The U.S. State Department is set to make permanent a visa bond programme that could require applicants from 50 countries — most of them in Africa — to post bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for U.S. visas, according to a federal notice published on Friday, July 31.


The measure applies to B1 and B2 visas, which are issued for business and tourism travel.


"Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post ⁠a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance, as determined by the consular officers," the notice, cited by Reuters, said.


The decision follows a pilot scheme introduced in 2025 involving the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Treasury, which tested the feasibility of administering such a programme.


"The 2025 visa bond pilot, which provided a framework for the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of the Treasury to assess the feasibility of administering a visa bond program, has provided sufficient data to suggest that a visa bond program is an effective tool for enforcing compliance among bonded visa holders."


Under the pilot, consular officers could impose bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or up to $15,000. The final rule removes the $5,000 option and raises the maximum bond requirement to $20,000.


The rule is scheduled to take effect on August 3, when it will be formally published in the Federal Register. Of the 50 countries covered by the programme, 30 are located in Africa.


U.S. officials say the policy is designed to reduce visa overstays. However, immigration advocates argue that it risks deterring legitimate travel to the United States.


Rights groups have criticised the broader immigration agenda of President Donald Trump, saying his administration’s measures undermine free speech and due process, while fostering an unsafe environment for ethnic minorities and encouraging racial profiling. Trump has defended the policies as necessary to strengthen national security.


While the administration has prioritised curbing illegal immigration, it has also tightened legal migration

By Tamilla Hasanova