The Ministry of International Relations and Trade has acknowledged a new U.S. pilot programme requiring certain foreign nationals, including Namibians, to post a visa bond of about N$250,000 for tourist and business visas.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has launched an amnesty for all foreign nationals who have overstayed their immigration permits/visas.

They are now expected to present themselves to immigration authorities to exit the country without any prosecution.

The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) has lauded the government for issuing visas on arrival at entry points in the Zambezi Region.

HAN CEO Gitta Paetzold describes the move as the highlight of the year for the tourism industry.

Namibia and the Benelux countries have agreed to waive visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, in addition to signing the re-admission agreement.

The Benelux Union is made up of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg.