Renthia Kaimbi
Namibia has ranked among Africa’s top five countries for global mobility in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. It joins Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, and Botswana in offering citizens greater travel access.
The latest index places Namibia 62nd globally, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 81 destinations.
The government attributes this progress to strong foreign policy and targeted diplomatic engagement that has improved the country’s global reputation.
While Namibia’s access remains below Seychelles with 156 destinations and Mauritius with 151, its steady climb is notable.
The improvement reflects growing international confidence in Namibia’s political stability and regional cooperation.
The passport’s strength gives Namibians more opportunities to travel for business, education, and tourism.
The country’s rising diplomatic profile comes as its tourism sector experiences a strong rebound.
In August 2025, hotel occupancy reached 67.55%, the highest since before the pandemic. The year-to-date average occupancy of 50.07% has surpassed 2019 levels, showing clear signs of sustained growth.
According to Simonis Storm, a financial research company, this growth is driven by high demand for Namibia’s luxury safaris, wildlife experiences, and adventure tourism in its desert landscapes.
Tourist spending is projected to rise by 50% year on year in the last quarter of 2025, boosting local economies and creating more jobs in hospitality and related services.
The government’s continued focus on sustainable development and global partnerships is strengthening both tourism and mobility.
Namibia’s expanding international ties are expected to further increase its global access in the coming years.
Officials say the country’s tourism success is reinforcing its global image as a reliable partner and attractive destination.
The combination of a stronger passport and a recovering tourism industry points to long-term stability and growing global engagement.
