The Hospitality Association of Namibia has lauded the government for issuing visas on arrival at the three entry points in the Zambezi Region. 

The association's Chief Executive Officer, Gitta Paetzold, describes the move as the highlight of the year for the tourism industry.

The ministry last week rolled out visas on arrival through the Katima Mulilo, Ngoma, and Impalila border posts in the Zambezi.

Home Affairs, Immigration, and Safety and Security, Dr. Albert Kawana, reiterated the importance of tourism and the need for the efficiency and friendliness of immigration staff to enhance the overall experience of visitors to Namibia.

Paetzold says the visa on arrival will not only contribute to the growth of the economy but also enable tourists to see the beautiful scenery Namibia has to offer.

"In the past, we actually had some of the nationalities come as far as the Kasane to see the beautiful side of the Chobe River, but they could not enter Namibia because they did not have a visa for our beautiful country. Now,  for the visa on arrival services at those border posts, they can, on a whim, decide to come to Namibia and see the other beautiful side of Kasa. For tourism, this is the best ever."

She stresses that the move will further strengthen the industry in the transfrontier conservation areas, which include parks in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Angola.

"That to us is key, and for that we needed the expansion of our visa on arrival services, so home affairs couldn't have done any better than to offer us that exposure to the international community; more than 27 African countries of those that need visas for Namibia and 29 international countries, countries in South America, Eastern Europe, and Asian countries, can all get their visa on arrival."

The Oshikango, Mohembo, Oranjemund, and Noordoewer border posts will introduce visa applications upon arrival next year.