New U.S. Visa Bond Could Cost Travelers Up to $15,000

Vikrant Gungash
Aug 8
4 min read

By Vikrant Singh, August 08, 2025

Important* - Policy targets tourists and business travelers from Malawi and Zambia over high overstay rates

The United States is introducing a new visa bond requirement that could change the travel plans — and budgets — of visitors from select countries.

Starting August 20, 2025, certain business and tourist visa applicants from Malawi and Zambia will be required to post a refundable bond of $5,000 to $15,000 before entering the U.S., under a 12-month “visa bond” pilot program announced by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

The move revives a shelved 2020 proposal from the Trump administration, originally aimed at curbing visa overstays from countries with historically high rates of visitors staying past their authorized period. While that earlier plan was never implemented due to the pandemic, the current rollout comes as part of a broader tightening of U.S. immigration controls — including expanded social media screening for student visas and a new $250 “visa integrity fee” for most nonimmigrant applicants.

How the Visa Bond Program Works

Under the program:

Applies to: Selected B-1/B-2 visa applicants (business and tourism) from Malawi and Zambia.
Bond range: $5,000 – $15,000, set by U.S. consular officers based on risk profile and financial situation.
Default amount: $10,000.
Refund conditions: Returned in full if the traveler departs the U.S. on time and complies with all visa terms.
Payment method: Bonds posted via the U.S. Treasury’s pay.gov portal.
Cancellation: Automatically processed upon confirmed departure.

The State Department says the goal is to reduce visa overstays and push foreign governments to strengthen screening and documentation systems. According to the Department of Homeland Security, over 500,000 people overstayed visas in 2023 alone.

New Travel Restrictions Under the Pilot Program

Current Rule	Under Pilot Program
Visa valid up to 10 years	Visa valid for 3 months only
Multiple entries allowed	Single entry only
Stay up to 6 months	Stay limited to 30 days
Entry at any U.S. port	Entry restricted to Boston (BOS), New York JFK, or Washington Dulles (IAD)

These restrictions apply in addition to the bond requirement, meaning travelers face shorter stays, fewer entry options, and higher upfront costs.

Impact on Travelers

1. Higher Cost Barriers

For many, especially from lower-income backgrounds, posting up to $15,000 upfront — even if refundable — will be out of reach. Families may have to delay or cancel trips, leading to reduced cultural exchange and family separations during important events.

2. Shorter Visits, Tighter Schedules

With a 30-day limit and single-entry visas, travelers will have little flexibility. This can be especially challenging for:

Business professionals involved in long negotiations or training.
Families planning extended visits with relatives.

3. Administrative Complexity

Applicants must navigate multiple steps — from online bond posting to using specific U.S. airports for entry. Any technical errors in departure tracking could risk wrongful bond forfeitures.

Impact on Businesses

Complications for Corporate Travel

U.S. companies that depend on visiting partners, clients, or specialists may see fewer face-to-face meetings. Industries relying on international collaboration and innovation could be forced to adjust strategies.

Added Administrative Burdens

HR teams may have to help foreign visitors handle bond payments, paperwork, and compliance tracking — adding time, cost, and complexity to business operations.

Operational Disruptions

The 30-day cap could disrupt manufacturing projects, technology transfers, and other engagements that traditionally require longer visits.

Economic, Social, and Diplomatic Effects

Tourism: U.S. tourism hubs, hotels, and attractions may lose business from affected countries.
Public Image: The policy could reinforce perceptions of the U.S. as less welcoming to travelers from developing nations.
Diplomatic Relations: Targeting specific countries risks reciprocal restrictions on U.S. citizens traveling abroad.

Looking Ahead

The 12-month pilot will be closely monitored to see if it reduces overstays and how it affects travelers, businesses, and diplomatic ties. Legal challenges are possible if the policy disproportionately impacts certain ethnic or religious groups.

Advice for Travelers and Businesses

For Travelers:

Check travel.state.gov regularly for country-specific updates.
Understand the bond process and prepare documentation in advance.
Consider professional legal or immigration advice before booking travel.

For Businesses:

Audit current and upcoming international travel involving Malawi and Zambia.
Prepare internal processes to assist with bond logistics if hosting foreign visitors.
Stay updated on policy shifts to adjust engagement strategies.

Bottom Line:The U.S. Visa Bond Program represents a significant shift in how the U.S. approaches travel from countries with high overstay rates. While intended to improve compliance, the cost and complexity could deter both tourism and business — and reshape international perceptions of U.S. openness.

Book free consultation

Weabide immigration services pvt. ltd. is the best immigration consultant in India with a team of highly experienced case managers who have a decade of work experience in the immigration process. We understand the complexities of immigration procedures and the importance of having a knowledgeable and experienced team by your side.

Here are some of the reasons why WeAbide® stands out:

We are committed to providing top-notch services that prioritize your satisfaction. Our case managers are well-versed in the intricacies of immigration regulations and stay up to date with the latest changes in immigration policies. With their extensive knowledge, they can effectively handle your case, ensuring all necessary documents are prepared accurately and submitted on time.
We take pride in providing personalized attention to each client. We understand that every immigration case is unique, and our case managers are dedicated to understanding your specific requirements and tailoring their services accordingly. By choosing WeAbide®, you can rest assured that your immigration process will be handled with utmost professionalism and attention to detail.
We are the leading immigration consultant in India. We have a proven track record of success, and we have helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in Canada.