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U.S. to Require Visa Bonds for Some Tourist and Business Visitors Under New Pilot Program

Asian Journal Press07 mins

Philippines not included in initial rollout

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Beginning August 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will implement a 12-month pilot program requiring certain B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants to post a refundable bond—ranging from $5,000 to $15,000—as a condition for visa issuance.

The bond requirement applies only to nationals of countries identified as having high visa overstay rates, deficient identity vetting systems, or citizenship-by-investment programs lacking residency requirements. The program is part of the U.S. government’s efforts to strengthen compliance with visa rules and reduce nonimmigrant overstays.

Philippines Not Included

As of August 5, the Philippines is not included in the visa bond pilot program. The only countries currently subject to the requirement are Malawi and Zambia, according to the U.S. Department of State’s official announcement.

Filipino nationals applying for B-1 or B-2 visas will continue using standard procedures and are not required to post any bond. However, the country list may change during the pilot, and updates will be posted at least 15 days in advance on Travel.State.Gov.

How the Bond Program Works

The program applies only to first-time applicants from designated countries seeking nonimmigrant visitor visas for business or tourism.

  • Bond amounts are set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with $10,000 expected as the default.
  • Applicants must pay the bond via Pay.gov, using Form I-352, within 30 days of receiving notification from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Visas issued under this program are single-entry, valid for up to three months, with a maximum stay of 30 daysin the United States.
  • Travelers must enter and depart through designated ports of entry, currently including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Logan International Airport (BOS).

Visa issuance is contingent on bond payment. No visa will be granted unless the bond is posted in full.

Refunds and Forfeiture

Bonds are fully refundable if the traveler departs the United States on or before the authorized date, timely files for and receives approval for a change or extension of status, or chooses not to use the visa at all.
However, the bond is forfeited if the traveler overstays, violates the terms of the visa, or attempts to remain in the U.S. unlawfully. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for determining whether a bond breach has occurred, while the State Department carries out the forfeiture process.
Exemptions and Waivers

Travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are not subject to the bond requirement. While the Philippines is not a VWP-designated country, it is also not currently included in the U.S. State Department’s bond pilot program. In limited circumstances—such as humanitarian emergencies or official government travel—waivers to the bond requirement may be granted at the discretion of consular officers. However, there is no formal application process for requesting such waivers.

Background and Legal Basis

The visa bond concept was first introduced in 2020 but never implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The revived pilot is now being carried out under Executive Order 14159, signed by President Donald Trump in January 2025, which mandates enhanced interagency coordination on nonimmigrant visa compliance.

The State Department estimates the program will affect approximately 2,000 applicants during its one-year duration.

Industry Response

The U.S. Travel Association has expressed concerns that the visa bond policy could have a chilling effect on legitimate international travel. Paired with other proposals—such as the still-pending $250 visa integrity fee—the bond requirement may deter visitors, particularly from developing countries. Critics argue that imposing additional financial barriers sends an unwelcoming message at a time when global travel is only beginning to recover from the pandemic-related slowdown.

What Filipino Travelers Should Know

  • No bond is required for Philippine passport holders at this time.
  • Only Malawi and Zambia are subject to the pilot as of August 5.
  • The country list could change with at least 15 days’ advance notice.
  • Travelers are encouraged to monitor Travel.State.Gov and consult U.S. embassies or licensed immigration professionals for updates.

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