What is a visa bond? Here's who is affected by the U.S. State Department's new program

What is a visa bond? Here’s who is affected by the U.S. State Department’s new program Politics Aug 7, 2025 7:57 PM EDT

This article originally appeared on PolitiFact .

As part of its crackdown on immigration, the U.S. State Department announced that it would start requiring travelers from certain countries to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the U.S.

READ MORE: U.S. may require visa applicants to post bond up to $15,000 to enter country

The 12-month pilot program affects B-1 business and B-2 tourism visas and starts Aug. 20. It targets travelers from countries with historically higher rates of visa overstays, according to the department’s temporary final rule published Aug. 5 in the Federal Register. If visitors comply with the terms of the bond, the amount will be refund