In a bold geopolitical move widely interpreted as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial tariffs on African exports, Namibia has announced it will require all U.S. tourists to obtain a visa before entering the country, beginning April 1, 2025.
The new policy, rolled out under the administration of Namibia’s first female president, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, signals a shift in tone and policy between the southern African nation and the United States.
“Any U.S. citizen caught without a fully approved visa will be declared an ‘illegal alien’ and treated the same way Donald Trump treats African immigrants in the U.S.,” a Namibian government spokesperson said during the official announcement.
Online Applications Encouraged, On-Arrival Visas Still Possible
Tourists are encouraged to apply in advance through Namibia’s online visa portal:
https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/visaonarrival
Travelers must print and carry a hard copy of the visa approval when entering Namibia. While visas may still be purchased on arrival at major airports like Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay, as well as busy land border crossings such as Katima Mulilo and Ngoma, implementation is ongoing and subject to change.
Economic Fallout: U.S. Miners Ordered to Leave
Namibia, a major producer of diamonds, uranium, copper, and gold, has also issued a sweeping directive targeting over 500 American nationals currently working in the country’s mining sector—many of whom are believed to be operating without proper documentation.
Effective April 1, all U.S. citizens without visas must exit the country or face forced removal beginning April 2, officials said.
The decision comes amid a broader policy overhaul as President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s government asserts sovereign control over Namibia’s lucrative natural resources, particularly its diamond mining industry.
Retaliation or Regulation? A Direct Response to Trump-Era Trade Policy
Though officially framed as an administrative update, the move is widely seen as a direct response to U.S. trade practices, particularly Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs that affected African exports under programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Namibia’s response sends a clear diplomatic message: visa reciprocity and trade fairness matter.
Travel Advisory for U.S. Citizens
The U.S. Embassy in Windhoek has urged American travelers to adhere to the new visa rules to avoid detention or deportation, and emphasized that the policy may affect business travelers and expatriates in mining, tourism, and diplomatic sectors.
Travelers should check the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs website regularly for updates to visa processing and entry rules.
