WINDHOEK, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's cabinet has authorized the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) to implement an entry visa requirement for nationals from countries that have not reciprocated Namibia's favorable visa policies, an official said on Friday.
Etienne Maritz, executive director at MHAISS, said in a statement that the decision, affecting a total of 31 countries including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Britain and the United States, aims to promote fair and balanced diplomatic relations.
Maritz said that this decision follows years of goodwill gestures from Namibia, which extended favorable treatment to nationals of various countries without receiving similar treatment in return.
The ministry will communicate the implementation date and application procedures through diplomatic channels at a later stage, Maritz added.
According to Maritz, nationals from 31 countries will be issued visas upon arrival in Namibia, subject to an applicable fee and an online visa application process.
He emphasized that the measure is not intended to hinder legitimate travel but to uphold the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
Namibia remains committed to fostering positive and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations and continues to welcome visitors and tourists, he said.
According to the statement, the Ministry will provide guidelines and procedures for visa issuance to travelers from the affected countries.
