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In October, a new $250 visa fee will also go into effect.
In October, a new $250 visa fee will also go into effect.
What is happening?
Starting August 20, the United States will launch a one-year pilot program requiring certain visitors to post bonds of up to $15,000.
The program is aimed at detering tourists and business travelers from overstaying their visas – an issue U.S. authorities have been trying to crack down on for years.
Target visitors from high-risk countries
According to a government notice, U.S. consular officers will have the discretion to require bonds from applicants coming from countries with high visa overstay rates or inadequate vetting systems.
The bond levels will be set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with $10,000 expected to be the most commonly applied.
You’ll get them back – if …
Travelers who are required to pay a bond will be eligible for a full refund—provided they leave the U.S. before their visa expires.
The initiative is being positioned as a security measure, not a penalty, aimed at encouraging compliance with U.S. immigration rules.
A revival of Trump-era immigration policy
A similar pilot was introduced in November 2020 during the final stretch of President Donald Trump’s first term.
However, the pandemic and a steep decline in international travel meant the program never took off.
Focus on countries with overstay and vetting concerns
The State Department says countries will be selected based on four key criteria:
- high overstay rates
- weak screening and vetting capabilities
- issues around “citizenship by investment” without residency
- broader foreign policy concerns
The list of targeted countries could evolve over time.
Travel ban nations in the spotlight
Many of the countries likely to be affected—such as Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, and Yemen—already face travel restrictions under the Trump-era travel bans.
These nations also have some of the highest rates of visa overstays, making them prime candidates for inclusion in the bond program.
Limited scope – but high impact for affected travelers
The U.S. Travel Association estimates that only around 2,000 visa applicants could be impacted by the new bond rules.
Most of these are expected to come from a small group of countries with lower volumes of travel to the U.S., potentially limiting the broader impact on tourism.
African nations also under the microscope
In addition to the Middle Eastern and Asian countries already under scrutiny, several African nations—like Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo—were noted for high visa overstay rates in 2023, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.
These countries could also be added to the bond list.
New $250 visa fee to kick in this October
As part of a broader congressional spending package, a new $250 “visa integrity fee” will go into effect on October 1 for all non-immigrant visa approvals.
While it may be reimbursed for travelers who comply with visa terms, the additional charge could make visiting the U.S. more expensive.
Industry concerns over travel deterrents
Tourism advocates are warning that these new measures—particularly the visa bond and integrity fee—could deter international visitors.
The U.S. Travel Association points out that these added costs might make American visitor visas among the most expensive in the world, potentially harming inbound travel.
