outcomes is the expansion of Namibia’s Visa on Arrival (VoA) programme, with the addition of 35 new countries and territories to the eligibility list. This move opens Namibia’s borders to a wider pool of international visitors, making it easier for travellers from regions such as the Caribbean, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East to discover the country’s unique attractions. The updated VoA policy now includes countries like the Bahamas, Sweden, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Monaco, Georgia, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others. By reducing the barriers to entry, Namibia is positioning itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for global tourists.
The government’s statement also announced the introduction of a N\$400 administration fee for all manually submitted Visa on Arrival applications. This new fee is aimed at offsetting the administrative costs associated with processing paper-based applications, while also encouraging travellers to use digital channels where available. For African travel professionals, this fee structure highlights the growing trend towards digitization and efficiency within the continent’s border management systems.
In a strategic move to further enhance the visitor experience, Namibia has initiated plans for major operational improvements at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, the country’s principal international gateway. The planned upgrades target several key aspects of the airport’s operations, including:
• Reducing processing and waiting times for international arrivals and departures
• Streamlining immigration and customs procedures
• Enhancing overall operational efficiency and passenger comfort
These improvements are designed to meet the expectations of today’s global travellers, who increasingly demand fast, seamless, and comfortable airport experiences. The upgrades at Hosea Kutako International are expected to set a new benchmark for airport standards in Southern Africa, bolstering Namibia’s reputation as a forward-thinking player in the region’s aviation and tourism landscape.
Namibia’s Cabinet emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader national strategy to position the country as a premier travel destination in Southern Africa. By making it easier for international tourists to enter and transit through Namibia, the government aims to support the continued growth of its tourism economy—an industry that has become a critical pillar of national development and a driver of job creation.
For the African travel sector, these developments carry several important implications. The expansion of the Visa on Arrival programme means that travel agencies and tour operators across the continent can now market Namibia more confidently to clients from newly eligible countries. This opens up new opportunities for multi-destination itineraries and cross-border tourism packages, leveraging Namibia’s diverse landscapes, wildlife experiences, and cultural heritage as major selling points.
Moreover, the focus on operational excellence at the country’s main international airport signals a broader commitment to world-class service delivery. As more African countries compete for international arrivals, the ability to deliver efficient, guest-centric airport experiences is emerging as a key differentiator. Namibia’s proactive approach in this area could inspire similar investments elsewhere in the region, setting new standards for convenience and hospitality.
While the introduction of an administration fee for manual visa applications may require some adjustment for travellers and agents alike, it also underscores the value of embracing digital solutions in travel processing. Agencies can use this as an opportunity to educate clients about the benefits of online visa applications, ensuring smoother and more cost-effective journeys for visitors to Namibia.
These latest policy changes and infrastructure plans are timely, given the increasing appetite for African travel among global audiences and the renewed focus on regional integration and connectivity. By lowering entry barriers, investing in airport modernization, and aligning with international best practices, Namibia is not only future-proofing its tourism sector but also contributing to the continent’s overall competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Looking ahead, the expanded Visa on Arrival list and the anticipated airport upgrades are expected to drive a significant increase in visitor arrivals, benefiting a wide spectrum of industry stakeholders—from airlines and hoteliers to tour operators and local entrepreneurs. For African travel professionals, Namibia’s forward-thinking approach offers both inspiration and a practical blueprint for harnessing tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.
As Namibia prepares to welcome a new wave of international guests, its message to the continent and the world is clear: with open doors and a world-class gateway, the country is ready to stake its claim as a must-visit destination in Africa’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
