The U.S. Department of State announced that, as of August 20, 2025, a pilot program will go into effect that will require certain applicants for tourist (B-2) and business (B-1) visas to pay a “visa bond” of between $5,000 and $15,000.
The stated goal is to reduce overstay rates, that is, when a person overstays his or her visa. According to official figures, in 2024 tens of thousands of visitors violated the terms of their stay, generating concern in the Trump administration about immigration control.
Who will be obliged to pay
This requirement will not be applied in a generalized manner.
It will affect only applicants from countries identified by the U.S. government as having high overstay rates or deficiencies in identity verification systems.
Consular officers will have discretion to decide whether an applicant must post the bond and how much it will be – $5,000, $10,000 or the maximum $15,000 – based on his or her background, documentation and country of origin.
Exempt are:
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries.
Applicants who are granted a special waiver for individual circumstances, such as family emergencies or humanitarian reasons.
How the deposit is returned
This requirement not will be applied universally
QuéOnnda.com
The regulation establishes that the amount will be reimbursed if the traveler:
You depart the U.S. within the period authorized by your visa.
2. You depart through an authorized port of entry or exit.
3. You do not incur immigration violations during your stay.
Even in exceptional cases – such as naturalization or death – the deposit may be returned to family members or legal representatives.
U.S. tourist visa bond requirement
The visa bond concept is not new.
In November 2020, during the first Trump administration, a similar measure was attempted to be implemented,.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the drastic reduction in international travel caused it to become inactive.
In January of this 2025, Trump signed the executive order “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” which included this pilot program as part of a broader package to strengthen border control and surveillance of temporary visitors.
The current plan has an initial duration of 12 months.
According to the State Department, whether it will be extended, modified or made permanent will be evaluated upon completion.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
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