If you’re planning a trip to the United States from Zambia or Malawi, you might want to brace yourself for a major new requirement. Starting August 20, 2025, some travellers from both countries applying for US tourist or business visas (specifically the B1/B2 types) could be asked to pay a hefty refundable bond — up to $15,000 — before stepping foot on American soil.
This policy is part of a six-month pilot programme rolled out by the Trump administration, targeting countries with a high rate of visa overstays. The goal? To discourage people from staying in the US longer than their visa allows.
How Much Will the Bond Be?
The US State Department says the bond amount will vary — $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 — based on the outcome of each applicant’s visa interview. Consular officers have the discretion to determine who gets hit with the bond and how much they’ll have to post.
“This is a targeted, common-sense step that shows our commitment to upholding immigration laws,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Who Qualifies for This?
The policy isn’t just random. Countries are selected based on several factors:
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High numbers of visa overstays
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Weak vetting systems
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Citizenship-for-sale programmes with no residency requirements
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Broader foreign policy concerns
A State Department official noted that the list of countries may be reviewed and updated regularly, meaning more nations could be added or removed from the programme over time.
What Happens to the Money?
The good news? If applicants follow all the rules, leave the US on time, and don’t overstay their visa, they’ll get their full bond refunded.
Why Now?
This move is part of a broader clampdown on immigration by President Trump. Earlier this year, the administration imposed a travel ban on 19 countries, citing national security concerns. The bond programme simply adds another layer of control in response to rising concerns over visa overstays, especially from African nations like Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo, which reportedly had high overstay rates in 2023.
A Few More Rules to Note
Anyone subject to the visa bond rule will also be required to enter and exit the US through only three major airports:
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Boston Logan International
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New York JFK International
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Washington Dulles International
Missing these entry or exit points could result in a denial of entry or issues with visa compliance records.
What’s Next?
The US government will monitor the pilot programme closely to determine how well it works. If it proves effective, there’s a possibility of expanding or tweaking it further.
For now, Zambian and Malawian travellers planning to visit the US should prepare for this new rule — and possibly budget thousands of dollars just to make the trip.
