New Visa Bond Requirements Now Apply to Certain B-1/B-2 Visitors

A new policy from the Department of State will soon require some B-1/B-2 visa applicants to post a visa bond before entering the United States. Starting August 20, 2025, citizens of Malawi and Zambia who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa will be subject to the new visa bond rule outlined under INA §221(g)(3) and the Department’s recently published Temporary Final Rule.

This policy is part of a pilot program aimed at reducing visa overstays and applies based on overstay rates reported by the Department of Homeland Security for FY 2023.

What Is the Visa Bond Requirement?

Applicants from Malawi and Zambia must post a $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 bond, determined at the time of the visa interview. If directed by a consular officer, the applicant must then:

• Submit DHS Form I-352

• Pay the bond through Pay.gov (not third-party websites)

It’s critical to note that the bond does not guarantee visa issuance. Paying a bond before being instructed to do so by a consular officer can result in lost funds.

Travel Restrictions: Required Ports of Entry

As a condition of the bond, visa holders must arrive and depart from one of the following US airports:

• Boston Logan (BOS)

• JFK International (JFK)

• Washington Dulles (IAD)

Arriving at or departing from a different port of entry may result in denial of admission or the departure not being properly recorded, which could lead to a bond breach.

How to Get the Bond Refunded

The full bond will be refunded if the traveler:

• Departs the US on or before the date authorized

• Does not use the visa before it expires

• Is denied admission at the port of entry

If the traveler overstays, applies for an adjustment of status, applies for asylum, works without authorization, or otherwise violates the terms of the visa, the bond may be forfeited. DHS, not the State Department, determines whether a breach has occurred. Cases suspected of violating bond terms will be forwarded to USCIS for review.

What This Means for Travelers from Malawi and Zambia

While this rule only applies to a small number of travelers, it introduces significant logistical and financial steps for eligible visitors. If you’re from one of the designated countries and are planning to apply for a US visitor visa, be prepared for the possibility of this additional requirement, and do not attempt to pay a bond unless you are specifically instructed to do so.

As with any new policy, implementation details may evolve. If you are unsure whether this new requirement applies to your case or how to comply, we are here to help you navigate the process.

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