The U.S. State Department has proposed a new pilot program that could require certain business and tourist visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000. This move, set to be formally published on August 5, 2025, is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten U.S. immigration and visa rules.
Why the Visa Bond Requirement?
According to the notice, the pilot program is aimed at travelers from countries with high visa overstay rates, weak internal document security, or citizenship-by-investment programs without residency requirements. The purpose of the bond is to hold applicants financially accountable and protect the U.S. government from the costs associated with visa overstays or violations.
Bonds will be set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the applicant’s profile and risk category.
Who Is Affected?
The full list of impacted countries will be released once the rule takes effect, which will be within 15 days of its formal publication. However, citizens from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries—which include most European nations and select others from Asia and the Middle East—will be exempt from this bond requirement.
Applicants who meet certain favorable criteria may also be granted waivers on a case-by-case basis.
Concerns and Criticism
Critics argue that this bond system could disproportionately affect travelers from developing nations, making legitimate business and tourism visits to the U.S. unaffordable. Additionally, it could deter genuine travelers due to the cumbersome process of posting and recovering bonds.
Previously, visa bond proposals have been considered but never implemented. The U.S. State Department had discouraged such measures due to their administrative complexity and potential for public misunderstanding. However, the current administration believes there is now justification to move forward.
Other Recent Visa Changes
This proposal follows other recent changes, such as requiring more visa renewal applicants to attend in-person interviews and mandating that Diversity Visa Lottery applicants hold valid passports from their country of citizenship.
Looking Ahead
If implemented, this 12-month pilot program could reshape how the U.S. manages entry from high-risk nations. While designed to boost compliance and national security, it may significantly increase the financial burden on individual travelers.
