Building on the success of its 2022 initiative to remove visa requirements for key tourism markets, Zambia has announced it will waive visa requirements for nationals of an additional 53 countries from January 1. This move strengthens the country's position as a leader in progressive tourism policy in Southern Africa.
Further liberalization of the visa regime, formalized by Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, brings the total number of visa-free countries to 167. This important policy shift announced by President Hakainde Hichilema's government will be supported by strengthened border security measures. This includes a new advanced passenger information system and the deployment of more than 900 additional immigration staff.
The government has also set up new immigration points across the country to effectively manage the growing influx of visitors. This progressive approach to visa policy positions Zambia as a leading example of balanced tourism growth in Africa, combining open borders with strong security measures. This approach is consistent with the African Union's vision for improved mobility and the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Gillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa's Eden, said: “Zambia's commitment to removing barriers to international travelers is based on a clear understanding of what the tourism industry needs to thrive. It shows that there is.” “Their approach proves that countries can successfully balance tourism growth with border controls. We’re already showing you how things can change.”
Meanwhile, South Africa has also made significant progress in its visa liberalization efforts, introducing the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to streamline visa procedures for tourists from China and India.
Scheduled to launch in January 2025, TTOS will benefit vetted travel companies by reducing red tape and speeding up visa application times for large tour groups. This initiative will address challenges such as processing delays and language barriers that have previously hindered tourism from these key markets.
But the progressive stance on visa liberalization stands in stark contrast to neighboring Namibia's recent announcement that it plans to introduce new visa requirements for 31 countries, including major tourism markets, from April 1, 2025. It is.
“While Zambia and South Africa are setting the benchmark for visa openness in the region, we are concerned that other regions are taking the opposite approach.” Spokesperson SATSA CEO David Frost points out. “Namibia's new visa requirements could have a significant impact on visitor numbers, especially during the tourism industry's critical recovery period. It clearly shows that it can be a powerful tool.”
This contrast is particularly noteworthy as Namibia simultaneously launched Air Connect Namibia, an initiative aimed at strengthening international air access. Tourism experts say new visa requirements for non-African Union visitors, including a 1,600 naira (approximately US$88) fee, could hamper efforts to increase accessibility through improved air connectivity. It suggests that there is.
Zambia and South Africa's continued efforts towards visa liberalization are expected to further strengthen their position as major tourist destinations in Southern Africa, with progressive visa policies supporting the tourism sector while maintaining the integrity of their borders. This is an example of how we can support the growth of
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