US Introduces Visa Bond Requiring Namibians to Pay Up to N$250,000
By TUW
The Government of Namibia has officially taken note of a new United States visa bond pilot programme that will require certain travellers from Namibia and other selected countries to post a bond of up to US$15,000 (about N$250,000) when applying for B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas.
In a media release issued on Friday, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) confirmed that the measure forms part of a temporary pilot initiative introduced by the US government and will apply only to specific foreign nationals identified under the programme.
While acknowledging the sovereign right of the United States to set and enforce its own immigration and border management policies, the Ministry cautioned that the high visa bond requirement could affect people-to-people exchanges, including tourism, business travel, and family visits between the two countries.
“These exchanges have over the years contributed positively to the strong and friendly bilateral relations between Namibia and the United States,” the Ministry stated.
MIRT further indicated that the Namibian government will engage US authorities to seek clarity on the scope, duration, and practical implementation of the programme, including how it will be applied to Namibian citizens compared to travellers from other affected countries.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constructive diplomatic relations with the United States while ensuring that the interests of Namibian travellers are protected.
The Ministry said the public will be kept informed as more details regarding the pilot programme become available.
