NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, DC, Aug 4, 2025: The U.S. State Department has announced a 12‑month pilot program that will require applicants for tourist and business visas from select countries to post refundable bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The policy, set to take effect around August 20, is aimed at discouraging visa overstays and will apply to B‑1 business and B‑2 tourist visa categories.
The move could have significant implications for Indian travelers. India is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, meaning Indian citizens already need visas for short‑term travel. While the State Department has not yet released the list of countries that will be affected, past overstay statistics suggest India could be considered for inclusion. If that happens, Indian tourists and business visitors may have to pay a bond—likely around $10,000 in most cases—on top of existing visa application fees. Travel advocates warn that such a requirement would create a major financial hurdle for middle‑class families planning U.S. visits for tourism, weddings, or business events.
Under the pilot program, the State Department will target countries with high overstay rates, weak internal document controls, or citizenship‑by‑investment schemes. Travelers who comply with their visa terms and depart the U.S. on time will have their bonds refunded, while those who overstay risk forfeiting the amount. The specific list of countries will be made public at least two weeks before the program begins and can be updated periodically.
Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of over 40 mostly European and Asian nations to visit the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days, are exempt from the new bond requirement. Previous U.S. proposals for similar bonds in 2020 primarily targeted African nations, but the current plan has not yet identified which countries will be covered.
The pilot will run for a year and is intended to help consular officers test whether requiring bonds reduces overstays and ensures better compliance with U.S. immigration rules.
