New Travel Sticker Shock: Some U.S. Visitors to Face $15,000 Visa Bond
Photo Credit: Visitors at the the Chicago Bean, one of the city's main tourist attractions. The U.S. could require bonds of up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas under a pilot program. Pexels / Andrew DeGarde
Skift Take
While the pilot program is limited in scope, it's another sign that U.S. visa policy is becoming more complex for travelers from certain countries.
The United States plans to require bonds of up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas under a pilot program launching in two weeks, according to a Federal Registry notice published Monday.
The 12-month program, slated to start on August 20, would give U.S. consular officers the discretion to require bonds for travelers from countries with high rates of visa overstays.
On Tuesday, the State Department said travelers from two countries, Malawi and Zambia, would be required to post bonds. It was unclear if more countries would be added. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment.
The program
