A new US immigration rule could see some travellers paying a €14,000 bond to enter the country.
Credit : New Africa, Shutterstock
Big changes are on the way for travellers hoping to visit the United States, as a new pilot scheme could see certain foreign visitors paying a hefty deposit just to cross the border.
US Visa shake-up: Why travellers face a €14,000 entry bond
In a bold move to crack down on visa overstays, the US government has unveiled a new plan targeting travellers from countries with a high rate of people who remain in the States longer than allowed. If you’re applying for a tourist or business visa, you could soon be asked to put down a bond of up to €14,000 – a price tag that’s turning heads around the globe.
According to the State Department, around half a million people overstayed their permitted time in the US during the 2023 fiscal year alone. With these numbers on the rise, officials believe a financial guarantee might encourage more visitors to respect their visa terms.
Who has to pay? New visa rules explained
So, who exactly is affected? The scheme isn’t aimed at everyone. Instead, it zeroes in on nationals from countries flagged by the State Department for having ‘high overstay rates’ or where consular officials say security checks aren’t up to scratch. The precise list of countries remains under wraps, but the message is clear: if your country is on their radar, you could be digging deep into your pockets.
The new rules, set to take effect 15 days after publication in the federal register, will run for an initial trial period of twelve months. The €14,000 bond covers both tourist and business visas – and it’s not just a fee. It’s a refundable deposit, returned only if travellers leave the US before their visa expires.
Tougher immigration policies under Trump’s watch
The move is the latest in a series of hardline immigration measures rolled out under President Trump’s administration. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has ramped up the rhetoric – and the rules – around illegal immigration, with a particular focus on visitors from African nations.
The visa bond is designed to put extra pressure on would-be overstayers. If you follow the rules, you’ll get your money back. If you don’t, you’ll lose the deposit – and likely face difficulties if you try to re-enter the States in the future.
Officials hope the scheme will send a strong signal: America’s doors are open, but only to those who play by the book.
If you’re planning a trip to the United States from a country on the State Department’s watchlist, you might want to check the fine print – and your bank balance – before booking your flights. The €14,000 visa bond could be a game-changer for travellers and a new headache for those who don’t keep an eye on the calendar.
Stay tuned with viraltrendingcontent for the latest news from US
