US Introduces Visa Bond Requirement for B1/B2 Visitors from Malawi and Zambia

Starting August 20, 2025, B1/B2 visa applicants from Malawi and Zambia will face new requirements. These applicants must pay a bond of up to $15,000, part of a US initiative to reduce visa overstays.

The United States has officially announced that from August 20, 2025, citizens of Malawi and Zambia applying for B1/B2 visas (for tourism or business) will likely need to pay a visa bond. This new requirement aims to curb the high rates of visa overstays from these countries.

Let’s explore the details of this change, who it affects, and how travelers can navigate this new process.

Overview: Visa Bond

A visa bond acts as a financial guarantee that travelers must pay to confirm they will adhere to US visa rules. If they comply and leave on time, the bond is refundable.

Who Needs to Pay the Visa Bond?

Currently, this requirement only affects travelers with passports from Malawi or Zambia. Recent data from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicates these countries have high visa overstay rates.

During the visa interview, if you are eligible for a B1 or B2 visa, a US consular officer may require you to pay a bond. The amount can vary: it might be 5,000,5,000, 5,000,10,000, or $15,000, depending on the officer’s assessment of your situation.

When and How to Pay the Visa Bond

If a bond is required, here’s how to proceed:

• The consular officer will instruct you on how to submit the bond.
• You will receive a direct link to pay online through the US Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.
• You must complete Form I-352, which outlines the bond’s terms.

Important: Do not pay any amount upfront or through third-party websites. If you send money without direction from a consular officer, it won’t be refunded, even if your visa is denied.

Ports of Entry

If approved under this bond program, you must enter and exit the US through one of these airports:

1. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
3. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Using any other airport could lead to entry denial or improper exit recording, affecting your bond status.

Will You Get Your Money Back?

Yes, but only if you follow the rules. The bond will be automatically refunded if:

• You leave the US on or before the authorized date.
• You never use the visa (i.e., do not travel to the US).
• You are denied entry at the port of entry and sent back.

When the Visa Bond Is Forfeited

The DHS determines if someone violates the bond terms. Reasons for bond forfeiture include:

• Staying beyond the date allowed by your visa.
• Remaining in the US without leaving.
• Attempting to adjust your immigration status, like applying for asylum or a green card, while on a B1/B2 visa.
• If the DHS finds a breach, the bond is forfeited and will not be refunded.

Why This Matters

This new policy is part of a broader strategy to hold travelers accountable for visa overstays, a longstanding concern for US immigration authorities. For travelers from Malawi and Zambia, it introduces significant financial and logistical challenges, particularly regarding the limited airports and refund procedures.

If you plan to visit the US for business or tourism from either country, be prepared for these changes. Most importantly, wait for official instructions before making any payments.