US Proposes Steep Visa Bond for Some Travelers
The United States is considering a major change to its visa policy that could impact thousands of travelers. Under a new proposal, some tourist and business visa applicants may have to post a bond of up to US$15,000 before entering the country. The plan, aimed at curbing visa overstays, would run as a year-long pilot program and target applicants from countries with high overstay rates and weak document security controls.
How the Pilot Program Would Work
According to a notice set for publication in the Federal Register, the State Department plans to require bonds of US$5,000, US$10,000, or US$15,000 for eligible applicants. The measure is designed to ensure the US government is not left with financial losses if a visitor fails to comply with visa terms.
The program is expected to begin within 15 days of official publication, with a detailed list of affected countries released at that time. Importantly, the requirement could be waived based on individual circumstances.
Who Would Be Impacted — And Who Would Not
Travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program—which allows visits of up to 90 days without a visa—will not be affected. Most of these 42 countries are in Europe, with others in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
The bonds would specifically apply to nationals of countries flagged for high visa overstay rates, deficient vetting information, or those offering “citizenship by investment” with no residency requirements.
Part of a Broader Tightening of Visa Rules
The proposal comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to toughen US immigration and entry requirements. Just last week, the State Department announced that many visa renewal applicants would now need to attend an in-person interview—rolling back past exemptions. Additionally, applicants for the Visa Diversity Lottery must present a valid passport from their country of citizenship.
Why Visa Bonds Have Been Rarely Used
Visa bonds have been suggested before, but the State Department has historically avoided them. The process of posting and returning bonds was considered cumbersome, and officials worried it might create negative perceptions among travelers.
However, the department now says that those concerns lack evidence, as bonds have not been widely tested in recent years. This pilot program, it argues, will provide data on whether such financial requirements can effectively reduce overstays without overly burdening legitimate travelers.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for the latest updates on US travel policies and visa regulations.
