New U.S. Visa Bond Policy Impacts Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia: What African Passport Holders Need to

The United States Department of State has introduced a significant policy shift for certain African nationals seeking to visit the U.S. on B1/B2 visas. Starting October 11, 2025, travelers carrying a Gambian passport must pay a visa bond—ranging up to \$15,000—before their visa can be issued, provided they are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa. Similar requirements will take effect for Malawian and Zambian passport holders from August 20, 2025. For sub-Saharan Africa’s travel sector, these changes present new complexities and responsibilities, impacting both clients and the businesses supporting their journeys.

Understanding the New Visa Bond Requirement

This policy is grounded in INA Section 221(g)(3) and formalized through a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) as part of a U.S. pilot program. It specifically targets countries with high B1/B2 visa overstay rates, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security’s FY 2024 Overstay Report—the latest update released on July 16, 2025. The U.S. Government’s objective is to encourage compliance with visa conditions and reduce overstay incidents by introducing a financial deterrent for applicants from countries with elevated risk profiles.

For Gambians, the new bond requirement will apply to all B1/B2 visa applications adjudicated on or after October 11, 2025. Malawian and Zambian nationals will encounter the same rule beginning August 20, 2025. The bond amount, which may be set at \$5,000, \$10,000, or \$15,000, will be determined by the consular officer during the visa interview process.

How the Bond Process Works

Once a consular officer finds an applicant otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, they will instruct the applicant to post the required bond. This is not an upfront fee or part of the initial application—it is a separate step, triggered only after a positive determination at the visa interview. To fulfill this requirement, applicants will need to submit the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and process their payment through the official U.S. Treasury online platform, Pay.gov. Applicants should await direct instructions and a payment link from the U.S. consular officer and must not use third-party websites or agents—any funds paid outside the official system are not recoverable and not recognized by the U.S. Government.

Crucially, paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval. The bond is merely one condition of issuance following an initial eligibility finding. Applicants who attempt to pay the bond before receiving a consular directive risk losing their money, as these payments are non-refundable unless specifically instructed by the consular officer.

Key Implications for African Travel Businesses

This development demands immediate attention from African travel professionals supporting clients bound for the United States. The introduction of a substantial financial barrier for eligible nationals of The Gambia, Malawi, and Zambia is likely to influence both travel demand and the planning process. Service providers must now incorporate the bond requirement into their advisory, pre-departure, and financial planning protocols.

Travelers will need to be clearly informed of the following:

• The bond requirement is in addition to all standard visa application fees and processes.
• The bond amount is set during the interview and varies according to individual risk assessment, not applicant preference.
• Bonds are paid only via the official Pay.gov portal, never through agents or third parties.
• Only after a direct instruction from a consular officer should Form I-352 be submitted and payment made.
• Paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance; all other eligibility criteria must still be met.

Operational and Strategic Considerations

This policy shift will likely affect the volume and nature of outbound travel from the affected countries. The need to post a substantial bond may deter some travelers, particularly those facing financial constraints or uncertainty about the return of their funds. It may also prompt a shift in demand toward alternative destinations with less restrictive entry requirements, creating both challenges and new opportunities for African travel companies.

Travel businesses should consider:

• Updating all U.S.-related travel packages and client advisories to reflect the new bond requirement.
• Offering guidance on the official payment process and warning against the use of unapproved intermediaries.
• Preparing for increased client questions and concerns regarding visa processes, refunds, and documentation.
• Monitoring further updates from U.S. authorities, as the pilot program’s results could inform future expansion to other countries or visa categories.

Broader Trends and Forward Outlook

The introduction of visa bonds is part of a broader trend of tightening entry requirements and increasing scrutiny of visitor intent, particularly in response to immigration and security concerns. For African travel sector professionals, staying abreast of such regulatory changes is essential for remaining competitive and delivering value to clients. The policy also underscores the importance of fostering best practices in travel documentation, client education, and compliance, as governments worldwide place greater emphasis on managed mobility and risk mitigation.

Looking ahead, travel professionals in sub-Saharan Africa must adapt to an environment where financial, procedural, and regulatory hurdles are likely to become more common, especially for international travel to high-demand destinations. Building robust advisory services, leveraging technology for up-to-date compliance information, and strengthening partnerships with official agencies will be vital for navigating these evolving requirements and ensuring clients’ travel ambitions can still be realized.