Traveling to the U.S.? Check if You’ll Have to Pay a Bond and How It Could Impact Your Budget

US visa applicants may have to pay a bond as part of a new pilot program.

The measure aims to curb illegal overstays in the US, but will affect thousands of Hispanic travelers planning to visit.

The program begins August 20, 2025, and the list of countries will be published 15 days prior.

If you’re planning to travel to the United States for tourism or business, you may be required to pay a visa bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

This was announced in the Federal Register as part of a 12-month pilot program targeting those applying for a U.S. B-1 or B-2 visa.

The proposal is aimed at travelers from countries with high rates of visa overstays and weak identity verification systems.

Who Will Have to Pay the Visa Bond?

Who Will Have to Pay the Visa Bond? – PHOTO: Canva

The measure will affect citizens from countries that:

Have high levels of overstays after visas expire.

Show deficiencies in document control or background verification.

Offer citizenship through investment without requiring residency.

Although the specific countries have not yet been announced, the government will base the list on the 2023 Overstay Report.

Among the countries with the most cases are: Mexico (49,000), Colombia (41,000), Haiti (27,000), Venezuela (22,000), Brazil (21,000), and the Dominican Republic (20,000).

Important: Those entering through the Visa Waiver Program will not be subject to the bond.

How This Measure Impacts Hispanics in the US

PHOTO: Canva

Many Hispanic residents expecting visits from relatives in their home countries could be affected.

The new policy may hinder family reunions, visits for medical emergencies, or personal commitments.

This bureaucratic hurdle creates uncertainty and stress for Latino communities that maintain close ties to their countries:

Especially when it comes to US visas for short-term, legitimate purposes.

How Much Could It Cost You to Travel to the US?

PHOTO: Canva

Although the visa bond is refundable, paying $15,000 upfront is not feasible for many people.

Even the minimum $5,000 could represent several months’ wages or an entire family’s savings.

In practice, this measure makes an already complex process even more exclusionary.

The Government’s Strategy: Control and Pressure

The Federal Register describes the program as a diplomatic tool to encourage countries to reduce illegal overstays by their citizens.

It also aims to improve document security and verification systems.

This policy aligns with Executive Order 14159 from the Trump administration, which tightens immigration requirements in the name of national security.

What’s Next for the US Visa Process

The program begins on August 20, 2025, and will end on August 5, 2026.

The list of countries required to pay the visa bond will be released 15 days before implementation.

The success of the pilot program could determine whether the measure becomes a permanent policy or is scrapped after the trial period.