On August 20, the State Department will launch a pilot program requiring some foreign travelers to post bonds of up to $15,000. It aims to deter visitors from overstaying their visas and strengthen border security. A public notice that appeared Monday in the Federal Register outlines preliminary details, including bond amounts and eligibility estimates. Officials have not yet revealed which countries will face the new requirement. The bonds are fully reimbursable for travelers who depart on time and meet all visa conditions. A State Department statement to The Washington Post confirms the pilot begins Aug. 20 and will run for 12 months. With global travel nearing pre-pandemic levels, the department says stronger compliance measures will improve border management and deter illegal stays.
Visa bond pilot program aims to cut overstays
A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio describes the initiative as a tool to protect America’s borders and hold visitors accountable. It will apply to select nonimmigrant business and tourism visas. The pilot will target countries with high overstay rates and enforce timely departures. According to a Department of Homeland Security report on fiscal 2023 overstay rates, several African nations ranked among the worst. Haiti, Myanmar, and Yemen also posted some of the highest overstay figures in the latest data. The report underscores long-running compliance challenges and the need for stronger measures in markets with persistent visa violations.
Program scope and refunds
The public notice estimates that about 2,000 travelers will post bonds under the pilot. If the average bond equals $10,000, initial traveler outlays could total $20 million. Despite the upfront costs, the bonds represent a temporary expenditure fully refunded once travelers meet visa conditions. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program nations will not face bond requirements, exempting visitors from 42 countries. This waiver includes most European states, Australia, Taiwan, Qatar and Israel. Arrivals under the visa waiver program can continue traveling without new financial hurdles.
Cost and previous testing
Families could see up-front bonds of $10,000 to $15,000 per adult and $5,000 per child. For some couples or families, the combined bond cost may discourage travel. The bonds will cancel for visitors who depart within their visa period and comply with all rules. A similar visa bond pilot planned in 2020 was never implemented as the pandemic halted global travel. Officials say the updated pilot reflects lessons from the earlier proposal and adapts to evolving security needs.
Industry voices caution
Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association, says the pilot’s scope appears limited to low-volume markets and small visitor groups. He expressed concern that a broader $250 nonimmigrant visa fee could set U.S. costs among the highest worldwide. Hansen argues that U.S. visa policy must balance national security priorities with the economic value of international visitors. The group warns that steep fees or bond requirements could deter legitimate tourists and business travelers. With international visitation generating billions in economic activity each year, industry leaders urge cautious implementation. They recommend clear targeting to avoid harm to the broader tourism market. As the pilot begins on August 20, officials will track compliance data and gauge effects on travel patterns before deciding on a broader rollout.
