The United States government has officially announced that it will implement a new financial requirement for applicants for tourist (B2) and business (B1) visas from Malawi and Zambia, requiring them to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 as a guarantee that they will leave the country within the authorized timeframe.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed that both African countries were selected for this pilot program, the legal framework of which was published Monday in the Federal Register, but the affected nations were only announced today.
The measure, which will take effect on August 20, aims primarily to discourage the "overstay" of foreigners beyond the permitted time, one of the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration regarding immigration.
Bruce explained that the bond amount—which could reach $15,000 per applicant—will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will be refunded once the traveler leaves the United States within the established timeframe.
