Big changes are coming to U.S. travel policy. Starting August 20, 2025, certain foreign nationals applying for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas will be required to post a refundable visa bond of up to $15,000. This 12-month pilot program aims to reduce visa overstays and encourage better vetting by foreign governments.
If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. or help facilitate international travel, here’s what you must know.
📅 Program At a Glance: U.S. Visa Bond Pilot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | August 20, 2025 |
| End Date | August 5, 2026 |
| Visa Types | B-1 (Business), B-2 (Tourism) |
| Bond Amounts | $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 |
| Refund Policy | Full refund if traveler complies with visa terms |
| Ports of Entry | Boston Logan, JFK (New York), Washington Dulles |
| Waivers | Not available during the pilot phase |
🌍 Who’s Affected First?
The U.S. State Department has identified Malawi and Zambia as the first countries affected. However, this list may expand throughout the pilot period.
Based on 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data, other countries with high visa overstay rates may be added, including:
Chad
Laos
Haiti
Djibouti
Burundi
Togo
Eritrea
Myanmar
Yemen
Stay updated at US State Official Website for the latest country list.
🛡️ Why Is This Happening?
This program is part of broader efforts under the Trump administration to:
Crack down on visa overstays
Pressure foreign governments to improve traveler vetting
Use visa policy as a diplomatic tool for compliance
Strengthen immigration enforcement and national security
According to a State Department spokesperson, the bond system is intended to encourage accountability among travelers and their governments.
💸 New Visa Integrity Fee Coming October 2025
Another change is on the horizon: the $250 “Visa Integrity Fee”, which will take effect on October 1, 2025. This applies to all nonimmigrant visa holders and may be refundable if the traveler adheres to visa terms.
While designed to support enforcement, this fee—combined with the visa bond—has raised concerns in the travel industry. The U.S. Travel Association warns that:
These costs could deter tourism and business travel
The pilot may impact 2,000+ applicants
Most affected countries already contribute low travel volumes to the U.S.
🤔 How Is the Bond Amount Determined?
Visa bond amounts ($5,000 to $15,000) are decided by U.S. consular officers and depend on:
Purpose of travel
Employment & income
Educational background
Risk assessment during the visa interview
This discretionary approach ensures that each applicant is reviewed individually.
⏳ What If You Overstay?
✅ Comply with visa rules → Full bond refund
❌ Overstay or violate terms → Bond is forfeited
Visa holders cannot appeal a bond forfeiture, so compliance is critical.
🔄 Will This Program Expand?
While the scope is limited for now, the government may expand the program based on results. If successful, we could see:
More countries added
Higher bond amounts
Wider visa categories affected
✈️ Final Thoughts: What You Should Do Now
If you’re a traveler from an affected country or an employer arranging U.S. travel, prepare early:
✅ Check if your country is listed
✅ Review entry points and fee changes
✅ Plan for the bond and Visa Integrity Fee
✅ Comply fully with visa terms to ensure refunds
📢 Stay Updated, Travel Smart
This visa bond program could signal a long-term shift in U.S. immigration policy—especially for countries with high overstay rates. Stay informed and plan your travel with compliance in mind.