United States Imposes Entry Bail on Selected Nations
The United States government has announced a new measure, set to begin on August 20, 2025, as part of a 12-month pilot program. This program requires certain B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants from specific countries to post a bond as a financial guarantee to reduce visa overstays.
The initial implementation of this program will affect nationals of Malawi and Zambia, who will be required to enter the U.S. through designated airports such as Boston Logan, John F. Kennedy, or Washington Dulles. The bond amounts, determined by consular officers, can range from $5,000 to $15,000.
This requirement is a response to high visa overstay rates from certain countries, including Chad, Eritrea, Myanmar, Yemen, and Haiti, as well as countries with deficient screening and vetting processes and citizenship by investment programs that do not require residency. However, travelers from Mexico, Canada, and the more than 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including Germany, are exempt.
The list of affected countries may expand with at least 15 days' notice by the State Department, and the program is expected to last until August 5, 2026. Visas issued under this program are valid for three months, single entry, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection typically admits these visitors for no more than 30 days.
Retained bonds could be used to cover costs of U.S. government deportation procedures. It is important to note that those who violate the conditions of their visa will not receive the paid bond amount back.
This pilot program is part of a broader effort to ensure that visitors comply with the conditions of their visas and leave the U.S. on time, a continuation of President Trump's stringent approach to immigrants entering the country illegally or already residing without valid status. The program was first announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2020, but was not implemented due to the decrease in global travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[1] Federal Register, Notice of Collection, 85 FR 23271. [2] Department of State, Visa Bond Pilot Program. [3] U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Frequently Asked Questions: Visa Bond Pilot Program. [4] Department of State, Visa Bond Pilot Program: Frequently Asked Questions. [5] U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Visa Bond Pilot Program.
- Business travelers and tourists from Malawi and Zambia must apply for a bond between $5,000 to $15,000 as a financial guarantee, starting August 20, 2025, as part of a 12-month pilot program.
- Some might find it crucial to understand the potential impact of this visa bond program on general-news, politics, and business, given its objective of reducing visa overstays and ensuring compliance with visa conditions.
