Posted: Monday, August 4, 2025. 1:07 pm CST.
By Zoila Palma: The U.S. State Department is proposing a pilot program that would require certain business and tourist visa applicants to post a bond of $5,000 to $15,000, AP reports.
The plan targets travelers from countries with high visa overstay rates or weak document security, and is intended to ensure compliance with visa conditions.
According to a notice set to appear in the Federal Register, the 12-month trial could start within 15 days of publication.
Applicants from affected countries may still be eligible for a waiver based on individual circumstances. The bond requirement would not apply to citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program, which includes most of Europe and parts of Asia and the Middle East.
The move comes amid tighter visa regulations under the Trump administration, including expanded in-person interviews and new requirements for Diversity Visa applicants.
While visa bonds have been proposed before, this is the first attempt to implement them on a large scale.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post BREAKING: United States considers program requiring up to $15,000 Visa bond for applicants from countries with high overstay rates appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, August 4, 2025. 1:07 pm CST. By Zoila Palma: The U.S. State Department is proposing a pilot program that would require certain business and
The post BREAKING: United States considers program requiring up to $15,000 Visa bond for applicants from countries with high overstay rates appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.