visa bonds

US Expands Visa Bond Requirement to Include More African Nations

The Trump administration has expanded its list of countries whose passport holders must post bonds, up to $15,000, to apply for entry to the United States, including seven new countries, five of which are in Africa. This brings the total number of countries on the list to thirteen, making the visa process unaffordable for many, according to the State Department. This action, which took effect January 1, is part of a broader effort to tighten entry requirements, alongside other measures such as in-person interviews and social media history disclosure. U.S. officials maintain the bonds ensure visa holders comply with visa terms.

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US Tourist Visa Bond Program: Tourism Industry Set to Suffer

The US could require up to $15,000 bonds for some tourist visas under a pilot program, and frankly, it’s hard to know where to even begin. This isn’t exactly the kind of news that inspires warm feelings, especially when considering the potential ripple effects. The immediate thought that comes to mind is how this will impact the hospitality and tourism industries.

Airlines, as it stands, might not be thrilled either, given the potential hit to international travel. The idea of tying up such a significant amount of money with the US government is, to put it mildly, a bit off-putting. Even for someone with favorable circumstances – a white Canadian with no ties to any other country, for example – there’s a distinct lack of appeal.… Continue reading