Washington D.C. – August 6, 2025 — In a controversial move that could significantly alter international travel for citizens of certain countries, the United States Department of State has proposed a new rule requiring some applicants for business and tourist visas to pay a security bond of up to $15,000 before being granted entry into the country.
The proposal, set to be published in the Federal Register this week, targets nationals from countries identified by the U.S. government as having high rates of visa overstays and weak internal documentation systems. Among those reportedly affected are African nations such as Malawi and Zambia, whose citizens often apply for U.S. B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas.
A 12-Month Pilot Programme
According to the U.S. State Department, this initiative will begin as a 12-month pilot programme, during which selected applicants may be required to post a bond in one of three tiers — $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 — depending on the perceived risk level associated with their application. The measure, the Department says, aims to enhance immigration enforcement and reduce the rate of visa overstays.
The proposal specifically focuses on countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a long-standing arrangement that allows nationals from 42 pre-approved countries — mostly in Europe, as well as a few in Asia and the Middle East — to enter the United States for short-term visits without a visa.
For African countries and others outside the VWP, this new rule could pose significant barriers. “This bond requirement could make travel to the U.S. unaffordable for thousands of prospective visitors from low- and middle-income nations,” warned a senior immigration policy analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Not Just About Money — But About Message
Observers note that the financial aspect is not the only concern. There is also a symbolic message: a visa bond, critics argue, reinforces the notion of distrust between the U.S. and citizens of targeted countries. “The imposition of bonds sends a signal that certain nationalities are less welcome or more suspect, even before an individual’s case is reviewed,” said Dr. Miriam Chikuni, an immigration attorney based in Johannesburg.
Though the State Department insists that the bond requirement is not intended to be punitive, it admitted in its notice that it aims to use the pilot programme to gather data on whether requiring bonds could serve as an effective deterrent against overstaying visas.
“The Department believes a visa bond program could support U.S. efforts to ensure travelers depart in a timely fashion and that the terms of their visas are respected,” the notice reads.
A Departure from Previous U.S. Practice
While visa bonds have been floated as an idea in the past, they have rarely been implemented. The State Department itself has historically been reluctant to enforce such measures due to the logistical burden involved in posting and returning the bonds, as well as the potential for diplomatic friction.
The current administration under President Donald J. Trump is taking a more hardline stance, echoing the broader immigration clampdown seen throughout his tenure. The proposed visa bond policy adds to a growing list of stricter requirements, including mandatory in-person interviews for visa renewals and a passport requirement for Visa Lottery applicants.
“Applying for a U.S. visa is already complicated and expensive. Adding a bond of thousands of dollars will turn it into an impossible dream for many,” said Emmanuel Banda, a Zambian entrepreneur who frequently travels for international business expos. “This will hurt trade, education, and tourism ties between Africa and the United States.”
Bond Could Be Waived Under Certain Conditions
The State Department has clarified that not every applicant from targeted countries will be automatically required to pay the bond. Consular officers will reportedly evaluate each case individually, and waivers may be granted depending on the applicant’s background, purpose of visit, and other mitigating factors.
Nonetheless, critics remain skeptical. “We’ve seen before how discretion can be inconsistently applied in visa processing. This rule risks becoming an additional gatekeeping tool,” said Nana Kwesi Appiah, a migration rights advocate with the Africa-U.S. Partnership Initiative.
Business and Tourism May Take a Hit
Analysts also warn that the policy could affect U.S. inbound tourism and business travel, particularly from African countries with growing middle-class populations eager to explore international markets and vacation abroad.
According to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), African travelers contributed over $1.4 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023 through tourism and short-term visits. Imposing costly financial requirements on these travelers may lead them to opt for alternative destinations in Europe, Asia, or the Gulf region.
“This may appear like a small policy shift, but its economic impact could be far-reaching,” said Dr. James Otieno, a travel industry analyst based in Nairobi. “It could dissuade not just individual travelers but also investors and partners who might perceive the U.S. as increasingly inaccessible.”
What Happens Next?
Once published in the Federal Register, the proposal will enter a public comment period during which individuals, organizations, and foreign governments can submit feedback or objections. After that, the Department of State will decide whether to proceed with the policy, amend it, or abandon it altogether.
While many African governments have yet to formally respond, immigration experts suggest that diplomatic discussions are already underway. “We expect countries like Zambia and Malawi to seek clarification from U.S. embassies and may even petition for exemptions,” said a source within the African Union’s legal affairs department.
Until a final decision is made, potential visitors from affected countries are being advised to stay informed and check for official updates through their nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor this story and provide timely updates on how the new visa bond proposal may affect travelers across the continent.