U.S. Proposes Visa Bond Requirement for Business and Tourist Applicants

The US State Department is proposing a pilot program that would require applicants for business and tourist visas from certain countries to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the US. The program aims to ensure the government is not liable for non-compliance with visa terms. The countries affected will be listed once the program takes effect, with bonds waived for individual circumstances.

The US State Department has announced a 12-month pilot program that requires applicants for business and tourist visas from certain countries to post a bond of up to $15,000. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with visa terms and mitigate potential financial liabilities for the government. The program will target applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates, deficient screening and vetting information, or those offering citizenship by investment without residency requirements [1][2].

The pilot program, which will begin in August 2025, will initially be announced in the Federal Register and will cover a list of countries that will be determined at least 15 days before its implementation. Applicants will have the option to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the amount determined by consular officers based on individual circumstances [1][2].

The bond will be refunded if the applicant leaves the US by the authorized date, ensuring that the program serves as a financial guarantee against overstays. The program will be reviewed and potentially modified throughout its duration, with the State Department considering the Fiscal Year 2023 Overstay Report from the Department of Homeland Security to determine country-specific overstay rates [2].

The economic impact of this program is a concern for travel industry stakeholders, who argue that it could deter foreign visitors and negatively affect cities that rely on international tourism. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that the program will initially affect around 2,000 applicants, primarily from countries with low travel volume to the US [1][3].

The pilot program is part of a broader trend of tightening US visa requirements under the Trump administration, which has also implemented a $250 "visa integrity fee" for most non-immigrant visas, effective in 2026. The World Travel & Tourism Council has highlighted the potential decline in international visitor spending in the US due to these initiatives [3].

References:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/state-department-visa-bond-pilot-program/
[2] https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10546891
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/08/04/trump-administration-some-foreign-tourists-must-post-bond-of-up-to-15000-to-enter-us/