Explained: US Tourist Visa Bond Rule—What The $15,000 Pilot Programme Means For Travellers

Starting in two weeks, the United States will launch a one-year pilot programme that may require certain tourist and business visa applicants to pay a bond of up to $15,000. According to a notice from the US Department of State, the programme is intended to discourage visa overstays. The policy, which will appear in the Federal Register on August 5, 2025, could make travel to the US significantly more expensive for applicants from affected nations.Who Will Be Affected by This Visa Bond Rule?The 12-month pilot programme launching on August 20 will require certain applicants for US B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas to pay the bond amount. It will target travellers from countries with high visa overstay rates. How The Bond WorksThe bonds will be set at USD 5,000, USD 10,000, or USD 15,000. Travellers who leave the US on time will receive a full refund; overstaying will result in forfeiture of the bond. Applicants required to post a bond must enter and exit through designated US ports, which will be announced when the programme begins. Some travellers may qualify for bond waivers based on their circumstances. The bond requirement does not apply to visitors from countries in the Visa Waiver Programme.How Will Countries Be ChosenThe State Department said the measure is aimed at nationals from countries identified in a 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report as having high rates of visa overstays. In addition, applicants from countries with inadequate screening and vetting procedures—or where citizenship can be obtained through investment without any residency requirement—may also be subject to the bond requirement.According to reports, the department has clarified that countries will be identified based on high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations. However, the notice does not specify which countries will be affected at the outset.“The Pilot Programme is further designed to serve as a diplomatic tool to encourage foreign governments to take all appropriate actions to ensure robust screening and vetting for all citizens in matters of identity verification and public safety,” said the Department of State notice released on Monday.A similar initiative was introduced in late 2020 during the final months of President Trump’s administration. That six-month programme targeted travellers from roughly two dozen countries—primarily in Africa—but was never fully implemented due to the sharp decline in international travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. How This Impacts Indian and Global TravellersIf implemented, the rule would give the US one of the highest visitor visa fees in the world—if not the highest—further straining an already struggling tourism industry and deterring inbound travel. Since President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025, scrutiny of travellers and immigrants has intensified.Reports have surfaced of tourists, green card holders, and even US citizens being denied entry or detained for questioning. This climate of uncertainty has led to a significant drop in international visits. In March 2025, overseas arrivals fell 11.6 per cent year-over-year, and several countries have issued travel advisories citing restrictive entry policies in the US.Travelling To The US For FIFA 2026? Beware Of Potential Visa Delays