US Launches 12-Month Visa Bond Pilot for Gambia, Malawi, Zambia
The United States has launched a new 12-month visa bond pilot program for nationals from The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia. The program, running from August 20, 2025, to August 5, 2026, aims to reduce visa overstay rates among B-1/B-2 visa holders from these countries. Applicants must post financial bonds before obtaining cheap flights or business visas.
The program applies to B-1/B-2 visa applicants, covering temporary business or leisure travel, including participants in Citizenship by Investment programs. Applicants must file Form I-352 (Immigration Bond) and complete payment via the US Treasury's online Pay.gov portal. Bond amounts, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, are determined during the visa interview by consular officials. Travelers approved under this policy must enter and depart the US exclusively through specific airports: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The bond requirement is refunded in full if the visa holder complies with all non-immigrant visa terms and either departs the US before the visa expiry date or does not travel.
The US Department of State launched this program to tackle high visa overstay rates among B-1/B-2 visa holders from The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia. The bond system is designed to encourage compliance with visa terms and promote responsible travel.
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