Govt concerned over new N$250 000 US visa bond
Namibia warns of impact on tourism, family and business visits
Namibia says that while it recognises the United States’ sovereign right to determine its immigration policies, a newly introduced visa bond requirement will affect people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The statement follows an announcement by the US government that it will roll out a temporary visa bond pilot programme requiring certain foreign nationals, including Namibians, to post a refundable bond of up to US$15 000 (about N$250 000) when applying for B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas.
The B-1/B-2 visa is a US visitor visa issued for short-term stays.
The B-1 category applies to travellers visiting the US for business-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, consultations, negotiations, training sessions or settling contracts, and does not permit employment or paid work.
The B-2 category covers tourism and personal travel, including holidays, visits to family and friends, medical treatment and participation in social events, as well as short recreational courses that do not count towards a formal qualification.
The US Department of State listed Namibia among the countries under the programme, set to take effect from 1 January 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with visa conditions.
In a statement issued on Friday, the international relations and trade ministry said it has taken note of the decision and fully acknowledges Washington’s right, like that of all states, to implement immigration and border management policies in line with its national laws and priorities.
However, the ministry expressed concern about the potential impact the measure could have on travel for tourism, business and family visits.
Practical implications
The ministry noted that people-to-people exchanges have, over many years, played an essential role in strengthening the strong and friendly bilateral relations between Namibia and the US.
It added that higher financial requirements for visas could restrict these exchanges and affect ordinary Namibians travelling for legitimate purposes.
The Namibian government, the ministry confirmed, will engage US authorities to seek clarity on the scope, duration, modalities and practical implications of the pilot programme, including how it will be explicitly applied to Namibian travellers.
Under the programme announced by the United States Department of State, visa bonds serve as a financial guarantee that visitors comply with the terms of their visas, including departing the country before their authorised stay expires.
The bonds are refundable if visa holders comply fully with immigration requirements.
Clarity sought
Namibia appears on the list alongside countries such as Botswana, Bhutan, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Turkmenistan.
Other African countries, including Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi and Zambia, were added earlier in 2025 with staggered implementation dates.
The US government has not publicly detailed how consular officers will determine which applicants must post a bond, nor whether exemptions will apply in some instances.
The international relations ministry assured Namibian citizens that government remains committed to constructive and respectful engagement with the US to safeguard the interests of Namibians while preserving and strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.
It said authorities will keep the public informed as more information on the visa bond pilot programme becomes available.
The statement follows an announcement by the US government that it will roll out a temporary visa bond pilot programme requiring certain foreign nationals, including Namibians, to post a refundable bond of up to US$15 000 (about N$250 000) when applying for B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas.
The B-1/B-2 visa is a US visitor visa issued for short-term stays.
The B-1 category applies to travellers visiting the US for business-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, consultations, negotiations, training sessions or settling contracts, and does not permit employment or paid work.
The B-2 category covers tourism and personal travel, including holidays, visits to family and friends, medical treatment and participation in social events, as well as short recreational courses that do not count towards a formal qualification.
The US Department of State listed Namibia among the countries under the programme, set to take effect from 1 January 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with visa conditions.
In a statement issued on Friday, the international relations and trade ministry said it has taken note of the decision and fully acknowledges Washington’s right, like that of all states, to implement immigration and border management policies in line with its national laws and priorities.
However, the ministry expressed concern about the potential impact the measure could have on travel for tourism, business and family visits.
Practical implications
The ministry noted that people-to-people exchanges have, over many years, played an essential role in strengthening the strong and friendly bilateral relations between Namibia and the US.
It added that higher financial requirements for visas could restrict these exchanges and affect ordinary Namibians travelling for legitimate purposes.
The Namibian government, the ministry confirmed, will engage US authorities to seek clarity on the scope, duration, modalities and practical implications of the pilot programme, including how it will be explicitly applied to Namibian travellers.
Under the programme announced by the United States Department of State, visa bonds serve as a financial guarantee that visitors comply with the terms of their visas, including departing the country before their authorised stay expires.
The bonds are refundable if visa holders comply fully with immigration requirements.
Clarity sought
Namibia appears on the list alongside countries such as Botswana, Bhutan, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Turkmenistan.
Other African countries, including Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, The Gambia, Malawi and Zambia, were added earlier in 2025 with staggered implementation dates.
The US government has not publicly detailed how consular officers will determine which applicants must post a bond, nor whether exemptions will apply in some instances.
The international relations ministry assured Namibian citizens that government remains committed to constructive and respectful engagement with the US to safeguard the interests of Namibians while preserving and strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.
It said authorities will keep the public informed as more information on the visa bond pilot programme becomes available.
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