U.S. Introduces $15,000 Visa Bond Requirement for Travelers from High-Risk Countries

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, the State Department has announced a new visa bond pilot program that will require certain tourists and business travelers to post a bond of up to $15,000 before entering the United States. The program, set to launch in August 2025, targets travelers from countries with high rates of visa overstays.

The initiative, which revives a Trump-era policy, is part of a broader strategy to encourage visa compliance. The refundable bond is intended as a financial incentive for travelers to abide by the terms of their stay.

Targeted Regions and Countries

The pilot program will mainly affect travelers from Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East—areas with documented visa overstay rates exceeding 10%. A formal list of the affected countries will be published by the State Department at least 15 days prior to the program’s rollout.

Key Details of the Visa Bond Program

• Duration: 12-month pilot period

• Eligibility: Travelers from countries identified with high visa overstay rates

• Bond Amount: Up to $15,000 per traveler

• Refund Conditions: The full bond will be returned if the traveler:

  
  

  • Exits the U.S. on or before their visa expires

  • Becomes a U.S. citizen

  • Or in the event of death

  
  

Officials clarified that the measure is not intended to deny visas but rather to improve compliance. The program’s impact and effectiveness will be reviewed after one year to determine whether it should be extended, modified, or permanently adopted.

The move has sparked mixed reactions, with immigration advocates expressing concern about potential barriers for low-income travelers and international business ties, while supporters say it’s a necessary step to enforce immigration laws more effectively.