USA US Mulls $15,000 Visa Bond for Tourists from High-Risk Nations

[webfact]

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In a dramatic twist for travellers, the United States is considering requiring business and tourist visa applicants to post bonds for up to $15,000. This pilot program could make it considerably harder for people to travel if the proposal gains approval.

 

This controversial plan, set to be detailed in the Federal Register this Tuesday, targets applicants from countries identified as having high visa overstay rates and weak document security. Such individuals may need to post bonds of either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 under certain conditions during their visa application process.

 

Driving the initiative is the push by the Trump administration to tighten visa regulations. Just last week, it was announced that numerous visa renewal applicants must now undergo an additional in-person interview. Moreover, the State Department is proposing that applicants to the Diversity Visa Lottery Program possess valid passports from their citizenship countries, adding another layer of complexity.

 

According to the Federal Register's website, the pilot program could be activated as early as 15 days after its formal announcement. The bond initiative aims to ensure exemption from financial liability should visitors breach visa conditions, reported by AP.

 

The program specifies that temporary visitors for business or pleasure from flagged countries might be impacted, especially if their countries exhibit deficient screening, investment-backed citizenship without a residency prerequisite, or high overstay rates.

 

The specific countries affected by these significant changes remain undisclosed. Notably, those travelling under the visa waiver program, which covers many European, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations, will remain unaffected by these requirements.

 

Visa bonds have floated within conversations in past policy discussions, yet they've never been rolled out, mainly due to the logistics of handling such bonds and potential public misunderstandings.

 

Historically, these challenges have led the State Department to steer away from bonds.

 

However, this recent move indicates a shift, with the department noting that the previous stance lacked recent practical evidence, as visa bonds haven't been customary for years.

 

TThis proposed policy introduces a significant financial complication to the visa application process, making it more difficult for many to pursue their international travel aspirations. As the details unfold, the world watches to see which nations will find themselves under this new requirement and how they'll respond.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from AP 2025-08-05

 

[Airalee]

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

This controversial plan, set to be detailed in the Federal Register this Tuesday, targets applicants from countries identified as having high visa overstay rates and weak document security. Such individuals may need to post bonds of either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 under certain conditions during their visa application process.

Controversial?

 

I’d post a $5,000 - $15,000 bond in order to guarantee  that my girlfriends tourist visa would be approved.

[norsurin]

Same Thailand is doing but means everyone who wants to settle down there.Sick requirements.