Namibian Michelle Nehoya has spent almost $500 (£390) on a visa application to visit Canada, but after more than two years, she still hasn’t received it. The 38-year-old, who lives in Windhoek, is eager to see her aunt and cousins in Quebec, whom she hasn’t seen in nearly a decade. The visa process has been extensive, requiring multiple forms, six months of bank statements, an invitation letter, and a detailed travel history. Additionally, she had to travel to South Africa to submit her biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo.
This experience is common for Africans traveling to Western countries. In 2022, seven of the top 10 countries with the highest visa rejection rates in the Schengen area were African. Ms. Nehoya expressed frustration at the lengthy process, stating she hasn’t been given a reason for the delay.
However, Canadian citizens can enter Namibia without a visa currently, but this will change in eight months. Starting next April, Canadian nationals, along with citizens from other countries, will require a visa for entry. Namibia’s immigration ministry explained that the new visa requirement aims to ensure fairness in diplomatic interactions due to certain countries not reciprocating gestures of goodwill from Namibia.
Visitors will be able to purchase a 90-day visa on arrival in Namibia, unlike the requirements imposed on African passport holders. The UK High Commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, acknowledged Namibia’s right to impose new regulations, citing the UK’s decision to implement a visa regime on Namibia due to an increase in asylum applications.
Despite mixed reactions, Ms. Nehoya believes Namibia’s visa announcement is fair and demonstrates the country standing up for itself. The tourism industry in Namibia expressed concerns, but a tourism expert believes the visa requirement will not deter visitors. Ms. Nehoya hopes for reciprocity in visa policies, allowing for easier travel to countries like Canada, the US, and the UK. Getty Imágenes Pero ahora mismo, debemos planificar todo con tanta anticipación.”
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