Summary
The U.S. Department of State is introducing a new visa bond program targeting countries with high rates of visa overstays. Tourists from Malawi and Zambia are the first to be affected, with potential bonds of up to $15,000 required. The program aims to discourage overstaying by refunding the bond if visitors leave on time.
Key Facts
- The new visa bond program affects tourists from countries with high visa overstay rates.
- Malawi and Zambia are the first countries on the list, and tourists may need to pay a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
- The bond is refundable if the visitor leaves the U.S. on time or if their visa is canceled or not issued.
- If a tourist overstays their visa, the U.S. government will keep the bond.
- The program starts on August 20 and is intended to last 12 months as a pilot.
- The decision is based on high overstay rates; Malawi's rate is 14.3% and Zambia's is 11.1%.
- There were 565,155 visa overstays in the U.S. in the fiscal year 2023.
- Critics argue that the bonds may be burdensome for travelers from poorer countries.
