US MAKES $15,000 VISA BOND COMPULSORY FOR ONLY TWO NATIONS — SHOULD INDIAN TOURISTS BE WORRIED?
Current US Visa Bond Policy
The United States has launched a new visa bond pilot program, requiring some applicants for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas from certain nations to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000. The aim is to discourage visitors from overstaying their visas and to target countries with high rates of visa overstays or insufficient vetting standards.
Key Facts:
Countries Affected: As of August 2025, the policy applies ONLY to nationals of Malawi and Zambia.
Bond Details: Visa applicants from these countries, if found otherwise eligible for a B-1 or B-2 visa, will be required to pay a bond between $5,000 and $15,000 (set by the consular officer at the interview). The bond is refunded if the traveler complies fully with visa conditions and leaves the US on time.
Pilot Program: The requirement applies for one year from August 20, 2025, but the list of countries could change with at least 15 days’ notice if risk patterns or policy changes.
Scope: The program only covers tourist and business visitor visas (B-1/B-2), not student, work, or other long-term US visas.
Should Indian Tourists Be Worried?
No.
Indian B-1/B-2 visa applicants are not affected by the $15,000 visa bond policy.
India is NOT on the current list of countries subject to the visa bond program.
The policy specifically targets countries with a track record of high visa overstay rates and deficient screening. Currently, only Malawi and Zambia are included.
The State Department has also indicated that the list will be monitored and is subject to change, but any expansion would come with advance notice.
Bottom Line:
Indian tourists with valid B-1/B-2 visas or applying for these visas do not need to pay any such bond. Unless India is added to the program list in the future, there is no impact or cause for concern for Indian travelers planning visits to the US.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which countries face the new US $15,000 visa bond requirement?
Currently, only applicants from Malawi and Zambia face this requirement for B-1/B-2 visas.
Q2: Are Indian tourists or business visitors affected by this policy?
No. Indian citizens are not included in the visa bond program and are not required to pay any such bond.
Q3: What if the US adds more countries in the future?
The program allows for the list to be updated. However, the US will give at least 15 days’ public notice if any new countries are added.
Q4: Do all visa applicants from Malawi and Zambia have to pay the bond?
Only those applying for B-1/B-2 tourist or business visas, and only when consular officers specifically require it based on policy criteria.
Q5: Why did the US introduce this visa bond?
To deter visa overstays from high-risk countries and strengthen screening processes.
Published on: August 6, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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