The U.S. is introducing a new entry requirement that could make visits far more expensive for some foreign nationals. Beginning August 20, 2025, certain applicants for U.S. tourist and business visas from Malawi and Zambia will have to pay a U.S. visa bond of up to $15,000 before they can enter the country.
This refundable deposit is part of a year-long visa bond program aimed at reducing visa overstays. While the government says it’s a measure to improve compliance, the cost and restrictions may change how people and companies approach travel to the United States.
How the Visa Bond Works
The upcoming U.S. visa bond requirement will cover certain applicants for B-1 business visas and B-2 tourist visas from the designated countries. Bond amounts will fall between $5,000 and $15,000, with $10,000 serving as the typical rate. U.S. consular officers will decide the exact sum based on elements like an applicant’s past travel record and the level of risk they present.
The payment must be made electronically through the U.S. Treasury’s secure platform before a traveler’s visa can be issued. Once the traveler leaves the U.S. within the permitted time frame and complies with all visa conditions, the bond will be refunded.
The visa bond program will run for 12 months as a pilot. At the end of the trial, the US Department of State will review the results and decide whether to extend, modify or end the policy.
Countries Affected So Far
For now, only two countries are part of the pilot U.S. visa bond list:
- Malawi
- Zambia
Officials have indicated that other countries could be added later, depending on how the program performs and on visa overstay trends.
New Rules for Those Required to Post a Bond
Travelers paying the U.S. tourist visa bond or business visa bond will face more than just a financial hurdle. Their visa conditions will be stricter than standard B-1/B-2 visas.
Main changes include:
- Visa validity reduced from 10 years to 3 months
- Single-entry restriction instead of multiple entries
- Maximum stay cut from six months to 30 days
- Entry limited to three airports: Boston Logan (BOS), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Washington Dulles (IAD)
These changes mean travelers will have less time and flexibility for their trips, even if they meet the bond requirement.
The Financial Barrier
For many individuals, especially those from countries with lower average incomes, coming up with thousands of dollars upfront is a significant challenge. Even though the U.S. visa bond is refundable, the requirement could make travel impossible for many would-be visitors.
The U.S. tourist visa bond may discourage family visits, tourism, and cultural exchange. Weddings, graduations, or milestone celebrations could be missed simply because some relatives cannot afford the bond.
In the case of the business visa bond, the costs may deter companies from sending representatives to the U.S., particularly for short events such as trade shows or meetings where the expense outweighs the benefit.
Impact on Business and Trade
The new business visa bond requirement introduces logistical and financial issues for U.S. companies that work with partners from Malawi and Zambia. Businesses may have to decide whether to pay the bond for their guests, reschedule projects to fit within the 30-day stay limit, or conduct meetings virtually instead.
Industries that rely on hands-on work, such as manufacturing, training or technology implementation, may be most affected. A single month may be insufficient for complex assignments, forcing companies to split work into multiple trips, each requiring a new bond and visa process.
Administrative Hurdles for Travelers and Hosts
Complying with the visa bond program involves multiple steps — from paying through the government portal to entering only at designated airports and ensuring departure is properly recorded in the system. Any technical error in exit tracking could delay refunds or cause disputes over forfeited bonds.
Travelers who are not familiar with the U.S. entry process may need extra help, and companies hosting foreign partners may need to do extra work, like explaining the bond process or managing refunds.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Concerns
Cities and attractions that rely on visitors from diverse regions may see fewer tourists from Malawi and Zambia. The high cost of U.S. tourist visa bonds and short stay limits make the U.S. less attractive than destinations where entry rules are simpler.
Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in major cities could experience a drop in bookings, especially for extended stays or group tours.
Diplomatic and Cultural Ramifications
The goal of the U.S. visa bond is to ensure compliance with visa rules, but targeting only certain countries can strain diplomatic relations. Some governments may consider it discriminatory and impose their own restrictions on American travelers.
Reduced travel can also limit academic exchange, cultural partnerships, and joint ventures — areas that often rely on the same types of B-1 and B-2 visas now subject to the visa bond program.
Why the U.S. Is Testing the Policy
The bond system is meant to act as a financial guarantee that visitors will leave the country on time. By linking money to compliance, the U.S. hopes to lower visa overstay rates and encourage foreign governments to enhance their traveler screening processes.
Data from this year-long trial will determine whether the U.S. tourist visa bond and business visa bond requirements remain limited or become a permanent feature of the U.S. immigration system.
Preparing for the Change
Travelers from Malawi and Zambia planning to visit the U.S. after August 20, 2025, should review the bond process early and account for the required funds. Businesses expecting guests from affected countries should schedule activities within the shorter stay limits and be ready to assist with the procedural steps of the visa bond program.
The next 12 months will determine whether the U.S. visa bond proves to be a workable immigration control measure or a policy that imposes unnecessary barriers. In either case, it will directly shape travel and business decisions for those involved.
Orange Law assists individuals and organizations in navigating U.S. immigration requirements efficiently. Contact our team to prepare for the bond process, reduce compliance risks, and protect your travel or business plans.
