The introduction of visas upon arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour is expected to create a stress-free experience for cruise liner tourists.

The cruise passenger liner industry previously expressed concern about the immigration process, which they described as lengthy.

Because the vessels did not often dock at the Walvis Bay harbour for a day, the lengthy process delayed tourists, who booked activities with local operators.

A member of the Erongo Tourism Forum, Kenneth Kapitako, says immigration authorities have been improving their performance in recent months.

"The stakeholders appreciate the Ministry of Home Affairs for deploying a huge number of immigration officials to smooth the process of passenger arrivals from cruise liners. We had a challenge in the past where cruise liners docked early, but because of immigration purposes, it was delaying them from getting off the vessels, and in the same vein, it would delay them from getting to the tourist attractions. It was a challenge to tour operators, but lately, it has been ironed out, and it's a smooth operation. I can say that."

With the introduction of the visa-on-arrival initiative, delays that were observed at the recent arrival of the passenger vessel Queen Mary 2 could be a thing of the past. 

According to the government, the initiative will simplify travel logistics for both tourists and business visitors as it reduces bureaucratic obstacles.

The Executive Director in the Environment, Forestry, and Tourism Ministry told stakeholders at Walvis Bay that tourist arrivals are picking up and collaboration is vital.

"I have seen a lot of 4x4s on the road; I have seen buses full of tourists, which means even the fluctuations in terms of seasonality are something that we really would like to put behind us to be a thing of the past. At least from January to December, we have tourists throughout. We are only able to do that if we work with all of you as stakeholders in the industry." 

When the next cruise passenger liner season starts in September, six vessels are scheduled to overnight at the harbour, boosting the expected benefits for the sector.