Prime Highlights
- The U.S. will request refundable visa bonds of up to $15,000 from certain Malawian and Zambian applicants from August 20, 2025.
- The pilot program of 12 months will help tackle high rates of overstaying and increased visa compliance.
Key Fact
- About 2,000 visitors will be affected in the first year.
- Zambia warns that the bond will be expensive with monthly returns averaging around $150.
Key Background
The U.S. State Department launched a 12-month pilot program that charges certain Malawian and Zambian tourist (B-2) and business (B-1) visa candidates a refundable bond between $5,000 and $15,000. From August 20, 2025, the pilot program aims to deter overstays and encourage enforcement of the U.S. immigration policy.
The bond is introduced after statistics which showed above average rates of overstay from certain countries. The bond amounts will be set on a case-by-case basis by consular officers, normally between $10,000. Tourists who meet the conditions of their visa, such as departing on schedule, will be refunded the bond. Overstayers and others who violate conditions of their visa will lose the bond.
This initiative will affect approximately 2,000 visitors in year one and will add to an estimated $250 “visa integrity” fee for non-immigrant visa applicants. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, mainly Europe and other allies, will be exempted.
The action has drawn emotive responses, with most of the rage coming from Zambia, whose Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba responded to the economic strain that the bond will bring to its citizens. With the national average monthly per capita income at almost $150, government leaders say the action would seriously limit travel, hurt tourism, and impact diplomatic ties. Malawian officials have remained silent on the matter too.
U.S. officials are careful to note the program is a one-time, limited test, not a policy that will be recurring and say that results will guide future action on visa bond requirements for other countries.
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