Windhoek: The United States (U.S) Embassy in Windhoek has issued a warning to Namibians travelling to the United States of America, urging them to comply with the terms of their visas. The embassy emphasized that failure to adhere to these terms, particularly overstaying, can lead to severe and long-term consequences.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the embassy released a statement on Monday highlighting the importance of respecting U.S. immigration regulations. It pointed out that responsible travel is crucial for maintaining a safe and fair system, reminding travellers that 'a visa is a privilege and not a right.' The embassy stressed the need for visitors to adhere to the 'Admit Until Date' as issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the I-94 form at the point of entry. This date is critical in determining the length of a legal stay in the country, rather than the visa's expiry date.

The statement warned that overstaying can result in travel bans, future visa ineligibility, and potentially criminal charges. Consular officers routinely assess applicants' immigration histories, meaning past violations can significantly affect future visa applications. The embassy remarked that overstaying undermines the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and may permanently impact a person's ability to travel, work, or study in the United States. The statement concluded by emphasizing that there is no such thing as an honest mistake when it comes to overstaying.

Further, the embassy encouraged travellers to familiarise themselves with U.S. immigration rules and to review their I-94 information after entry to ensure compliance.