Trump's costly visa bond program is now permanent

The US has made permanent a pilot program requiring citizens of 50 countries — 30 of them African — to post bonds to obtain US tourist and business visas.Launched 12 months ago, the program instructed consular officers to set a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, “based upon the applicant’s circumstances.” Citizens fr

Travelling across African countries has become easier for citizens of several countries as governments continue to adopt policies

The program, which launched as a pilot in August 2025, is now permanent and at present affects the citizens of 50 countries.

The U.S. State Department will make permanent a visa bond program ‌that could require applicants from 50 countries, mostly from Africa, to post bonds of up to $20,000 when seeking U.S. visas, according to a federal notice, opens new tabposted online on Friday.

Nationals from 50 countries, including 30 in Africa, will face security deposits of up to 20,000 U.S. dollars when applying for certain business and tourist visas under a permanent visa bond program announced by the United States.

The Trump administration's visa bond programme, which includes 50-odd nations, came into effect late August last year, to crack down on illegal visa overstayers in America.

The visa bond programme was first introduced as pilot in 2025. The programme currently applies to citizens of 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan

US to make visa bond programme permanent for people from dozens of countries  dawn.com

Consular officers will assess travelers’ finances and U.S. ties when setting refundable payments under the permanent program.

The US State Department has decided to make its visa bond programme permanent after successfully running it as a pilot scheme, expanding a policy aimed at reducing visa overstays. The programme currently applies to citizens of 50 countries.Under the new rule, consular officers may require certain applicants for US visi

The rule targets visa overstays, but critics warn it could deter legitimate visitors.

US to make visa bond program permanent for people from dozens of countries  Reuters

The formal announcement is expected on Monday, coinciding with the program's permanent implementation

The Trump administration rolled out the program last August to crack down on visa overstays and as part of its broader efforts to curtail illegal migration. The government estimates that arresting and deporting visitors who have overstayed their visa costs about $18,000 per person.

The State Department is making permanent a pilot program under which citizens from 50 countries, mainly in Africa, are required to post bonds to apply for a U.S. visa, and it’s raising the cost as well, to as much as $20,000

US to make visa bond requirements permanent, affecting mostly African countries  AP News

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