US to impose $15000 bond for tourist, business visas

WASHINGTON: The US State Department has rolled out a new visa security bond program for citizens of certain countries arriving in the US on tourist or business visas.

Under the policy, the US could require bonds of up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas before entry under a pilot program launching in two weeks, a government notice said on Monday, an effort that aims to crack down on visitors who overstay their visas.

Bonds could also be applied to people coming from countries where screening and vetting information is deemed insufficient, the notice said.

The new visa program will last for approximately a year, the government notice said. Consular officers will have three options for visa applicants subjected to the bonds: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, but will generally be expected to require at least $10,000, it said.

According to the State Department spokesperson, the new policy will come into effect from August 20 and will initially apply to B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visa holders.

The policy is aimed at discouraging nationals from countries with high rates of visa overstays, where individuals often remain in the US beyond their permitted stay.

Read more: Pakistan rejects claims of its nationals in Ukraine conflict

The bond amount is temporary and will be refunded to individuals who leave the country within their legal stay period.

The State Department estimates that the policy could generate up to $20 million in revenue in its first year. It is also expected to encourage foreign governments to implement stricter screening and identification processes for their citizens.

“Countries will be identified based on high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations,” the spokesperson said.

The State Department was unable to estimate the number of visa applicants who could be affected by the change.

It is worth noting that a similar program was introduced by the Trump administration in 2020, which targeted several African nations with visa bond requirements.

A State Department spokesperson listed the criteria that will be used to identify the countries that will be affected, adding that the country list may be updated.

“Countries will be identified based on high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations,” the spokesperson said.

The State Department was unable to estimate the number of visa applicants who could be affected by the change.

According to US Travel Association, which represents major tourism-related companies, fee could hinder travel and said “if implemented, the US will have one of, if not the highest, visitor visa fees in the world.”