U.S. Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent, Raises Maximum Fee to $20,000

A pilot program that forced citizens of 50 countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal and Zambia, to post a financial guarantee for U.S. tourist and business visas has been made permanent by the State Department. Launched a year ago, the scheme originally allowed bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000; the permanent version removes the lowest tier and raises the ceiling to $20,000. Officials claim the measure has reduced overstays from the affected nations to almost zero, prompting its continuation.

Opponents warn the high fees place an undue financial burden on legitimate travelers. The policy shift coincides with a broader U.S. pressure campaign in Africa, such as urging governments to accept deportees and recalling career diplomats, leaving many African posts without ambassadors. Visa issuances to the listed countries have fallen by 83% since the pilot began, and analysts caution that the restrictions, together with the shutdown of USAID operations, send mixed signals to African partners vital for mineral supply chains.