Starting August 20, 2025, the US government will require citizens of Zambia and Malawi applying for certain tourist (B2) and business (B1) visas to post a visa bond of up to $15,000 as part of a new 12-month pilot program. The program aims to curb high rates of visa overstays by applicants from these countries, which have been identified based on data from the Department of Homeland Security’s 2023 Overstay Report.
Under the program, consular officers will determine the specific bond amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—at the time of the visa interview, depending on their assessment of the applicant’s risk of overstaying. Applicants must agree to the terms of the bond by submitting Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and paying the bond through the US Treasury’s official online payment platform, Pay.gov. Payment is only required if directed by a consular officer, and improper payments through third parties will not be refunded.
The bond serves as a financial guarantee that the visa holder will comply with the terms of their visa, including leaving the US by the authorized date. If the visa holder abides by all conditions—departing the US on time, not re-entering after visa expiry, or being denied entry at a port of arrival—the bond is fully refundable.
Visas issued under this pilot will be valid for a single entry within three months of issuance with a limited stay of up to 30 days. Visa holders posting a bond must enter and exit the US through designated ports of entry such as Boston Logan, JFK in New York, or Washington Dulles airports.
This visa bond pilot places Zambia and Malawi among the first countries targeted under stricter US measures addressing migration and visa regulation concerns. The State Department cited issues including high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, and concerns over citizenship by investment programs without residency requirements as factors influencing the decision.
The policy has sparked mixed reactions in affected countries, with some describing the financial bond as a significant barrier to travel. The program is part of the broader US approach to tighten visa issuance processes amid concerns over immigration control.
This move also adds to an upcoming $250 “visa integrity fee” for foreign travelers, which is separate from visa application costs and also refundable under compliance conditions.
The US Department of State will review and possibly adjust the list of countries subject to visa bonds over time based on overstay rates and other factors.
In summary, starting late August 2025, qualified visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi will face new financial bond requirements as part of US efforts to reduce visa overstays and enhance screening controls, with bonds refundable upon compliance with visa rules.
This policy reflects ongoing tightening of US visa controls for certain nations with identified immigration risk factors.
