Namibian Visitors to the US Could Be Asked to Pay Up to N$330,000 Before Travel
By TUW
Namibians planning to travel to the United States for business or tourism could soon face a substantial financial requirement after the US government permanently adopted a visa bond programme that includes Namibia among the affected countries.
Under the new policy, certain travellers may be required to pay a refundable bond of up to US$20,000 (approximately N$330,000) before being granted a US business or tourist visa. The bond will be refunded if the visitor leaves the United States before their visa expires and fully complies with all visa conditions.
However, travellers who overstay their visas or violate the terms of their stay risk forfeiting the entire bond.
Namibia is among 30 African countries included in the programme, alongside Botswana, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria and several others. In total, the policy applies to travellers from 50 countries worldwide.
According to the US government, the permanent visa bond programme is intended to strengthen compliance with immigration regulations and reduce the number of visitors who overstay their visas.
The new policy means that eligible applicants from Namibia seeking US business or tourist visas may be required to provide the refundable bond as part of their visa application process.
