New US policy requires Visa bond of up to $15,000

WASHINGTON: The US authorities have introduced a pilot program that requires submitting a visa bond worth $15,000 to obtain a US visa.

Tourists and business visitors from Zambia and Malawi must pay a deposit of up to $15,000 when applying for a US visa, the State Department stated, in a measure reminiscent of a visa restriction for the African countries, which are among the world’s poorest.

“The visa bond will be canceled and the bond money will be automatically returned in the following circumstances.

The visa holder departs from the United States on or before the date to which he or she is authorized to remain in the United States; or the visa holder does not travel to the United States before the expiration of the visa; or the visa holder applies for and is denied admission at the U.S. port of entry.”

The report says that those coming from countries whose people do not return to the US will now have to pay a bond of $15,000.

According to the report, those who return on time will get their money back, while the pilot program, which started on August 20, will continue for about a year.

Earlier, the United States of America will begin charging a $250 (approximately Rs. 71,338) “visa integrity fee” to nonimmigrant visitors as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a bill passed by President Donald Trump.

The fee, set to take effect in fiscal year 2025 starting October 1, will apply to most foreign nationals seeking entry on nonimmigrant visas, including tourists, students, and business travelers.

The Department of Homeland Security will have the authority to adjust the fee amount, which will increase with inflation in subsequent years.