Southern African tourism bodies, SATSA and Africa’s Eden, are ringing in the New Year with optimism as Zambia prepares to waive visa requirements for nationals of an additional 53 countries starting January 1, 2025.
According to the bodies, this bold move not only reinforces Zambia's status as a frontrunner in progressive tourism policies within the Southern African region but also heralds a new era of accessibility for international travellers.
As highlighted by Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden, Zambia’s decision is a testament to the government’s understanding of the tourism industry's needs.
“Zambia’s commitment to removing barriers for international travellers demonstrates a clear understanding of what the tourism industry needs to thrive.
“Their approach proves that countries can successfully balance tourism growth with border management,” she noted.
This strategic shift, formalised through Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, will elevate the total number of visa-exempt countries visiting Zambia to an impressive 167.
The policy announcement came from President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration and is poised to be complemented by enhanced border security measures.
Key to these improvements are the implementation of a new advanced passenger information system and the deployment of over 900 additional immigration staff.
Additionally, the establishment of new immigration control points across the country ensures effective management of the anticipated increase in visitor flows.
In describing Zambia's progressive approach, Blackbeard remarked, “This positions Zambia as a leading example of balanced tourism growth in Africa, combining open borders with robust security measures.”
Such initiatives align harmoniously with the African Union's vision for increased mobility and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Meanwhile, as Zambia embraces this opportunity, South Africa is not lagging in its own visa liberalisation efforts.
The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) set to launch in January 2025, aims to streamline visa processes for tourists from China and India.
This initiative, designed to alleviate challenges such as processing delays and language barriers, will allow vetted tour operators to enjoy a smoother experience for large tour groups seeking entry into the country.
However, the optimistic outlook for Zambia and South Africa stands in stark contrast to recent developments in neighbouring Namibia, which has announced the introduction of new visa requirements for 31 countries, including key tourism markets, effective April 1, 2025.
This contrasting approach raises concerns among tourism stakeholders who fear that Namibia's tighter restrictions could hinder its tourism recovery.
David Frost, CEO of SATSA, has expressed these apprehensions, stating, “While Zambia and South Africa are setting a benchmark for visa openness in the region, we’re concerned about the opposite approach being taken elsewhere.
“Namibia’s new visa requirements, particularly during a crucial recovery period for tourism, could impact visitor numbers significantly.”
In conclusion, the ongoing commitment to visa liberalisation by both Zambia and South Africa is expected to further bolster their positions as leading tourism destinations in Southern Africa.
The clear message emerging from these initiatives is that progressive visa policies can indeed serve as powerful instruments for tourism sector growth while simultaneously maintaining robust border integrity.