The U.S. State Department has introduced a visa bond program effective August 20, 2025, targeting travelers from specific countries to curb visa overstays. This 12-month pilot program is shaking things up for travelers from certain countries, and we’re committed to helping you understand its ins and outs so you can travel to the U.S. with confidence. The new program requires certain visitors applying for B1, B2 (tourism) visas to post a financial bond, refundable upon compliance with visa terms. Below is a summary of the program’s key aspects, who it affects, and its implications, based on recent reports.

What’s a Visa Bond?

A visa bond is a financial guarantee required for some B-1 (temporary visit for business) or B-2 (temporary visit for pleasure) visa applicants to ensure they follow the rules of their temporary stay in the U.S. Think of it as a refundable deposit. The bond is paid during the visa application process and refunded if the visa holder:

• Departs the U.S. before or on the authorized date.
• Does not travel to the U.S. before the visa expires.
• Is denied entry at a U.S. port of entry.
• Becomes a U.S. citizen or passes away.

If you overstay your visa or try to change your status (like applying for asylum), the Department of Homeland Security may determine you’ve breached the bond, and you could lose the funds. 

How Much Are the Bonds, and How Do You Pay?

The bond amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000, decided by consular officers based on your personal situation: your travel purpose, job, income, skills, and education. The State Department estimates about 2,000 applicants will be affected, with an average bond of $10,000, totaling $20 million in bonds. You’ll need to pay through the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 on Pay.gov, but only after a consular officer directs you to do so.

Who’s Affected By The New Visa Bond Regulations?

Starting August 5, 2025, the program targets nationals of Malawi and Zambia, flagged for high visa overstay rates in the Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2023 Overstay Report. More countries could be added or removed with just 15 days’ notice, especially those with high overstay rates, weak vetting processes, or Citizenship by Investment programs (like Antigua & Barbuda, Austria, Jordan, St. Lucia, or Turkey). Good news: if you’re from Canada, Mexico, or one of the 40+ Visa Waiver Program countries (covering much of Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East), you’re exempt.

But here’s the catch for our Canadian friends: if you’re a Canadian permanent resident holding a passport from an affected country like Malawi or Zambia, you’ll need to pay the bond to visit the U.S. for business or tourism. 

Where Can You Enter the U.S.?

If you’re subject to the bond, you must enter and leave the U.S. through one of three airports: 

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), 
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or 
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). 

Using another entry point could lead to denied entry or issues with your bond refund. Our team is ready to ensure you understand these requirements to keep your travel plans on track.

Why Has The Program Been Implemented?

The visa bond program is part of a broader push to tackle visa overstays, which make up more infractions than border crossers by half a million per year since 2007. Countries like Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Yemen, and some of the 12 nations under a separate U.S. travel ban (e.g., Chad, Eritrea) have high overstay rates, making them potential future targets for this program.This isn’t the first time the U.S. has tried visa bonds. A 2020 attempt fizzled out due to the COVID-19 travel slump. But with this new pilot, the government is testing the waters again.

Key Points to Know About The Visa Bond Program

• Program Start: August 20, 2025, running for 12 months.
• Visa Types: B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism).
• Bond Amounts: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, based on consular discretion.
• Affected Countries: Malawi and Zambia to start; more may be added.
• Exemptions: Canada, Mexico, and Visa Waiver Program countries.
• Canadian Permanent Residents: Must pay if holding a passport from an affected country.
• Entry Points: Only Boston Logan, JFK, or Washington Dulles airports.
• Refunds: Returned if you comply with visa terms, don’t travel, are denied entry, become a citizen, or pass away.
• Overstay Stats: 33–42% of undocumented migrants are overstayers; ~400,000 in FY 2023.
• Waivers: Possible for U.S. government employees or humanitarian cases.
• Payment: Only through Pay.gov with Form I-352, as directed by a consular officer.