From April, visas will be required for Namibia

Until now, many Western countries were exempt from visa requirements when entering Namibia. Last year, Namibia's Ministry of Immigration announced that it would revise the generous entry requirements for those countries that had previously been allowed to enter the country for up to 90 days a year without a visa (Travelnews reported).

«Namibia has extended gestures of goodwill and preferential treatment to nationals of various countries. However, despite these efforts, some countries have not reciprocated», Namibia's Ministry of Immigration explained the decision in May 2024.

The fee-free Visitors' Entry Permit stamp on arrival will only be issued until March 31, 2025, after which Swiss travelers will again have to apply for a visa, either upon arrival (visa on arrival) or in advance as an e-visa. The changes affect 33 countries, including France, Italy and Germany. The fees for the visa amount to 1600 Namibian dollars, which is around 80 Swiss francs.

Those who apply for the visa in advance via the official e-visa portal will significantly reduce their waiting time at the border and also simplify the entry procedure, because the approved visa is already ready. The online system offers a user-friendly alternative and also reduces administrative bottlenecks. However, entry clearance can also be applied for on arrival at the main entry points, such as Windhoek and Walvis Bay airports.