Following TASA's initiative for the second half of 2024, in collaboration with HAN, we are posting below an update on the new visa policy from a meeting held yesterday, January 15, 2025, with the Department of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.
The Ministry confirmed the following:
The Ministry is about to release a 'Visa on Arrival' application form available online, along with a complete Visa on Arrival information/marketing toolkit which is currently being finalized by teams from MHAISS and NIPDB. It will be linked to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) platform and will be able to carry out the necessary security checks, allowing for expedited immigration clearance on the ground. The form will be completed between now and the end of January, after which it will be published with full information and shared with all relevant authorities. The Ministry reaffirmed that the new visa policy will come into force on April 1, 2025, and that the fee will remain at N$1,600 (industry notes that to avoid confusion regarding currency, references to costs are NAD). The ministry confirmed its commitment to the review. Namibia's national goal is to establish mutual agreements and equal partnerships with other countries. NIPDB has confirmed that it is nearing completion of Namibia's complete visa/immigration regulatory marketing and promotion document and will share it with the tourism industry for scrutiny before publishing it on its official website. New forms are also available online. Information requests are clearly provided for both travelers who require a visa on arrival and those who do not require such a visa (each customer completes the section relevant to him).
Airlines have been informed of new requirements
Most major land border posts give you the option to obtain a visa on arrival using a swipe feature. Smaller border posts do not currently have these provisions, so a list is provided showing these borders.
It was confirmed that the ministry will issue multiple entry visas to facilitate cross-border travel.
Departure forms will be abolished
We are currently awaiting an invitation from NIPDB to review the draft information kit. An information kit will be published online for the 'Visa on Arrival' immigration scheme. Complete information will be available online by the end of January.
The Director-General revealed that his team is being trained to carry out the new immigration procedures as part of the pilot phase starting in February. However, it was confirmed that the official enforcement date remains April 1, 2025.
This information summary is a joint effort between TASA and the HAN Office. Future updates
thank you. Thank you for your continued support for the remaining week.
Murreal van Rooyen
office manager
