U.S. to Require $15,000 Visa Bonds for Zambia and Malawi Travelers Under New Trump Policy
Trump Administration Imposes Up to $15,000 Visa Bond on Zambia, Malawi Visitors Starting August 20, 2025
The administration of President Donald Trump will soon require certain visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi to post bonds of up to $15,000 for tourist and business travel to the United States, according to a U.S. State Department announcement on Tuesday. The policy, part of a new pilot program, will take effect August 20, 2025.
Under the new rules, citizens or nationals traveling on passports issued by either country who are found eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the exact amount determined during their visa interview.
Applicants will be required to complete the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352, agree to the bond terms, and submit payment through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. The requirement applies regardless of where the visa application is filed.
The State Department stressed that paying a bond does not guarantee visa approval, and any fees submitted without a direct request from a consular officer will not be refunded. However, applicants who fully comply with the conditions of their visa and depart the U.S. within their authorized stay will have their bond returned.
Designated Ports of Entry
As a condition of the bond, visa holders must enter and exit the U.S. through one of the following designated airports:
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Failure to comply could result in denial of entry or improper documentation of departure, potentially affecting future immigration benefits.
Part of Broader Immigration Restrictions
Since taking office in January, President Trump has signed multiple executive orders aimed at tightening U.S. immigration policy, including dismantling certain humanitarian protections for migrants already in the country.
His administration has also enacted sweeping travel bans on citizens from 12 countries — most in Africa — and placed partial entry restrictions on nationals from seven others.
