The US is introducing a visa bond pilot programme for nationals from Malawi and Zambia who are believed to have high B1/B2 visa overstay rates.
From August 20, 2025, until August 5, 2026, citizens travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries on a B1/B2 visa must post a bond of $5 000, $10 000 or $15 000 (approximately R89 400, R178 800 and R268 200 respectively). The price will be determined at the time of the visa interview. The applicant must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 agreeing to the terms of the bond.
All applicants who have posted a visa bond must arrive and depart the US via Boston Logan International Airport, JFK International Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport.
The full visa bond amount will be returned to the applicant if the applicant complies with all the terms of the non-immigrant visa status and with the terms in the bond form.
