Stefanus Nashama
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has introduced visa applications for travellers upon their arrival at the Katima Mulilo, Ngoma, and Impalila Island border posts in the Zambezi Region.
This initiative complements the existing visa-on-arrival services at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Trans Kalahari, and Walvis Bay border posts.
During the launch of this service in the Zambezi Region last week, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Albert Kawana, emphasized the visa application process and payment methods.
Travellers arriving at the Katima Mulilo border post will be required to complete visa application forms, attach the necessary documents, and submit them to immigration officials who will process the applications.
Once the applications are approved, an immigration officer will request the applicants to make a prescribed payment of N$1200.00. Kawana encouraged travellers to carry credit or debit cards, as cash payments will not be accepted.
To facilitate smooth payments, speed points will be available at the Katima Mulilo entry point, ensuring that the money is promptly reflected in the state revenue.
Kawana emphasized that these measures are in place to prevent any temptations for corruption among border post officials, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to preventing corruption and ensuring that public funds are used for their intended purposes.
The minister also outlined the immigration procedures and requirements that officials must follow before granting entry to travellers.
These procedures include background checks to determine whether the individual is not a prohibited immigrant in Namibia or does not appear on any blacklists, such as Interpol. Additionally, visitors’ passports must be valid for at least six months from the day of arrival to apply for a visa upon arrival at border posts. Kawana noted that the standard period for visits in Namibia is 90 days per year. However, visitors have the option to apply for visa extensions, which entail an additional fee of N$600.00, depending on the provided information for the extension.
The minister also indicated that the Ministry is currently working on amending the 90-day visitation period per year.
He said that more border posts such as those at Oshikango, Mohembo, Orangemund, and Noordoewer, will introduce visa applications upon arrival next year.
Kawana explained that this implementation aligns with the principles of the African tourism agenda and will contribute to the overall improvement of Namibia’s economy. He urged immigration officers to treat tourists professionally and avoid mistreatment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive image to promote economic growth.
“Remember we are competing with other countries, and we should be professional. If you mistreat tourists, how do you expect the economy to grow? Namibia is on the move to revive the economy, and therefore nobody should sabotage this effort,” he cautioned.
