Summary
Mali has introduced a $10,000 visa bond for U.S. visitors in response to similar U.S. policies targeting Mali and other African countries. This move by Mali follows the Trump administration's expansion of its own visa bond program, aimed at reducing visa overstays.
Key Facts
- Mali now requires a $10,000 visa bond for U.S. visitors entering on business and tourist visas.
- The U.S. recently expanded its visa bond program to include seven African countries, including Mali.
- U.S. visa bonds range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are refunded if visa conditions are met.
- Mali's foreign ministry called the U.S. move a "unilateral decision."
- The reciprocity principle guided Mali's decision to impose the same visa bond policy on U.S. nationals.
- U.S. officials visited Mali in July for diplomatic discussions on counterterrorism and economic partnerships.
- The State Department supports the visa bond policy to enforce immigration laws and prevent overstays.
