US To Introduce Visa Bond Scheme For Zambia And Malawi Under New Pilot Program

The administration of US President Donald Trump will soon require certain visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi to pay bonds of up to $15,000 for business and tourist travel, according to an announcement from the State Department.

In a notice on its website, the State Department noted, “Starting August 20, 2025, any citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond in amounts of 5,000, 10,000, or $15,000, determined at time of visa interview.”

The measure is part of a pilot program likely to run until 5 August 2026. It targets nationals from specific countries applying for B-1 or B-2 visas. These visas allow short-term stays in the United States for business or tourism, generally up to six months.

Some extensions may be granted in particular cases, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

A State Department spokesperson said on Monday that the countries included in the scheme were selected based on factors such as:

• High overstay rates,
• Screening and vetting deficiencies,
• Concerns regarding the acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and
• Foreign policy considerations

The notice added that the list of countries involved could change during the pilot period. It also clarified that the bond requirement applies regardless of where the applicant submits their visa application.

“This requirement applies regardless of place of application,” the notice stated. “A bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and if any individual pays fees without being directed to do so by a consular officer, that money will not be returned.”

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