Revised Statement: Understanding the US Tourist Visa Bond Rule: Insights into the $15,000 Pilot Program and Its Implications for Travelers
The United States is set to launch a one-year pilot program starting August 20, 2025, that will require certain B-1 business and B-2 tourist visa applicants from select countries to pay a bond. The programme, aimed at discouraging visa overstays, will initially affect nationals of Malawi and Zambia, identified by the US State Department as having high overstay rates, deficient vetting and screening practices, or offering citizenship by investment without a residency requirement [1][2].
The Department of State may add other countries to this pilot program, providing at least 15 days' notice before any changes. Nationals from 19 other countries already banned under previous nationality-based travel restrictions might also be impacted if exceptions apply and if those countries are included later in the pilot program [1].
The bond amounts will be $10,000 for affected visa applicants. Applicants required to post a bond must enter and exit through designated US ports. Overstaying will result in forfeiture of the bond [1].
The programme is designed to serve as a diplomatic tool to encourage foreign governments to improve their screening and vetting processes. It's important to note that the bond requirement does not apply to visitors from countries in the Visa Waiver Programme [1].
Some travellers may qualify for bond waivers based on their circumstances. The pilot programme runs for 12 months, from August 20, 2025, through August 5, 2026 [1][3].
The climate of uncertainty has deterred inbound travel to the US. The intensified scrutiny of travellers and immigrants since President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025 has led to a significant drop in international visits. If implemented, the rule would give the US one of the highest visitor visa fees in the world-if not the highest [4].
It's worth mentioning that the similar initiative introduced in late 2020 was never fully implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, several countries have issued travel advisories citing restrictive entry policies in the US [5].
Travellers who leave the US on time will receive a full refund. The Pilot Programme is intended to discourage visa overstays and may help in improving the efficiency of the US immigration system [1].
[1] Source: Department of State [2] Source: US State Department Press Release [3] Source: Federal Register [4] Source: Travel Industry Association [5] Source: International Air Transport Association Report
- In an effort to improve the efficiency of the US immigration system, the Department of State is planning to introduce a bond requirement for certain B-1 business and B-2 tourist visa applicants from select countries, which may follow a lifestyle of travel and could potentially affect their budget.
- Amid concerns about visa overstays, the United States is preparing to launch a pilot program that requires a bond, and this program could impact the travel plans of individuals from certain countries, especially those who are planning long-term stays in the nation.
