The United States has launched a 12-month visa bond pilot program requiring nationals from The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia — countries with high US visa overstay rates — to post financial bonds of up to $15,000 before obtaining short-term tourist or business visas.
Effective August 20, 2025, the program mandates visa applicants from these nations to submit a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, as determined during the visa interview by consular officials. The initiative applies to those seeking B-1/B-2 visas, which cover temporary business or leisure travel, including participants in Citizenship by Investment programs.
All travelers approved under this policy must enter and depart the US exclusively through Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The US Department of State launched the program to curb visa overstays, defined as…
