Yup, you read that right! Starting August 20, the U.S. government is launching a pilot programme for visa bonds, and it’s already causing a buzz. If you’re visiting the U.S. from some countries, you may be asked to pay a refundable bond of $5,000 to $15,000 just to set foot in the country. Think of it as a security deposit, but for a Disneyland trip.
The practice is not new—Trump’s administration tried it back in 2020. But COVID made travel inadmissible, so the proposal was put on hold. Now here it is again, and this time it looks worse.
Are you wondering what a visa bond is all about?
Let’s say you’re applying for a tourist visa (also known as B-1 or B-2). That kind of visa allows you to enter the U.S. for visiting purposes or short business visits. Now, let’s say you are from one of those nations that the U.S. considers “high-risk” (more about this issue shortly). You might be told, “Yes, you may enter—but first, pay a deposit.”
That deposit? The U.S. consular officer reviewing your case may require a deposit ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
If you adhere to the rules, which include showing up, completing your visit, and leaving on time, you will receive a refund. Take advantage of the rules, overstay your visa, or try to stay forever? So long, deposit.
Who’s impacted now?
That is limited now to visitors from Malawi and Zambia. But don’t get too comfortable. The State Department went on to say that additional countries would be added. If so, the U.S. would give at least 15 days’ notice before applying the rule to them.
It will only impact approximately 2,000 tourists—at least, so far. But again, this is all part of a pilot programme. If the United States approves of it, the government might implement it on a larger scale.
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Sounds simple? Not so fast
Okay, you pay a bond and come, and if you leave on schedule, you get it back. Simple, right? Well… not really.
You are eligible for a refund if:
- Come and go to the U.S. through one of three specific airports: Boston, JFK (New York), or Washington Dulles.
- Leave on or before the expiration date of your visa.
- Don’t try to extend, especially not through immigration or asylum.
And what if you end up in California or Florida to begin with? No. You might lose your bond.
What about asylum seekers?
This is where things get a bit sticky. Imagine someone arrives in the U.S. legally in the country on a tourist visa and then applies for asylum. In this new policy, that’s considered breaking the terms of the bond—which, technically, doesn’t really logistically make sense because U.S. law states you must be present to apply for asylum in the first place.
That leaves asylum seekers from those nations no other option but to utilise the bond as an application fee. They’ll forfeit the money automatically if they file an application—regardless of whether their asylum claim is valid.
Is this fair or just… harsh?
Supporters of the bond claim it’s a decent method to deter visa overstays. According to U.S. data, about 2% of nonimmigrant visa holders remain past their visa expiration date each year (that’s about 720,000 people each year). The bond will supposedly create an incentive for people to stick to their schedule.
Critics, on the other hand, bemoan that it overstresses and unfairly targets poorer nations and makes visiting America seem like membership in an exclusive club for the rich.
And let’s be realistic—$15,000 is a lot of money. It’s a car for most people. Or a house deposit. The amount is not insignificant.
And so, what happens next?
This trial will run for 12 months and will end on August 6, 2026. Within that period, the government will test whether or not the system works, whether it’s fair, and whether it’s even worth keeping.
If it succeeds (in their eyes), see if there are other countries on the list—and perhaps greater dangers for tourists in the future.
Last-minute advice: Visiting the U.S.? Stay up to date
If you plan to visit the U.S., please monitor the State Department’s website closely. Regulations are subject to sudden changes, so it’s crucial to stay informed.
If you’re from a nation on the bond list, plan ahead, save, and follow all rules to get your money back.
Because, a U.S. holiday is wonderful… but not $15,000 – a wonderful mistake!
