US to Require Up to $20,000 Visa Bonds for Applicants

The United States is set to implement a permanent visa bond program that will require applicants from approximately 50 countries, with 30 of them located in Africa, to pay bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for B1 and B2 visas, which are designated for business and tourism travel. A federal notice published by the U.S.

State Department indicates that the new rule will eliminate the previous $5,000 bond option and increase the maximum bond amount from $15,000 to $20,000. This regulation is scheduled to take effect on August 3, coinciding with its publication in the Federal Register.

U.S. officials assert that the policy aims to mitigate visa overstays, while immigration advocates contend that it may deter legitimate travel to the United States. The Trump administration has previously tightened immigration policies, including raising application fees for certain visa categories and enhancing social media screening for visa applicants and immigrants.