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The United States Department of State is set to implement a new policy requiring business and tourist visa applicants from certain countries to post a security bond of up to $15,000.
The measure is part of a pilot program aimed at improving compliance with visa conditions and tightening entry procedures.
According to a Federal Register notice, the initiative applies specifically to visa categories for temporary business (B-1) and tourism (B-2). Under the new regulation, applicants may be required to deposit a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on individual and national risk assessments.
The policy will be detailed in a regulatory notice expected to be published on Tuesday. It forms part of broader efforts to address visa overstays and strengthen border control.
The pilot program targets applicants from countries identified as having high rates of visa overstays or insufficient screening and background verification mechanisms. Additionally, it includes countries that offer citizenship through investment schemes.
The Department of State indicated that the measure is intended to assess whether applicants can meet required financial obligations and to ensure more controlled entry procedures into the United States.
While the regulation outlines the categories and conditions under which the security bonds will be enforced, it does not specify which nationalities will be affected.
Further details are expected to be revealed in the official release of the regulation.
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