The United States will require citizens from Malawi and Zambia to pay visa bonds up to $15,000 beginning August 20. The State Department announced this pilot program targets countries with high overstay rates and weak screening systems. Officials will determine bond amounts between $5,000 and $15,000 during visa interviews for tourist and business applications. The government designed this measure to reduce illegal immigration under former President Trump's policies. Travelers can recover their full deposit by departing on time and following all visa requirements.
Bonded visitors must enter and exit America through three designated airports only. Boston Logan International Airport, JFK International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport serve as the sole permitted entry points. Travelers using other airports risk denial of entry or departure registration problems. The policy may expand to additional African nations with similar overstay statistics. Families and small business owners face significant financial barriers due to these substantial upfront costs.
Bonded visitors must enter and exit America through three designated airports only. Boston Logan International Airport, JFK International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport serve as the sole permitted entry points. Travelers using other airports risk denial of entry or departure registration problems. The policy may expand to additional African nations with similar overstay statistics. Families and small business owners face significant financial barriers due to these substantial upfront costs.
