Among African nations, Namibia holds the 5th position, sharing this rank with Lesotho. Namibia's passport has secured the 65th spot glob...
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| Among African nations, Namibia holds the 5th position, sharing this rank with Lesotho. |
The UK Government announced on 19 July 2023 that, with immediate effect, all Namibian nationals will need a visa before travelling to the UK, including to visit.
The rationale behind the UK's reintroduction of visa requirements for Namibian passport holders appears to be rooted in political considerations rather than diplomatic concerns. A well-placed source within the diplomatic community disclosed that it was at the request of the Namibian government, mirroring a similar action taken with the Canadian 1-year visa-free program.
The goal was to tackle concerns associated with brain drains and the surge of Namibian political dissidents, including those falsely posed as asylum seekers, heading mainly to the United Kingdom and Canada. The Namibian government is not pleased with citizens leaving, especially on the pretext of the country being politically unsafe. This is viewed as a significant affront to the nation, Namibia prides itself on being a free democratic country.
Namibian Passport Ranking
Despite self-downgrading from the introduction of visa requirements by the United Kingdom for all Namibian citizens that has undoubtedly contributed to this dip in global ranking. Namibia's passport remains robust within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and internationally.
Among African nations, Namibia holds the 5th position, sharing this rank with Lesotho. Seychelles boasts the highest regional and continental ranking, securing the 26th spot globally with the privilege of visa-free travel to 156 countries. Mauritius, South Africa, and Botswana follow closely, securing the 30th, 53rd, and 59th positions, respectively.
Becoming a global citizen is not just about rankings; it's about embracing the shared humanity that unites us all.
In the dynamic realm of global mobility, the power and versatility of passports play a pivotal role in defining the accessibility citizens enjoy on the international stage. The latest edition of the Henley Passport Index has shed light on Namibia's passport standing, placing it at the 65th position globally.
Despite the numerical dip, Namibia's passport remains a valuable asset, facilitating entry to a considerable number of countries. As global dynamics evolve, nations often find themselves adapting to changing visa regulations, seeking to strike a balance between security concerns and fostering international cooperation.
Global Citizen
Becoming a global citizen is not just about rankings; it's about embracing the shared humanity value that unites us all. Namibians, seize the opportunity to become global citizens with the power of their country's passport! It thrives when embrace the spirit of global citizenship as you explore the beauty of visa-free travel internationally, connecting with diverse cultures, and exotics, and experiencing the wonders our world has to offer.
Visa-free countries by region: Africa (17 countries), Central America and the Caribbean (18 countries), North America 1 country), South America (2 countries), Oceania (4 countries), Europe (5 countries), Asia (3 countries).
Visa-free by days: 30 days (Angola, Belize, Gambia, Malaysia, Micronesia, Philippines, Singapore, Eswatini, Vanuatu, British Virgin Islands), 3 months (Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Haiti, Zimbabwe), 6 months (Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, United Kingdom), 90 days (Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia, Kosovo), 21 days (Bermuda), 31 days (Cook Islands), 60 days (Ghana), Freedom of movement (Gibraltar), 180 days (Panama), 6 weeks (Saint Lucia), 1 month (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), 183 days (Saint Helena)
Travel Agreements
Namibians usually have ease of travel within the Southern African Development Community, including neighboring countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and others. Many African countries often allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Namibian passport holders.
Namibians have visa-free access or visa-on-arrival options for select destinations in Asia and South America. While the visa-free options within the European Union might be limited, quite a few European nations are welcoming Namibian travelers without a visa in Schengen Area countries in Europe for short stays. Schengen countries include popular destinations like Germany, Ireland, etc.
In a landmark move towards closer ties and enhanced regional cooperation, Namibia and Botswana have reached a historic agreement to eliminate the need for passports when traveling between the two nations. This transformative decision allows citizens of both countries to opt for the convenience of using their identity cards for seamless cross-border travel.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in fostering stronger diplomatic and economic relations between Namibia and Botswana. The elimination of passport requirements is expected to streamline travel processes, encourage more fluid movement of people, and promote increased collaboration in various sectors like business. Namibians and Botswanans alike can now look forward to a more interconnected and accessible future, symbolizing the spirit of unity and shared regional identity.
This progressive step not only simplifies travel logistics but also reflects the commitment of both nations to deepening their bonds for the benefit of their citizens. The two African countries are at the forefront of pioneering this innovative approach that fosters regional integration, and this sets a positive precedent for other African nations to explore similar measures, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation across the continent.
Special Note: It's important to note that visa policies are subject to change, and travelers should always check with official government sources or embassy websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information before planning international travel.