In a major shift that could affect thousands of international travelers, the U.S. State Department has announced a proposal to require business and tourist visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000. The move is part of a 12-month pilot program targeting nations with high visa overstay rates and limited document security measures.
🚨 JUST IN: The State Department is considering requiring a $15,000 BOND for visa applicants coming to the U.S.
So if you come and overstay your visa, you FORFEIT $15,000, get deported, and barred from re-entry for YEARS, possibly even permanently
MUCH better! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6MvEMPU2tk
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 4, 2025
Pilot Program to Launch Soon
The pilot program, revealed Tuesday, is expected to begin soon and will be officially listed in the Federal Register. According to the State Department, applicants from selected countries may be required to post bonds in one of three tiers:
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $15,000
The initiative is intended to encourage compliance with visa terms and reduce overstays, a recurring concern among immigration enforcement agencies.
Visa Bonds Apply to Adults and Children
Two officials familiar with the internal communication told Politico that consular officers are likely to request:
- $10,000 bonds for adult applicants
- $5,000 bonds for children
Although the Treasury Department will handle collection of the bond, the amount will be refunded to travelers who depart the U.S. on time and use the designated ports of entry during arrival and departure.
30-Day Entry Window After Visa Approval
Once a visa is issued under this program, applicants will have 30 days to enter the U.S., as stated in the official proposal.
The move has sparked concerns that the bond requirement could make travel to the U.S. unaffordable for many families and small business travelers, especially those from developing nations.
Who Will Be Affected?
While the State Department has not yet released the full list of countries impacted by this policy, the program specifically targets countries with high rates of visa overstays and weak internal travel document systems.
The final version of the pilot program and a list of eligible countries are expected to be outlined in the Federal Register notice.
Stay Informed
This is a developing story. LoudFact will continue to monitor updates from the State Department, Federal Register, and U.S. embassies abroad.
