Summary
Category: world
Mali has started requiring U.S. travelers to pay a visa bond, mirroring similar requirements that the U.S. imposed on Malian travelers entering the U.S. This decision follows a U.S. policy that demands Malian nationals to pay a bond of $5,000 to $10,000 to get a visa, which Mali says goes against a 2005 agreement between the two countries.
Key Facts
- Mali has introduced visa bond fees for U.S. citizens entering Mali, matching fees the U.S. set for Malian travelers.
- The U.S. began requiring these bonds for Malians seeking visas starting October 23.
- The bond fees range from $5,000 to $10,000.
- Mali claims the U.S. policy violates a 2005 visa agreement between the two nations.
- The U.S. State Department says this step targets countries with high visa overstay rates.
- Other African countries like Mauritania, Tanzania, and Malawi are also affected by similar U.S. bond requirements.
- The bond money is refunded if travelers leave the U.S. on time but is kept if they overstay.
- Critics say the fees could discourage legitimate travel to the U.S. and negatively impact tourism.
