U.S. to Launch $15,000 Visa Bond Program for Travelers on August 20
U.S. to Launch $15,000 Visa Bond Program for Travelers on August 20
The United States is poised to implement a new pilot program on August 20, 2025, potentially requiring some inbound travelers to post bonds of up to $15,000 for entry. This 12-month initiative, detailed in a temporary final rule, primarily targets B-1 and B-2 visa applicants from countries with historically high visa overstay rates, insufficient screening data, or those offering ‘Citizenship by Investment’ without residency requirements.
Scheduled to run until August 5, 2026, the program aims to evaluate the administrative feasibility of processing bonds and assess their effectiveness in ensuring visitors comply with visa terms. Consular officers will determine bond amounts—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—based on individual factors such as employment, income, and travel purpose. Approximately 2,000 travelers are anticipated to be affected during the pilot phase. Those subject to the bond requirement will also be mandated to use specific, yet-to-be-announced, ports of entry and exit. This measure represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to tighten U.S. immigration controls and encourage international cooperation on travel vetting.
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