The United States has imposed a visa bond of up to $15,000 on travellers from 30 African countries, significantly tightening entry conditions for short-term visits under its expanding immigration enforcement policy.
From April 2, applicants seeking B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) visas from countries including Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and Tunisia will be required to post the refundable bond as part of their application process.
High-cost barrier with wider implications
The policy introduces a steep financial barrier for African travellers, with potential ripple effects on trade, investment flows and diplomatic relations, even as Washington seeks to deepen economic engagement with the continent.
Policy targets visa overstays
US officials say the expanded bond programme is designed to curb visa overstays, a long-standing issue in US immigration policy.
Under the system, applicants may be required to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000, refundable if they comply with visa conditions and leave the country within the authorised period.
Authorities argue the measure will reduce enforcement costs and improve compliance, positioning it as both a fiscal safeguard and a migration control tool.
The programme builds on earlier pilot schemes introduced in 2025, which targeted a smaller pool of countries before being expanded to include a wider group—many of them in Africa.
$15,000 bond raises access concerns
For many African travellers, the requirement represents a significant upfront cost. Even as a refundable deposit, the bond could limit access to business travel, tourism and academic exchange.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners are expected to be among the hardest hit, particularly those reliant on short-term travel to secure partnerships and attend international events.
