Travelers to the U.S. should be aware of an upcoming proposed scheme for travel visas that could require them to pay up to $15,000.
According to the State Department, the U.S. Department of State has recently announced a 12-month pilot visa bond program. This could be applicable to business and leisure travelers from countries with high rates of visa overstay. Travelers seeking visas would be required to pay a deposit of up to $15,000 and travel to a specific US airport.
The countries that make up the Visa Waiver ProgramCanada and Mexico will be excluded from the pilot program.
The first Trump administration had planned to implement a similar program in November 2020, but it was never fully implemented because of the slowdown in travel due to COVID-19.
State Department: “By design and intent, this Pilot Program is intended to be a diplomatic tool, designed to encourage governments to act immediately to reduce the number of overstays of their citizens when they travel to the United States to visit temporarily, as well as to encourage countries improve screening and vetting of travelers and civil documents and security, including in the grant of citizenship.” The rule is described by the State Department as “a key pillar” of the Trump Administration’s foreign policy, which aims to protect the United States against the national security threat that visa overstays pose.
If travelers must post a bond to enter the U.S., they will receive their money back if and when they depart the country as per the visa terms. At this time, it’s unclear which countries are affected by the program. Some countries with high overstaying rates, however, are also included in the list of those affected by Trump’s travel ban.
The Department of State stated that consular officers have the authority to ask visa applicants to post bonds in amounts and conditions that will help to ensure their timely departure from the United States. “During the visa interview, the consular officer will determine whether the applicant is eligible for a Visa and if they fall within the scope Pilot Program. The consular officer informs the applicant if they fall within the scope for the Pilot Program. They will also tell them the amount and type of bond required, either $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000.
