Reuters — The United States is set to implement a pilot program that could require bonds of up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas, starting August 20. This initiative aims to address concerns over visitors who overstay their visas, according to a government notice released on Monday.
Under this new program, U.S. consular officers will have the discretion to impose bonds on applicants from countries with high rates of visa overstays or those lacking adequate screening and vetting information. The bonds will be structured at three levels: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with a general expectation for a minimum bond of $10,000. Travelers will receive their funds back if they leave the U.S. in accordance with their visa terms.
This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s ongoing focus on reducing illegal immigration, which has included securing the border and increasing enforcement actions against undocumented individuals. The administration’s immigration policies have reportedly led to a decline in travel to the U.S., with transatlantic airfares dropping significantly and travel from Canada and Mexico decreasing by 20% year-over-year.
A similar pilot program was initiated in November 2020 but was not implemented fully due to the pandemic’s impact on global travel. The State Department has not provided estimates on how many visa applicants may be affected by this change.
Additionally, a recent spending package passed by Congress introduced a $250 “visa integrity fee” for non-immigrant visa applicants, effective October 1, which could be reimbursed if visa rules are followed.
The targeted countries for the bond requirements include several affected by Trump’s travel ban, such as Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, and Yemen, as well as numerous African nations with high visa overstay rates.
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