The United States has introduced a stringent visa bond requirements on two African countries.
The U.S. visa bond targeted Zambia and Malawi, with the new policy requiring visa applicants to pay bonds of up to $15,000 for certain tourist and business visas.
Starting August 20, 2025, citizens of Malawi and Zambia applying for B1/B2 visas (tourism or business) will now be required to pay the visa bond, an added condition aimed at curbing visa overstays.
Here are 10 things to know about these new visa requirements;
1. The U.S. has implemented a 12-month pilot program requiring travelers from Zambia and Malawi to post bonds of up to $15,000 for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas.
2 The visa bond is a financial guarantee travellers from certain countries must pay to prove they’ll follow U.S. visa rules. It’s refundable if they leave on time and meet all visa conditions.
3. The U.S. State Department said it selected Zambia and Malawi due to concerns over high visa overstay rates.
4. The new policy is expected to pose challenges for Zambian and Malawian citizens planning to visit the U.S. The high bond amount may be unaffordable for many, potentially limiting travel for tourism, business, or family visits.
5. Immigrants from Zambia and Malawi will now be required by their consular officer to submit the bond during visa application. A link has been generated to pay the bond.
6. Applicants must submit bonds via Form I-352 on Pay.gov, as directed by a consular officer. Using third-party websites risks financial loss, as the U.S. government is not responsible for payments made outside official systems.
7. Under the new policy, approved Immigrants are required to enter and exit the U.S. through one of the following airports:
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
8. Immigrants who comply with the visa terms and conditions are eligible to get their money back.
9. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will decide if someone breaks the bond terms.
10. Reasons for losing your bond include:
• Staying beyond the date allowed on your visa.
• Remaining in the U.S. without departing at all.
