Namibia launches digital nomad visa
THE Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board has launched a digital nomad visa.
Mostly technology-aided, the location-independent work has risen in popularity over the years.
Namibia is one of five southern African countries that improved visa openness measures the most during the 2016 to 2021 period, according to the 2021 Africa Visa Openness Report. It has been ranked 19th in terms of visa openness (compared to 38 in 2016), where first is “most open”.
Year to date, (August 2022) Namibian airports average 12 044 international arrivals per month, compared to a monthly average of 3 840 (213.7%) for January to August last year.
At the launch, the investment promotion board said many countries with appreciable tourism sectors suffering from a reduction in global travel had begun offering digital nomad visas to remote workers.
Applicants wanting to take advantage of the Namibia digital nomad visa will have to prove they earn enough money to be self-sufficient.
“They will need to demonstrate proof of income/funds (Payslip/ Employment Contract) to sustain themselves and dependants ($2000/ R36400 – applicant, $1000 – accompanying spouse, $500 – per accompanying child per month).”
Applicants must also have valid travel documents, health or travel insurance covering risks while in Namibia.
Approximately $62 will be required upon arrival as payment for the visa.
Some 40 countries globally are already offering digital nomad visas, and in Africa Mauritius, Seychelles and Cape Verde offer the special visa.
Seven countries are in the process of introducing a digital nomad visa, including South Africa and Kenya.
The board of the ministry of home affairs has indicated applicants should expect to receive an email notification within two weeks along with confirmation of their visa, if all is in order.
Gondwana Collection’s managing director, Gys Joubert, said it was a good initiative and the tourism industry was ready to support it.
He said Namibia's safety shouldn’t be taken for granted, as it was a real selling point for those who preferred to work remotely from anywhere.