Namibian Faces Long Wait for Canadian Visa, Highlighting Global Visa Disparities

Michelle Nehoya, a 38-year-old resident of Windhoek, Namibia, has spent nearly $500 (£390) on a visa application to visit Canada, but over two years later, she is still waiting for her visa to be processed. Nehoya, who longs to reunite with her aunt and cousins in Quebec, has faced a complex application process involving extensive documentation, including six months of bank statements, an invitation letter, and a detailed travel history. She also had to travel to South Africa to submit her biometric data, as Namibia does not offer this service.

Nehoya's experience reflects a broader issue faced by many Africans seeking to travel to Western countries. In 2022, seven out of the top ten countries with the highest visa rejection rates within the Schengen area were African, according to consultancy firm Henley and Partners.

The situation contrasts sharply with the easier entry requirements for Canadian citizens visiting Namibia. Currently, Canadian nationals can enter Namibia without a visa, but this will change in April 2025. At that time, citizens from Canada, Germany, the US, the UK, and 29 other countries will need a visa to enter Namibia. This policy shift aims to address what Namibia's immigration ministry describes as a lack of reciprocity in visa policies from other countries.

The new visa rules will allow visitors to obtain a 90-day visa upon arrival in Namibia for $90. This is in stark contrast to the demanding and costly visa processes required for Namibians traveling to many Western countries.

British High Commissioner to Namibia, Charles Moore, noted that the UK's imposition of a visa regime on Namibians last year was due to a significant increase in asylum applications from Namibia, which affected bilateral relations. The UK government's statement highlighted concerns about misuse of the visa system.

The reaction to Namibia’s new visa requirements has been mixed. Many Namibians view it as a necessary step towards achieving fairness and reciprocity in international travel. Social media users have expressed support for the move, with some even suggesting that other countries should face similar visa hurdles as African passport holders do.

However, the hospitality industry in Namibia is concerned about the potential impact on tourism. The Hospitality Association of Namibia fears that the new visa requirements might send a negative message to potential tourists. Despite these concerns, tourism expert Soni Nrupesh believes that the visa-on-arrival policy will not significantly deter visitors, as the process remains manageable.

For now, travelers like Nehoya hope for a future where visa reciprocity becomes the norm, making international travel more accessible and less bureaucratic.