The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that travelers from certain countries will be required to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas. The 12-month pilot program, effective August 20, targets nationals of countries with historically high rates of visa overstays.
According to the temporary final rule published August 5 in the Federal Register, consular officers will set bond amounts at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 based on each applicant’s personal circumstances, including their reason for travel, employment, income, skills, and education.
About 2,000 visa applicants are expected to participate, at an estimated total cost to travelers of $20 million, assuming an…
