US makes visa bond rule permanent, raises maximum to $20,000
Why it matters: The policy covers 50 countries and cut B1/B2 visa issuances by 83% during the pilot, according to the federal notice.
The State Department will make permanent a visa bond program that can require travelers from 50 countries, most of them in Africa, to post up to $20,000 when applying for US business or tourist visas. A Federal Register notice says the rule takes effect Aug. 3, replacing last year’s pilot and lifting the top bond from $15,000 while scrapping the $5,000 option. The bond is refunded if a visa is denied or, if granted, when the traveler complies with visa terms. The department said the pilot sharply reduced overstays, with fewer than 50 in its first 10 months compared with nearly 45,500 overstays from those countries in 2024. Critics argue the rule will price out legitimate travel for family, study and business.