Starting August 20, the United States will implement a pilot program requiring a bond of up to $15,000 for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas to deter illegal overstays. Announced by the State Department, the initiative targets countries with high rates of visa overstays and weak screening systems. Set to last 12 months, the program revives a 2020 effort halted by the pandemic and aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order to strengthen immigration controls. The list of affected countries will be released soon, with bond amounts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
- Program starts: August 20, 2025.
- Affected visas: B-1 (meetings, conferences) and B-2 (tourism, leisure, medical).
- Goal: Reduce overstays beyond visa validity.
- Refund: Bond returned if departure deadlines are met.
The program, developed with the Department of Homeland Security, reflects Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration stance but has sparked criticism for potentially limiting access for travelers from developing nations.
Program details and bond amounts
The State Department announced in the Federal Register that the pilot begins August 20, targeting B-1 and B-2 visa applicants. Consular officers may require bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with $10,000 as the typical minimum. The list of targeted countries will be published on Travel.State.Gov 15 days in advance, with possible updates during the pilot. The focus is on nations with overstay rates above 10%, such as Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, previously listed in 2020.
- Bond amounts: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
- Target: Countries with high overstay rates or poor screening.
- Duration: 12 months, until August 2026.
- Flexibility: Country list may change with 15-day notice.
The bond is refundable if applicants leave the US within the visa’s legal timeframe, encouraging compliance. However, the measure significantly raises the cost of obtaining a visa, impacting travelers from targeted nations.
Financial impact on applicants
The bond requirement sharply increases the cost of securing B-1 and B-2 visas. The current application fee is $185, but with the bond and a recently approved $250 issuance fee, total costs could reach $15,459, or roughly R$84,500 at current exchange rates. This hike may pose a barrier for travelers from less affluent countries, though the bond’s refundability offers an incentive for compliance.
- Base visa fee: $185, non-refundable.
- Additional fee: $250, charged upon issuance.
- Maximum bond: $15,000, equivalent to R$82,000.
- Total estimated cost: Up to R$84,500 with fees and bond.
The financial burden could deter tourists and small business owners reliant on frequent US travel. Tourism agencies warn of potential declines in visitors to destinations like New York and Orlando.
Immigration policy context
The measure ties to Executive Order 14159, signed by President Trump, titled “Protecting the American People from Invasion.” It targets countries with overstay rates above 10%, such as Angola (15.49%) and Eritrea (12.67%) in 2019 data from the Department of Homeland Security. A similar 2020 attempt, listing 24 countries like Burkina Faso and Libya, was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on global travel.
- Executive order: Focuses on border security and illegal immigration.
- Target: Countries with overstay rates exceeding 10%.
- Previous attempt: 2020, halted by Covid-19.
- 2019 data: Angola reported 863 overstay cases.
The policy aligns with other measures, like the “Gold Card” visa, launched in April, which offers citizenship for a $5 million investment, replacing the fraud-prone EB-5 program. Critics highlight risks of money laundering, similar to Europe’s “Golden Visa” issues.
Criticism and concerns
The bond requirement has drawn mixed reactions. Immigration experts and tourism groups criticize it for potentially discriminating against poorer nations and creating uncertainty due to the undisclosed country list. Concerns also arise over reduced tourism to popular US destinations.
- Discrimination: May unfairly target developing countries.
- Tourism: Potential impact on cities like Miami and Orlando.
- Uncertainty: Country list still pending.
- Supporters: Argue it strengthens national security.
Human rights organizations question the policy’s fairness, while the government insists it’s vital for protecting the economy and immigration system. Implementation will be closely watched by travel agencies and consulates.
Historical and international comparisons
The bond concept was tested in 2020 but stalled due to the pandemic. The earlier plan targeted 24 countries with high overstay rates, including Syria and Yemen. Europe’s “Golden Visa” programs, restricted in countries like the UK and Portugal due to money laundering concerns, offer a cautionary tale.
- 2020 attempt: Included nations like Chad and Iran.
- Suspension: Covid-19 disrupted global travel.
- Europe: “Golden Visa” faced fraud and security issues.
- Risks: US monitors high-risk investor entries.
The “Gold Card” program, offering citizenship for $5 million, has sparked debate, with Trump acknowledging it could attract controversial figures like Russian oligarchs.
Next steps and expectations
Starting August 20, consulates will apply bonds at their discretion, with the country list announced soon. The program’s effectiveness will be evaluated over 12 months, with potential adjustments to the list or bond amounts. Travelers await details to plan visa applications.
- Start date: August 20, 2025.
- Country list: To be published within 15 days.
- Evaluation: Effectiveness assessed by August 2026.
- Adjustments: Country list may change with 15-day notice.
The policy underscores the US focus on immigration control, but its impact on tourism and international relations hinges on implementation and responses from affected countries.