The UK aims to make its visa process more convenient for Namibian travelers, outgoing British High Commissioner Charles Moore told President Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House on Wednesday. The UK started requiring visas from Namibians in July 2023 after more than 1,000 Namibians had sought asylum there since 2016. This visa requirement has almost completely stopped asylum seekers but created problems for legitimate travelers, including business people, officials, ministers, and tourists.
"We recognized it has an impact on genuine Namibian travelers, and it is just unfortunate," Moore said. "We are trying to make the visa process user-friendly, quicker and less inconvenient for Namibian travelers, and hopefully it won't put people off as genuine travelers." Previously, Namibians could enter the UK for short stays without visas. The current system requires online applications with biometrics and passports, which the UK government tries to process within 15 working days.
People can apply up to three months before their trip. Moore stressed that the visa rules didn't mean either government was at fault, noting that neither country could prevent people from requesting asylum. The new measures attempt to balance security concerns with the needs of legitimate travelers between the two nations.
"We recognized it has an impact on genuine Namibian travelers, and it is just unfortunate," Moore said. "We are trying to make the visa process user-friendly, quicker and less inconvenient for Namibian travelers, and hopefully it won't put people off as genuine travelers." Previously, Namibians could enter the UK for short stays without visas. The current system requires online applications with biometrics and passports, which the UK government tries to process within 15 working days.
People can apply up to three months before their trip. Moore stressed that the visa rules didn't mean either government was at fault, noting that neither country could prevent people from requesting asylum. The new measures attempt to balance security concerns with the needs of legitimate travelers between the two nations.
