U.S. to Begin Charging up to $15,000 Visa Bond for Malawi and Zambia Travelers

Starting August 20, 2025, the United States will begin requiring citizens of Malawi and Zambia to pay a visa bond of up to $15,000 when applying for a U.S. tourist or business visa (B1/B2).

This new policy, officially announced by the U.S. Department of State, is part of a pilot program aimed at reducing the number of travelers who overstay their visas. The decision was influenced by data from the Department of Homeland Security’s 2023 Overstay Report, which flagged high overstay rates from these two countries.

According to the policy, travelers from Malawi and Zambia must also fill out and submit Form I-352 and pay the bond through the U.S. Treasury’s online payment platform. The amount of the bond—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—will be determined during the visa interview.

“Any eligible applicant from these countries, no matter where they apply from, will need to pay the bond,” the official document reads.

This move is part of broader U.S. efforts to enforce visa rules and reduce long-term overstays that disrupt immigration processes. While the policy is temporary and applies only to a limited group for now, it may signal tighter enforcement for other countries in the future.

Travelers who comply with visa terms and return on time will be able to recover their bond, but the process will require documentation and approval.