In a significant and controversial policy shift, the Trump administration has announced a new pilot program that will require certain visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi to pay a bond of up to $15,000 for tourist and business visas. The new policy, which is set to take effect on August 20, 2025, is a part of the administration's broader push to tighten immigration controls.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, any citizen of Zambia or Malawi who is found eligible for a B1/B2 visa will be required to post a bond of either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The specific amount will be determined by a consular officer during the visa interview. The bond must be paid through the Department of the Treasury's online platform, Pay.gov, after the applicant completes the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. The State Department has made it clear that this requirement applies universally, regardless of where the visa application is filed.
The policy also comes with a significant warning: paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and any money submitted without a consular officer's direction will not be refunded. However, the bond amount will be fully refunded to the applicant if they meet two key conditions: they must depart the United States within their authorized period of stay and fully comply with all visa conditions.
An additional condition of the bond is that all affected visa holders are required to enter and exit the United States through one of three designated ports of entry: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The State Department warned that failure to comply with these rules could result in denial of entry or improper documentation of departure, which would negatively impact future immigration benefits.
This new pilot program is the latest in a series of executive actions taken by President Trump since he assumed office in January. The administration has focused on dismantling humanitarian protections for migrants and has previously enacted sweeping travel bans on citizens from 12 countries, most of which are in Africa. The new visa bond policy for Zambia and Malawi is a significant escalation of these efforts and is likely to have a considerable impact on business and tourism travel from these countries. As the policy takes effect, its implementation and impact will be closely watched by international observers and those seeking to travel to the United States.
