The US Tourist Visa Bond Program is a policy requiring certain applicants to post a refundable financial bond worth at least $5,000 as a condition for entering the United States.
This US tourist visa bond is meant to discourage overstays and ensure compliance with visa rules.
In this article, we cover:
- How does the US visa bond rule work?
- How much is the US visa bond?
- What countries are on the US visa bond list?
- What are the requirements for getting a US visa?
- Why is it so hard to get a us tourist visa?
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What are the US Tourist Visa Bond Program details?
The US Tourist Visa Bond Program was officially announced by the Department of State in August 2025 as a 12-month pilot requiring certain B-1/B-2 business and tourist visa applicants to post a refundable bond ranging from USD 5,000 to 15,000.
The default amount is USD 10,000, though consular officers can adjust the bond depending on an applicant’s profile.
The bond is refunded if the traveler complies with all visa conditions and departs the US on time but is forfeited in cases of overstay or violation.
Payments are made through the US Treasury’s pay.gov portal and canceled upon verified departure.
Key details of the 2025 program:
- Eligibility – Applies only to travelers from countries flagged for high overstay rates and weaker screening systems.
- Stricter Entry Conditions – Visas under the bond scheme are valid for 3 months only, allow single entry, and limit stays to 30 days.
- Designated Ports of Entry – Travelers must enter through specific airports: Boston Logan (BOS), New York JFK, or Washington Dulles (IAD).
- Residency Compliance – Bonded visitors must prove departure through official exit records, and errors could risk wrongful forfeiture.
- Sfondo – This program revives a 2020 proposal blocked by the pandemic and forms part of broader immigration tightening, alongside a new $250 visa integrity fee for most nonimmigrant visas.
The policy is discretionary—not every applicant is required to pay a bond—and will be reviewed after one year to determine whether it becomes permanent or expanded to more countries.
Who needs to pay the US visa bond?
Not every tourist visa applicant will be subject to the bond program. In practice, the bond program targets specific groups where the government wants financial assurance of compliance.
It is typically applied to:
- Nationals from countries on the US government’s high overstay list
The Department of State publishes data on countries with historically high overstay rates, and applicants from these nations may be automatically subject to additional scrutiny and bond requirements. - Applicants with limited or no prior international travel history
First-time travelers or those who cannot demonstrate a record of compliance with visa conditions in other countries may be flagged as higher risk. - Individuals assessed by consular officers as higher-risk applicants
Even if not from a listed country, consular officers have discretion to require a bond based on factors such as weak ties to the home country, inconsistent financial documents, or unclear travel plans.
US tourist visa bond countries
As of 2025, the US visa bond pilot program applies only to Malawi and Zambia. Nationals of these two countries who apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa (business or tourist) may be required to post a refundable bond before receiving the visa.
The US may expand the program to other countries during the one-year pilot, but at least 15 days’ public notice must be given before any new countries are added.
How much is the US tourist visa fee?
The standard US tourist visa application fee is USD 185 (as of 2025).
This fee is separate from any potential visa bond, which applies only in specific cases. The application fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
What do I need to get a US tourist visa?
To apply for a US B-2 tourist visa, you must complete several standard requirements:
- DS-160 form – Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and upload a passport-style photo.
- Valid passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
- Visa fee payment – Pay the non-refundable visa application fee before scheduling your interview.
- Visa appointment and interview – Schedule and attend an interview at a US consulate or embassy. During the interview, a consular officer will evaluate your purpose of travel, financial capacity, and intent to return home.
- Supporting documents – Commonly requested documents include bank statements, employment letters, tax returns, property deeds, or school enrollment certificates. These help establish your financial stability.
- Travel plans – A tentative travel itinerary or hotel bookings may strengthen your application.
- Proof of ties to your home country – Strong ties (such as family, stable employment, property ownership, or ongoing studies) are crucial in proving you will leave the US after your authorized stay.
If your application falls under the bond program, you’ll be notified and required to post the bond before visa issuance.
Is US tourist visa easy to get?
No, a US tourist visa is not easy to get, as approval depends on your nationality, travel history, and ability to prove strong ties to your home country.
- Overall Approval Rates: In 2024, the refusal rate for visitor visas was about 27.8%, meaning the average global approval rate was just over 72%.
- Country Differences:
- India: Approval fell from 93.5% in 2022 to 83.7% in 2024.
- China: Increased slightly, from 69.6% in 2022 to 74.6% in 2024.
- Russia: Dropped sharply to 61.4% in 2024, down from 73.8% in 2022.
- New Restrictions Effective June 9, 2025: The US Department of State announced sweeping visa suspensions under the Presidential Proclamation on “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”
- Full Suspension: No visas (immigrant or nonimmigrant) for nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with limited humanitarian and official exceptions.
- Partial Suspension: Nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face bans on B-1/B-2 tourist visas, F, M, and J visas, and most immigrant visas, again with exceptions for close relatives of US citizens, adoptions, and cases of national interest.
How can I increase my chances of getting a US tourist visa?
To improve your approval odds, you should:
- Complete and Accurate Documentation
Submit the DS-160 form carefully, double-checking for consistency with your supporting documents. Incomplete or inconsistent information is one of the most common reasons for denials. - Prove Financial Stability
Show that you can fund your trip without working in the US. Bank statements, tax returns, employment certificates, and business ownership records demonstrate that you have stable income and resources at home. - Provide a Clear Travel Itinerary
Include hotel reservations, travel plans, or return flight bookings where possible. While a return ticket is not mandatory, it strengthens your case by proving intent to leave the US within the permitted period. - Demonstrate Strong Ties to Your Home Country
This is the single most important factor. Ties can include property ownership, steady employment, dependent family members, or active business operations. The more compelling these ties, the harder it is for consular officers to believe you might overstay. - Maintain a Clean Travel History
If you have previously visited the US or other countries and respected visa rules, it works in your favor. A strong history of compliance signals reliability to US authorities. - Prepare for the Interview
Be ready to clearly explain your reason for travel, length of stay, and how you will fund it. Nervousness is normal, but confident, honest answers help convince the officer of your credibility. - Understand Special Circumstances
If you are from a country affected by the 2025 visa suspensions or the new visa bond pilot program, you may need to prepare additional financial guarantees or face stricter scrutiny. In these cases, showing strong ties and compliance history is even more critical.
How do you prove strong ties for tourist visa in the US?
Strong ties are critical for convincing consular officers that you intend to return home after your visit. The more categories of evidence you can provide, the stronger your case. It’s not just about presenting documents but about painting a complete picture of your life and responsibilities outside the US.
Examples include:
- Employment Evidence
Job contracts, recent payslips, or letters from employers confirming your position and approved vacation leave. Long-term or stable employment signals that you have a reason to return. - Property Ownership or Housing Commitments
Real estate deeds, mortgage statements, or long-term lease agreements show that you maintain a residence and financial investment at home. - Family and Social Ties
Marriage certificates, records of dependent children, or proof of elderly care responsibilities highlight that your close family relies on your presence. Family obligations are among the strongest indicators of return intent. - Financial and Business Commitments
Bank statements, proof of loans, shareholding records, or business ownership documents illustrate ongoing financial responsibilities that require your presence. For entrepreneurs and investors, showing an active role in managing a company strengthens your case. - Educational Enrollments
If you or your children are enrolled in schools or universities, official enrollment letters can serve as proof of ties. - Community or Professional Involvement
Membership in professional associations, community leadership roles, or ongoing contracts with local organizations demonstrate ongoing engagement with your country.
Conclusione
The US Tourist Visa Bond Program introduces a financial safeguard to ensure compliance with visa rules, but it only applies to select applicants identified as higher risk.
While most travelers will continue paying only the standard application fee, those falling under the bond program must prepare for significant upfront costs and stricter entry conditions.
With the recent changes announced in 2025, it is more important than ever for applicants to understand the new requirements, prove strong ties to their home country, and plan their travel carefully.
Domande frequenti
How long can I stay in the US with a B2 tourist visa?
Normally, a B2 tourist visa allows stays of up to 6 months per entry, but under the 2025 bond program pilot, travelers from affected countries may be limited to 30 days.
What is the new rule for B1 B2 visa?
As of August 2025, some applicants must pay a refundable bond of USD 5,000–15,000 and may face new limits such as 3-month visa validity, single entry, and shorter stays.
What are the restrictions on a US visitor visa?
Restrictions include proof of sufficient funds, demonstrating strong ties to your home country, and compliance with the permitted stay period.
For those under the new bond program, restrictions also involve mandatory bond payment, designated entry airports, and shorter authorized stays.
How many times can I apply for a B1 B2 visa?
There is no limit to how many times you can apply, but approval depends on meeting eligibility requirements each time.
Frequent refusals may reduce your chances unless you can show changed circumstances.
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Adam è un autore riconosciuto a livello internazionale in materia finanziaria con oltre 830 milioni di visualizzazioni di risposte su Quora, un libro molto venduto su Amazon e un contributo su Forbes.
