New U.S. Rule May Require Visitors to Pay a $5K-$15K Bond for Tourist Visas

In a significant policy shift aimed at curbing visa overstays, the U.S. Department of State has launched a one-year pilot program that will require certain B1/B2 visa applicants—those traveling for tourism or short-term business—from select countries to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.

The program runs from August 20, 2025, to August 5, 2026, and gives U.S. consular officers the authority to impose the bond requirement based on an applicant’s nationality and risk profile.

Who Could Be Affected By the Pilot Bond Program

The new rule targets nationals from countries with high overstay rates, limited vetting infrastructure, or citizenship-by-investment programs that don’t require physical residence.

Although the regulation doesn’t list specific countries by name, the State Department’s website currently includes Malawi and Zambia as subject to the bond requirement. This list may expand, so travelers should consult the official visa bonds page before applying.

Visitors from Canada, Mexico, and Visa Waiver Program countries are explicitly exempt.

How the Visa Bond Pilot Program Will Work

Under this pilot program, consular officers have three bond tiers to choose from—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—depending on the applicant’s perceived risk level. If the bond is required and the visa is otherwise approved, the applicant must submit payment via Pay.gov before the visa is issued.

“Not every applicant from the same country will be asked to pay the same amount,” explains Henry Lindpere, Senior Counsel at Manifest Law. “Officers assess each case and decide how much someone must post if they want the visa. If they depart the country within the period of authorized stay, they can request the money back. If they overstay, even by a few days, they can lose the money.”

Henry also explained other scenarios where bonds may be lost:

• Filing to change or extend status (e.g., to a student or work visa) and receiving a denial—followed by failing to depart within 10 days
  
• Filing a timely change or extension request that is approved, but later scrutinized for signs of “preconceived intent” (i.e., applying for a tourist visa while intending to stay longer through another route)

“It’s that last option that worries me the most,” Henry adds. “The new rule essentially says you get the bond money back if you do not violate any of the terms of your nonimmigrant status while in the United States. The problem is that it is not always so easy to determine whether there has been a violation.”

Henry continues, “I think we will see some borderline cases soon where applicants have legitimate reasons for changing status inside the U.S. but the government will refuse to return the money.”

What Travelers Should Do Now

Given the non-refundable nature of visa application fees, travelers should confirm whether their country is subject to the bond rule before applying.

Those contemplating a status change after arrival—such as transitioning to a student or employment visa—should seek legal advice in advance to minimize risks tied to bond forfeiture.

Henry Lindpere, Senior Counsel at Manifest Law, says, “This bond system adds not just financial pressure, but legal complexity for U.S. visitors. Even travelers who follow the rules risk losing thousands if the DOS disagrees with how their plans evolved after arrival.”

He continues, “We’re advising clients to document their travel purpose clearly, avoid making any sudden changes to their status without legal guidance, and keep records of all communications and filings. If you’re even considering a change of status down the line, talk to a lawyer before you apply for the visa, not after you land.”

If you’re even considering a change of status down the line, talk to a lawyer before you apply for the visa, not after you land.”

While the new visa bond pilot program is temporary, it signals a broader policy shift toward enforcement and may shape future visa strategy and legislation. For further support and legal advice for your unique situation, request a consultation with Manifest Law today.