Planning a trip to the United States? You may want to take note of a new visa requirement that could affect some travellers. Beginning August 20, 2025, the US State Department will introduce a visa bond pilot program aimed at reducing visa overstays.
As part of this new initiative, certain applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas may be asked to submit a refundable bond of up to $15,000, depending on their profile and country of origin. The move is designed to act as a financial safeguard to ensure that visitors leave the country before their visa expires.
What Is the US Tourist Visa Bond Rule?
According to a notice set to appear in the Federal Register, US consular officers will have the authority to require a bond of $5,000 to $15,000 before issuing a B-1/B-2 visa. If the traveller exits the U.S. within the visa’s permitted duration, the full bond amount will be returned. However, overstaying will lead to complete forfeiture of the bond to the US government.
This pilot program is backed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is part of broader efforts to enhance visa compliance and deter immigration violations.
Who Might Be Affected?
The bond requirement targets travellers from nations flagged for:
- High visa overstay rates
- Inadequate screening or vetting procedures
- Offering "citizenship-by-investment" without proper residency requirements
- Other foreign policy concerns
As per DHS data, countries such as Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, Yemen, Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo are among those likely to be impacted. While India is not currently on the list, officials have hinted that the country list could change during the 12-month trial period.
How Will the Bond Work?
- Applies to B-1 and B-2 visa applicants only
- Entry and exit must occur through designated US airports
- Bond amount will be determined case-by-case, up to $15,000
- Full refund for travellers who comply with visa terms
- Bond will be forfeited if the individual overstays
A spokesperson for the State Department clarified that countries included in the pilot will be reviewed based on data, overstay trends, and foreign policy objectives.
Impact on Travel and Tourism
The US Travel Association has expressed concerns, suggesting that such a policy could deter international tourism, especially from countries with lower outbound travel rates. If adopted on a larger scale, this measure could make the U.S. one of the costliest destinations for tourists, potentially affecting travellers from India, Southeast Asia, and Africa in the long run.
Though Indian citizens are not immediately impacted, frequent travellers, travel agents, and tour operators are advised to monitor updates closely. This development comes shortly after the Schengen visa rules for Indian nationals were revised, indicating a broader shift in international visa policies.
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