Namibia is planning to introduce visa restrictions for 31 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan and many European nations. If this plan goes ahead, tourists can expect long waiting times at ports of entry and extra costs for visa fees.

This is likely to lead to a reduction in the numbers of tourists visiting Namibia, a resulting reduction in tax revenue and job losses in the tourism industry. This will also affect the wider econonmy.

Furthermore, the poorest Nambians are likely to suffer the most, as they are often reliant on selling souvenirs to tourists for money to buy food. 

The Namibian tourism industry has only just recovered from the pandemic and does not need a further setback.

We the undersigned appeal the Namibian government to stop the introduction of visa restrictions for the 31 countries named in the media release of 24 May 2024.