Africa-Press – Namibia. A recent decision to impose visa bond requirements on travellers from selected countries, including Namibia, now mandates Namibians to post security bonds of US$15 000 or N$250 000 to apply for a United States of America visa.
This policy, which came into effect on 1 January 2026, will see citizens from Namibia, Tanzania, Guinea, Malawi, Zambia, Turkmenistan, Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau and other nations pay security bonds ranging from US$5 000 to US$15 000 to access that country’s visa.
For Namibia, which has longstanding historical ties with the US in the fields of tourism, business and educational exchanges, this new visa policy is expected to negatively affect the number of students studying abroad and related important exchanges between the two countries.
While the USA argues that the bond helps prevent visa overstays, the policy places a considerable financial burden on applicants, further complicating access for citizens of these nations planning to enter that country on various grounds.
Meanwhile, Namibia , through the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, said it has taken note of the new US visa policy and is mindful of the potential impact that such measures may have on people-to-people exchanges, including travel for tourism, business, and family visits.
“These exchanges have, over many years, contributed positively to the strong and friendly bilateral relations that exist between Namibia and the United States of America. The ministry would like to assure Namibian citizens that it will engage the United States government regarding the scope, duration, modalities, and practical implications of this pilot programme, including how it may be applied to Namibian travellers,” the ministry said.
Under president Donald Trump’s administration, the USA has taken significant steps to tighten its immigration and visa policies, and the expansion of the visa bond requirement is part of this broader trend.
The bond is intended to serve as a deterrent against visa overstays, which have been a persistent issue for the US immigration system.
By requiring applicants to post a security bond, the government aims to ensure that individuals will leave the USA before their visa expires, under the assumption that those who are willing to pay a hefty bond will be less likely to overstay their visa.
The policy does not guarantee that applicants will be granted a visa, and even if a visa is refused, the bond amount is refunded. For those who are granted a visa, the bond will be refunded only if they comply with the terms of their visa and leave the US on time.
Hopeful
However, the Namibian government remains hopeful of a mutually beneficial solution, saying it will be engaging with its US counterparts.
“Namibia remains committed to constructive and respectful engagement with the United States on this matter, with a view to safeguarding the interests of Namibian citizens while preserving and strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries,” added the ministry.
Last year, Namibia announced the end of visa exemptions granted to citizens of 31 countries, which include Canada, USA, Belgium, Belarus, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, amongst many others.
The 31 countries are nations that do not apply visa waiver reciprocity to Namibian visitors and are therefore not eligible for visa exemptions in Namibia.
This decision aims to promote equal treatment between Namibia and those nations regarding visa regulations.
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