US Visa Bonds: Tourists May Face Up to $15,000 Charge Under New Pilot Scheme
- Tourists visiting the US might soon be required to pay visa bonds of up to $15,000 under a new pilot programme aimed at curbing overstays
- The initiative, set to begin on 20 August, targets travellers from countries with high rates of visa violations or inadequate screening procedures
- Exemptions apply to nations in the Visa Waiver Program, and bonds will be refunded if visitors comply with visa terms
Tourists visiting the United States could soon be required to pay bonds of up to $15,000 (€13,000) under a new pilot initiative designed to reduce visa overstays, according to a government notice released ahead of its official publication.
The programme, set to launch on 20 August, was proposed by the US State Department and will run for approximately one year. It will apply to B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visa holders, typically issued for business and tourism purposes.
Source: Getty Images
The measure comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls and address undocumented migration.
Visa bond requirements: $5,000 to $15,000
Consular officials will have the discretion to impose bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 on certain visa applicants, with a general expectation to require at least $10,000.
The notice stated that the programme is aimed at visitors from countries with high rates of visa overstays or those that fail to provide adequate screening and verification information.
“The pilot reinforces the Trump Administration’s commitment to enforcing US immigration laws and safeguarding US national security,” a State Department spokesperson told AFP.
People affected by US visa bond scheme
The notice did not specify which countries would be impacted, but confirmed that the programme would not apply universally. Travellers from nations participating in the Visa Waiver Program—which allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days for business or tourism, will be exempt.
The list of affected countries is expected to be released once the programme takes effect. The bond requirement may also be waived depending on an applicant’s individual circumstances, the notice added.
Those required to pay the bond must enter and exit the United States through a list of designated airports. The funds will be returned to travellers who comply with the terms of their visas and depart the country within the authorised timeframe.
Source: Getty Images
Securing US visitor visa and application fee
Legit.ng earlier reported that foreigners from all countries, including Nigeria, who wish to apply for short-term visas to the US for various purposes may need sufficient information about getting a permit.
The US is a visitor destination due to its diversity and good holiday spots. Also, most multinational companies are headquartered in the US, leading people to schedule business trips there.
Visitors must understand the requirements before applying for any visa types available to foreigners. Visitor visas are grouped into categories B-1 for tourism and category B-2 for both business and tourism purposes, as per information on the US Consulate website.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
