The US State Department is initiating a visa bond pilot program requiring travellers from select countries to pay bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 as part of their visa applications. This applies to visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates. The bonds will be a requirement for B1 and B2 visa applicants, excluding student visas, with amounts determined by consular officers. The official list of affected countries will be published soon, and the trial program aims to enhance traveller vetting and screening processes.
The US State Department's new visa bond pilot program mandates tourists and business travellers from specific countries to pay bonds between $5,000 and $15,000 for visa applications.
This program targets countries with high visa overstay rates, aimed at enhancing screening and vetting for incoming travellers as determined by Homeland Security.
B1 and B2 visa applicants from the selected countries will be impacted by the program, designed for data collection within the pilot year.
The bond requirement will generally start at $10,000 but adjustments may be made based on individual circumstances.
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