Ministry hits back at airport-delay claims
The home affairs ministry has not responded to enquiries from Network Media Hub (NMH) regarding whether it plans to increase its resource capacity at airports to speed up visa processing.This follows a statement by the ministry last week in response to online accusations of long waiting times at Hosea Kutako International Airport and a reported decline in tourism following the introduction of a new visa system.
According to a social media post, some visitors to Namibia allegedly waited more than four hours for their visas to be processed and had to find alternative accommodation in Windhoek because it was too dark to drive to their lodge.
The post, dated 23 May, also claimed that a tour guide said they typically wait about three hours for their groups to have their visas processed.
In a statement issued on 26 May, the ministry rejected long waiting times and dismissed claims that the new visa requirements have caused a decline in tourism figures as false.
“The visa-on-arrival system is not only in effect; it is delivering tangible and measurable results. Contrary to the unfounded claims in the report, there is no evidence of a decline in tourism,” the ministry stated.
“Namibia continues to be regarded as a highly attractive and accessible destination for international travellers,” it added.
The statement cited two examples of effective processing times.
According to the ministry, a flight from Frankfurt carrying 243 passengers landed on Sunday at 08:12. The last passenger’s visa was reportedly processed by 09:27, indicating that airport officials assisted each person in an average of 19 seconds.
Another flight, from Addis Ababa, arrived at 13:17 with 212 passengers. The final visa for that group was allegedly processed by 14:40, meaning each passenger was assisted in an average of 23 seconds.
The ministry further stated that, since the change in visa requirements, Namibia has received 70 000 foreign visitors and generated N$100 million in visa fees.
The social media post claimed that a decline in tourism is evident from the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN)’s accommodation occupancy figures for the first quarter of 2025.
According to HAN, the occupancy rate for the first quarter of 2025 was approximately 4% lower compared to the same period last year. In April this year, the rate was about 3% lower than in April 2024.
Mixed reactions
Stakeholders shared a variety of views on the matter.
“Nothing that has ever been introduced anywhere in the world worked perfectly the first time. We need to stand behind our authorities to help things run smoothly,” a social media user said.
“Let’s offer positive suggestions and contributions rather than constantly making mocking, belittling, and disparaging remarks. Things will improve over time,” the writer added.
Another message said: “I was at the airport today – the [France] flight wasn’t full, and people stood in line for hours. The immigration staff were proactive and moved through the queues to direct people to the correct lines. They’re doing what they can under the circumstances. Let’s support them and stand behind our men and women in uniform,” another message read.
According to a social media post, some visitors to Namibia allegedly waited more than four hours for their visas to be processed and had to find alternative accommodation in Windhoek because it was too dark to drive to their lodge.
The post, dated 23 May, also claimed that a tour guide said they typically wait about three hours for their groups to have their visas processed.
In a statement issued on 26 May, the ministry rejected long waiting times and dismissed claims that the new visa requirements have caused a decline in tourism figures as false.
“The visa-on-arrival system is not only in effect; it is delivering tangible and measurable results. Contrary to the unfounded claims in the report, there is no evidence of a decline in tourism,” the ministry stated.
“Namibia continues to be regarded as a highly attractive and accessible destination for international travellers,” it added.
The statement cited two examples of effective processing times.
According to the ministry, a flight from Frankfurt carrying 243 passengers landed on Sunday at 08:12. The last passenger’s visa was reportedly processed by 09:27, indicating that airport officials assisted each person in an average of 19 seconds.
Another flight, from Addis Ababa, arrived at 13:17 with 212 passengers. The final visa for that group was allegedly processed by 14:40, meaning each passenger was assisted in an average of 23 seconds.
The ministry further stated that, since the change in visa requirements, Namibia has received 70 000 foreign visitors and generated N$100 million in visa fees.
The social media post claimed that a decline in tourism is evident from the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN)’s accommodation occupancy figures for the first quarter of 2025.
According to HAN, the occupancy rate for the first quarter of 2025 was approximately 4% lower compared to the same period last year. In April this year, the rate was about 3% lower than in April 2024.
Mixed reactions
Stakeholders shared a variety of views on the matter.
“Nothing that has ever been introduced anywhere in the world worked perfectly the first time. We need to stand behind our authorities to help things run smoothly,” a social media user said.
“Let’s offer positive suggestions and contributions rather than constantly making mocking, belittling, and disparaging remarks. Things will improve over time,” the writer added.
Another message said: “I was at the airport today – the [France] flight wasn’t full, and people stood in line for hours. The immigration staff were proactive and moved through the queues to direct people to the correct lines. They’re doing what they can under the circumstances. Let’s support them and stand behind our men and women in uniform,” another message read.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article