The US Department of State has now announced which countries will be subject to a new visa bond pilot program. Starting August 20, 2025, citizens of Malawi and Zambia applying for US tourist or business visas (B-1/B-2) will need to post bonds of $5,000 to $15,000.

Key Information for Your Clients from Malawi and Zambia

Who Is Affected

  • Any citizen traveling on a Malawian or Zambian passport
  • Applying for B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas
  • Applies regardless of where they apply for the visa

Bond Requirements

  • Bond amounts: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000
  • Amount determined during visa interview
  • Must complete Form I-352 through Pay.gov
  • Critical: Only pay AFTER being instructed by consular officer

Warning: Avoid Scams

Your clients must:

  • Only use the official Pay.gov link provided by the consular officer
  • Never use third-party websites
  • Never pay before being directed to do so

Important: Money paid without consular direction or through unofficial channels will NOT be refunded.

Required Entry and Exit Airports

Clients who post bonds can ONLY enter and leave the US through these three airports:

  1. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
  2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  3. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Warning: Using other airports may result in denied entry or problems with bond refunds.

Getting the Bond Money Back

The full bond amount will be automatically refunded if your client:

  • Leaves the US on or before their authorized date
  • Never travels to the US (visa expires unused)
  • Is denied entry at the US border

When Clients Lose Their Bond Money

The bond will be forfeited if your client:

  • Overstays their authorized period
  • Leaves the US after their authorized date
  • Applies to change their immigration status (including asylum claims)

What This Means for Your Travel Agency

Immediate Actions

  1. Identify clients with Malawian or Zambian passports
  2. Inform them about the new requirements
  3. Ensure they have access to $5,000-$15,000 for the bond
  4. Book flights only through BOS, JFK, or IAD airports

Planning Considerations

  • Allow extra time for visa processing
  • Remember visas are valid for only ONE entry within 3 months
  • Stays are typically limited to 30 days
  • Clients need significant funds available for the bond

Important Reminders

  • This is a 12-month pilot program (ends August 5, 2026)
  • Paying a bond does NOT guarantee visa approval
  • Only affects B-1/B-2 visas, not student or work visas
  • The bond is separate from regular visa fees

ACTA Support

ACTA continues to monitor this program and will provide updates if:

  • Additional countries are added
  • Requirements change
  • New airports are designated

Questions? Contact ACTA's member support team for assistance in explaining these requirements to your clients.

This update is based on the official US Department of State announcement and the Temporary Final Rule published in the Federal Register.