The United States is set to roll out a new visa policy that will require certain foreign visitors to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000, as part of a 12-month pilot programme aimed at reducing visa overstays.
According to a notice published on the Federal Register, the programme, set to begin on August 20 will apply to applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas from countries identified as having high rates of overstaying, weak internal document security, or offering citizenship by investment without residency requirements.
The bond amounts will be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, and will be required before visa issuance. Consular officers will determine on a case-by-case basis whether an applicant must post a bond as a condition for receiving a visa.
The U.S. State Department clarified that nationals from countries in the Visa Waiver Program which includes 42 primarily European nations will not be affected by the new policy.
Visa bond holders must enter and exit the United States through designated airports, and their bond will be refunded in full if they comply with all visa conditions. However, if they overstay or vi%late visa terms, the bond will be forfeited.
The policy is based on a 2023 report by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which flagged certain countries for high overstay rates or deficient screening and vetting standards.
The list of affected countries has not yet been disclosed, and the State Department noted that the list and criteria for the programme may change as the pilot progresses.
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