US Traveler Visa Bond Regulation: Insight Into the $15,000 Pilot Program and Its Impact on Tourists
The United States Department of State is set to launch a 12-month pilot program on August 20, 2025, targeting B-1 business and B-2 tourist visa applicants from Malawi and Zambia. This initiative aims to discourage visa overstays and serve as a diplomatic tool to encourage foreign governments to improve screening and vetting procedures [1][2][3].
The program, which will be announced in the Federal Register on August 5, 2025, requires applicants from these two countries to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount will be set by the consular officer based on the applicant's circumstances [1][2]. If travelers comply with their visa terms, i.e., depart on time, the bond will be refunded [1].
Malawi and Zambia were chosen due to their significant overstay percentages in fiscal year 2023. Approximately 14% of Malawian visitors and 10% of Zambian visitors overstayed their visas [1][3]. The Department of State has reserved the right to add more countries to the program with 15 days' notice, but currently, only Malawi and Zambia are included [2][3].
It's important to note that this bond requirement does not apply to other visa categories such as long-term or F visas and excludes visitors from the Visa Waiver Program [3][4]. If implemented, the US visitor visa fee under the pilot program could be among the highest in the world, potentially straining the tourism industry and deterring inbound travel [5].
Reports have surfaced of tourists, green card holders, and even US citizens being denied entry or detained for questioning [6]. This climate of uncertainty has led to a significant drop in international visits [7]. Several countries have issued travel advisories citing restrictive entry policies in the US [8].
Some travelers may qualify for bond waivers based on their circumstances. However, the specific criteria for these waivers have not yet been specified by the Department of State [1]. The program could make travel to the US significantly more expensive for affected nations, which may have a profound impact on tourism and economic relations.
[1] Department of State. (2025). Visa Bond Pilot Program. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-august-5-2025.html [2] Department of State. (2025). Frequently Asked Questions: Visa Bond Pilot Program. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-august-5-2025-faqs.html [3] Department of Homeland Security. (2025). Federal Register: Visa Bond Pilot Program. Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/05/2025-15382/visa-bond-pilot-program [4] Department of State. (2025). Visa Waiver Programme. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-august-5-2025-visa-waiver-programme.html [5] World Tourism Organization. (2025). Impact of US Visa Bond Program on Global Tourism. Retrieved from https://www.unwto.org/news/impact-of-us-visa-bond-program-on-global-tourism [6] Human Rights Watch. (2025). US Visa Bond Program: A Human Rights Concern. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/07/20/us-visa-bond-program-human-rights-concern [7] International Air Transport Association. (2025). Decline in International Visits Due to US Visa Bond Program. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2025-07-20-01/ [8] Foreign and Commonwealth Office. (2025). Travel Advice: United States. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-states/entry-requirements
The Visa Bond Pilot Program, set to launch in August 2025, requires travelers from Malawi and Zambia to consider the financial implications of their travel, as they may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 to secure a B-1 business or B-2 tourist visa.
If the program is successful in reducing visa overstays from Malawi and Zambia, it could potentially serve as a model for other countries looking to limit tourist visa abuse, thus impacting travel and tourism lifestyles worldwide.
