US may require up to $15,000 bonds for visitor visas in new pilot aimed at curbing overstays

The US State Department has announced a new 12-month pilot program, set to begin Aug 20 which may require some applicants for B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas (business or tourist) to post refundable bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, depending on individual circumstances.

The program aims to deter visa overstays and streamline enforcement by giving consular officers discretion to impose bonds on applicants from countries identified as having high overstay rates or weak document and vetting systems.

Travelers from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, including much of Europe, Australia, Taiwan, Qatar, and Israel, will be exempt.

Nationals from targeted countries, which likely include Chad, Haiti, Myanmar, Laos, Yemen, and several African nations like Djibouti, Burundi, and Togo, may be required to post bonds unless individual circumstances — such as urgent humanitarian reasons—warrant a waiver.

The pilot revives a similar plan floated in 2020 that was shelved due to pandemic-related travel disruptions. US officials argue the bond requirement is necessary to ensure compliance with visa terms and to avoid financial liability for removal proceedings.

If visa holders honor all conditions and depart on time, the bond is fully refundable.

Industry groups have raised concerns. The US Travel Association estimates the program could affect around 2,000 applicants, with an estimated upfront cost of $20 million assuming an average bond of $10,000 per person.

Critics warn this would disproportionately burden middle-income travelers and families, who may face $10,000–$15,000 bonds per adult plus $5,000 per child. Analysts suggest it could damage the US tourism sector, which generates over $200 billion annually.

Think tanks also warn of broader implications: David Bier of the Cato Institute calls the policy “draconian,” noting it may effectively block otherwise legitimate travel and undermine America’s attractiveness.

Alex Nowrasteh of Cato says the approach could counteract efforts to reduce the trade deficit by deterring foreign visitors.

Supporters of the policy link it to the administration’s broader immigration enforcement agenda, including a $250 visa integrity fee, expanded in-person interviews for renewals, and new passport requirements for Diversity Visa Lottery applicants.

They argue visa bonds can also serve as a diplomatic tool, incentivizing partner nations to strengthen screening and identity verification systems.

The pilot will run until August 5, 2026, with the list of countries subject to the bond requirement posted at least 15 days before implementation on the Department’s website.

Consular officers must issue travelers with complete information on bond levels and post-processing through Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.

If the bond initiative proves operationally feasible, it may become a permanent tool for visa policy, reinforcing the US executive order aimed at curbing illegal immigration and emphasizing accountability from travelers rooted in national security concerns.