Starting August 20, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 will launch a new pilot program that could require some visitors to pay up to $15,000 as a bond before getting tourist visas. The U.S. Department of State announced this policy on August 4, 2025, aiming to reduce visa overstays and improve immigration enforcement.
The pilot program will last for 12 months and targets applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas from countries with high rates of overstaying or weak screening systems. The list of affected countries will be published at least 15 days before the program starts, giving travelers and governments time to prepare. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move revives a similar plan from 2020 that was never fully put into action due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp drop in global travel.
How the Pilot Program Works
Under the new rules, consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates will decide if a bond is needed for each applicant from a designated country. The officer can set the bond at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, but most cases are expected to require at least $10,000. The applicant must pay the bond before the visa is issued. If the visitor leaves the United States 🇺🇸 on time and follows all visa rules, the bond will be refunded. If the visitor overstays or breaks visa conditions, the bond is lost.
Step-by-Step Process for Applicants
- Apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa from a country on the designated list.
- Consular officer reviews the application and decides if a bond is required.
- Officer sets the bond amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
- Applicant pays the bond before the visa is issued.
- If the visitor leaves on time and follows the rules, the bond is refunded.
- If the visitor overstays or breaks the rules, the bond is forfeited.
This process is meant to encourage visitors to respect the terms of their tourist visas and return home as required.
Who Is Affected?
The Department of State has not yet said how many people will be affected or which countries will be on the list. However, recent data shows that countries like Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, Yemen, Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo have had high rates of visa overstays. The pilot program will focus on countries with similar records or those that do not provide enough information for proper screening.
It is important to note that the bond requirement will not apply to all travelers. Only those from countries officially listed by the Department of State will be affected. The list will be made public at least 15 days before the program begins, so travelers should check with their local U.S. embassy or consulate for updates.
| Bond Amount | Description |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | Minimum bond amount |
| $10,000 | Most common bond amount |
| $15,000 | Maximum bond amount |
Why Is the United States 🇺🇸 Doing This?
The main goal is to reduce the number of people who enter the United States 🇺🇸 on tourist visas and then stay longer than allowed. Overstaying a visa is a long-standing problem for U.S. immigration officials, as it makes it harder to track who is in the country legally. The bond acts as a financial incentive for visitors to leave on time.
This policy is part of a larger strategy under President Trump’s administration to strengthen immigration controls and protect national security. Section 14 of Presidential Executive Order 14159, signed on January 20, 2025, directs several government agencies to set up a system for visa bonds. The Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Treasury are all involved in making sure the program runs smoothly.
Support and Criticism
Supporters of the pilot program say it will help deter people from overstaying their visas and make the U.S. immigration system stronger. They believe that requiring a bond will make travelers think twice before breaking the rules. Some officials also see the bond as a diplomatic tool to encourage countries to improve their own screening and vetting processes.
However, critics warn that the policy could discourage legitimate travel and hurt the tourism industry. Travel groups and civil rights organizations argue that the bond is too expensive for many families and could unfairly target people from certain countries. They also point out that similar programs in the past have not made a big difference in reducing overstays and may make it harder for honest travelers to visit the United States 🇺🇸.
Some experts worry that the bond requirement will slow down visa processing and create confusion for both applicants and consular officers. They say that the extra step of collecting and refunding bonds could lead to delays and mistakes, especially in busy embassies.
What Should Travelers Do?
If you are planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸 on a tourist visa after August 20, 2025, and you are from a country with a history of high visa overstays, you should:
- Check the official list of affected countries as soon as it is published.
- Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate for the latest information and instructions.
- Prepare for the possibility of paying a bond if you are required to do so.
- Keep all records of your travel and bond payment in case you need to request a refund.
For more details on visa requirements and updates, visit the official U.S. Department of State Visa Services website.
Looking Ahead
The pilot program is temporary and will last for one year. During this time, the Department of State will watch how well the program works and decide if it should be changed, extended, or ended. They will look at how many people overstay their visas, how the policy affects tourism, and whether it causes problems for travelers or U.S. embassies.
Presidential Executive Order 14159 signed
Announcement of the new pilot program
Pilot program starts
Tightening of visa interview waiver rules
End of pilot program
There may be changes to the list of affected countries or the bond amounts during the pilot period. The Department of State will announce any updates through official channels, including the Federal Register and embassy websites.
Other Changes to U.S. Visa Policy
This new bond requirement is separate from other recent changes to U.S. visa rules. For example, starting September 2, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 will also tighten the rules for visa interview waivers, making it harder for some people to skip the in-person interview step.
Conclusion and Practical Tips
The new pilot program for tourist visas in the United States 🇺🇸 is a major change that could affect many travelers from certain countries. If you think you might be affected, stay informed by checking official government websites and talking to your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Make sure you understand the rules and keep good records to avoid losing your bond. As always, following the terms of your visa is the best way to ensure a smooth trip and a full refund of any bond you pay.
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