The United States Department of State has officially announced that citizens of Malawi and Zambia will be the first to face a visa bond requirement of up to $15,000 when applying for tourist or business visas to the U.S.
According to a document published Tuesday on the State Department’s official website, the new policy will take effect on August 20, 2025. It applies to B1/B2 visa applicants—those seeking short-term business or tourism entry—based on overstay rates documented in the Department of Homeland Security’s Fiscal Year 2023 Overstay Report.
Under the policy, eligible applicants from Malawi and Zambia must post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, as determined during their visa interview. Additionally, they are required to complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and submit the bond payment through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s online platform.
“This requirement applies regardless of the place of application,” the State Department clarified.
The U.S. government said the move is part of broader efforts to improve compliance with visa conditions and reduce the rate of overstays, which have been a growing concern in immigration enforcement.
Earlier reports indicated that the policy may be extended to other countries, including Nigeria, depending on visa overstay trends.
