Namibia's First Female President Orders Deportation of 500 Americans and Implements Tough Visa Policy for U.S. Nationals

Namibia's first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has enacted a new visa policy that requires citizens from 31 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to obtain a visa for entry starting April 1, 2025. This decision aims to address the disparity in visa requirements between Namibia and these Western nations, which have historically imposed stricter visa regulations on Namibian citizens. 

In a statement, President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that the new policy is a response to the lack of reciprocal visa arrangements and is intended to promote fairness in diplomatic interactions. Visitors from the affected countries will be able to obtain a visa upon arrival in Namibia for a fee of $90. 

Additionally, President Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced that African nationals will no longer require a visa to visit Botswana, advocating for greater intra-African travel and cooperation. She criticized the use of visa requirements by Western countries as a means to control the movement of Africans and exploit the continent's natural resources. By implementing these changes, Namibia seeks to assert its sovereignty and promote equitable treatment for its citizens and visitors alike.