US makes visa bond pilot programme permanent.
The United States is making a visa bond programme permanent that could require certain visitors to pay up to $20,000 before being granted entry for business or tourism. The policy, announced by the US State Department, is aimed at reducing the number of people who overstay their visas. It will apply to selected applicants from 50 countries, with a significant share from Africa.Here is what the new system means and how it will work.
What is changing?
Under the new rule, some applicants for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas may be asked to pay a refundable financial guarantee, known as a visa bond.
- The bond can be as high as $20,000
- It is decided on a case-by-case basis by consular officers
- The rule comes into force on August 3
The programme is no longer a temporary trial. It is now being made permanent.
Who could be affected?
The policy applies to nationals from 50 countries, including 30 in Africa, according to the notice.Not every applicant will automatically be required to pay. Instead, US consular officers will assess individual cases and decide whether a bond is necessary.
Why is the US introducing this?
Officials say the main goal is to reduce visa overstays, where visitors enter the country legally but remain after their visa expires.The State Department said a pilot version of the scheme, tested in 2025, showed that financial guarantees helped improve compliance among travellers. The pilot allowed bonds of $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000. The new system removes the lowest option and raises the ceiling to $20,000.
What happens to the money?
The bond is not a fee. It is meant to be refunded if the traveller follows all visa rules, including leaving the US on time.If a visitor overstays or violates visa conditions, the bond may be forfeited.
List of 50 countries
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Go to Source
