Key Points
- The U.S. is launching a 12-month pilot program requiring visa bonds of up to $15,000 for some tourists and business travelers from countries with high visa overstay rates.
- The program is expected to impact around 2,000 applicants and applies only to B-1 and B-2 visa categories.
- A separate $250 Visa Integrity Fee is also being introduced, raising concerns about U.S. competitiveness in the global travel market.
Summary
The United States is set to implement a 12-month pilot program requiring selected travelers from countries with high visa overstay rates to post bonds of up to $15,000 when applying for B-1 and B-2 visas. The program, affecting an estimated 2,000 applicants, gives consular officers discretion in setting bond amounts and is intended to address national security concerns. Additionally, a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be imposed on most nonimmigrant visa applicants, potentially making U.S. visitor visas among the most expensive in the world and raising concerns about the country’s attractiveness to international travelers.