U.S. Launches Visa Bond Program for Some B-1/B-2 Visitors What It Means and Who’s Not Affected

U.S. Launches Visa Bond Program for Some B-1/B-2 Visitors What It Means and Who’s Not Affected

Posted by VISALEX | August 2025

If you're planning a trip to the U.S. on a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa, there’s a new rule that might affect you or might not, depending on where you're from.

The U.S. Department of State has just announced the launch of a Visa Bond Pilot Program, and naturally, it’s raising a lot of questions. Who has to pay the bond? How much is it? And what’s the purpose of all this?

Let’s break it down in plain terms.

What is the Visa Bond Program?

Beginning August 20, 2025, the U.S. is starting a 12-month pilot program that allows consular officers to require certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants to post a refundable bond before entering the U.S. The bond amount? It could be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the officer’s discretion.

This bond works as a sort of “guarantee”—if the traveler leaves the U.S. on time, they get the money back. But if they overstay their visa or fail to comply with the terms, the bond is forfeited.

Why is this happening?

The goal is to reduce visa overstays. The program targets travelers from countries with high rates of overstay or where the U.S. has concerns about immigration compliance. It’s meant to add a layer of accountability—especially for visitors whose travel history or background might raise concerns during the visa process.

So, which countries are affected?

As of now, the only countries officially included in this pilot are Zambia and Malawi. Travelers from these countries applying for B-1/B-2 visas may be asked to pay the bond.

However, this list could expand. The State Department is expected to notify the public at least 15 days in advance if new countries are added.

Who’s not affected?

Here’s the good news: most countries are not part of this program—at least for now. In fact, several major regions and countries are explicitly excluded:

  • Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries — this includes most of Europe, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. If you're eligible for the VWP and using ESTA, you don’t even need a B visa, let alone a bond.
  • Canada and Mexico — Despite being U.S. neighbors, they are not part of the bond pilot.
  • Caribbean nations — Countries like St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines have been excluded from the pilot entirely.
  • Other visa categories — If you're applying for an F-1 (student visa), J-1 (exchange), or work-based visa (like H-1B, O-1, etc.), this program does not apply to you at all.

What happens if a bond is required?

If you're from a country that’s part of the program and a bond is requested, you’ll need to:

  • Pay the bond before your visa is issued
  • Enter the U.S. through a designated airport
  • Leave the U.S. by your authorized departure date

Once you’ve followed the rules and departed on time, your bond will be refunded.

Should travelers be worried?

For most people: No.
This program is limited in scope and temporary. It only applies to a very small number of countries and cases. The vast majority of B-1/B-2 applicants will not be affected, and for those who are, the bond is refundable.

What this program really emphasizes is the importance of maintaining status and complying with U.S. immigration terms. It also highlights the need to work with trusted professionals when applying for a visa or entering the U.S.

How VISALEX Can Help

If you're unsure whether this new rule could affect your visa application, or if you're from Zambia or Malawi and need guidance on the bond process, our team at VISALEX is here to help. We offer:

  • Visa risk assessments
  • Application strategy
  • Support for sponsor letters and financial documentation
  • Guidance on overstay prevention and compliance

Book a consultation with our legal team and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Immigration rules change quickly, make sure you’re informed, prepared, and working with the right legal team. VISALEX is here to simplify the process for travelers, students, professionals, and families across the globe.

Learn more: visalex.com

Let us help you navigate your path to stability and opportunity in the United States.