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ARTICLE · 08 AUGUST 2025

New US Visa Bond Program Set To Launch, Creating Potential Business Travel Challenges For Select Countries

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The U.S. Department of State has announced a new visa bond pilot program that, while currently limited in scope, may introduce new challenges to business travel starting Aug. 20, 2025.

United StatesImmigration
Ian Macdonald
Ian Macdonald

A 12-month pilot program requiring financial guarantees will begin Aug. 20, 2025

The U.S. Department of State has announced a new visa bond pilot program that, while currently limited in scope, may introduce new challenges to business travel starting Aug. 20, 2025. The program, published on Aug. 5, 2025, in the Federal Register, requires nationals from certain countries to post financial bonds before obtaining B-1/B-2 visitor visas.

Visa Bond Program Countries: Initial Implementation for Malawi and Zambia

Beginning Aug. 20, 2025, the program will apply to nationals of Malawi and Zambia, but the Department of State has explicitly reserved the right to add additional countries with 15 days' notice. While this limited initial rollout applies to specific countries at present, the underlying legal framework and operational infrastructure are being tested for potential broader application.

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