The US State Department is asking visa applicants to pay a whopping $15,000

The US State Department is asking visa applicants to pay a whopping $15,000. But that’s only in the context of a US customs pilot program, not a mandatory rule that applies to all cases.

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Pilot Program Overview: “Visa Bond”

When: Starting August 20, 2025, for about 12 months.

Who: B-1/B-2 visa applicants (tourist or short-term business) from Malawi and Zambia, as those two countries are among the countries with high overstay rates and weak background checks.

Bond amount: Up to $15,000, but the specific amount — $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 — is determined by the consular officer based on the visa applicant’s individual circumstances (the $10,000 level is generally used unless otherwise indicated).

Refund: If you comply with the visa conditions (depart the US on time, use the specified airport, do not apply for an immigration visa), the deposit will be fully refunded.

Airport requirements: Those who have paid the deposit must enter and depart through one of three airports: Boston (BOS), JFK (New York), or Washington Dulles.

Note

Not all visas require a deposit — the program is in the pilot phase and only applies to certain nationalities, not to all cases.

Not applicable to other types of visas: Such as student visas or visas issued before August 20, 2025.