List Of Countries That Will Have To Pay A Bond To Enter the US

The United States has introduced a new rule requiring certain travelers from selected countries to pay a refundable bond before entering the country. This step is aimed at reducing visa overstays and ensuring visitors follow the rules of their stay. While the program currently applies to a small list of nations, it marks a significant change in U.S. visa policy and could expand in the future.

A New Visa Rule for Some Travelers

The United States is starting a new rule where travelers from certain countries must pay a refundable bond before entering. This applies mainly to nations with high rates of people overstaying their visas. The rule will begin on August 20, 2025 as a one-year pilot program. The bond can be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the traveler’s case. If visitors follow the rules and leave on time, they get their money back. If not, they lose the bond.

Why This Rule is Being Introduced?

This step is meant to stop visa overstays—when people stay in the US longer than their visa allows. By asking for a bond, the US hopes visitors will be more likely to leave before their visa expires. The idea comes from a Trump-era plan that was never used before, but is now being tested in this trial period.

Countries in the Pilot Program

According to the US Department of State, this rule applies to travelers from countries with high B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa overstay rates. Based on the 2023 Overstay Report, only two countries are part of this pilot:

Malawi

Malawi has a high visa overstay rate—around 14% in 2023. Citizens applying for US tourist or business visas must pay the bond amount given by the consular officer. Payment is done through Pay.gov using Form I-352. The money is refunded if they follow all visa rules and leave on time.

Zambia

Zambia also has a high overstay rate—about 10% in 2023. Like Malawi, Zambian citizens applying for B-1/B-2 visas must pay the required bond before their visa is issued. The amount depends on the applicant’s background and travel plans.

How the $15,000 Visa Bond Works

This 12-month pilot program targets travelers from high-risk countries. Consular officers can set the bond at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with $10,000 as the most common amount. If travelers obey visa rules and leave on time, they get their bond back. If they overstay, the US government keeps the money.

Future Outlook

This is a test program, and more countries could be added in the future. The aim is to ensure compliance with visa rules, discourage overstays, and strengthen border control. For travelers from the affected countries, it means careful planning before applying for a US visa.