Malawi & Zambia Tourists Face $15,000 Visa Bond
ALERT
Malawi & Zambia Tourists Face $15,000 Visa Bond in U.S.
International Desk | August 6, 2025
The U.S. State Department has announced a new 12‑month pilot program requiring tourists and business visitors from **Malawi and Zambia** to post refundable bonds of **$5,000**, **$10,000**, or **$15,000** as a condition for B‑1 and B‑2 visa issuance. The program launches on **August 20, 2025**. 1
Officials explain: These bonds are designed to ensure travelers return home on time. The funds will be refunded if visa holders meet departure terms and avoid infractions. 2
🗺️ Why This Targets Malawi & Zambia
A Department of Homeland Security report for 2023 showed Malawian visitors overstayed at a rate of **14.3%**, while Zambian visitors had an overstay rate of **10.45%**—placing both above the agency’s 10% threshold for bond requirements. 3
The bond amount assigned will depend on a consular officer’s risk assessment and must be paid before visa issuance. Applicants will also be required to enter and exit the U.S. through designated airports like **JFK (New York)**, **Dulles (Washington)**, or **Logan (Boston)**. 4
📉 Critics Call It A Discriminatory Wealth Test
Advocacy groups, including the Council on American‑Islamic Relations, have denounced the bond scheme as a “legalised shakedown”—arguing that it disproportionately burdens visitors from majority-Black, low-income countries, and could deter lawful travel. 5
The U.S. Travel Association has also raised concerns that additional visa costs, including bonds or newly proposed fees, could further depress tourism from affected countries. 6
⚖️ What Happens to the Bond?
- If travelers **leave the U.S. on time** and comply with visa conditions, the bond—plus any accrued interest—will be returned.
- If they **overstay** or violate terms, the bond is forfeited to U.S. authorities. 7
ENS Intl Desk — Covering immigration policy, travel regulations, and global mobility.
