ZAMBIA has condemned a new US visa bond pilot programme requiring its nationals—and those from Malawi—to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 for certain tourist and business visas, warning it could harm trade, tourism, and bilateral ties.
Financial strain on citizens
Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe said the policy would create ‘unnecessary financial strain’ for Zambians and was ‘counter to the spirit of mutually beneficial relations between the two sovereign states’. He noted that the measure could undermine trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
International relations analyst Anthony Mukwita said the bond was unaffordable for most Zambians, citing the country’s average household income of about $150 per month. He suggested the money could instead fund community needs such as boreholes for clean water.
US aims to curb overstays
The 12-month pilot, starting August 20, 2025, was introduced by the Trump administration to reduce visa overstays from countries deemed high-risk. Bonds—set between $5,000 and $15,000—will be decided during the visa interview.
The amount will be refunded if the visitor leaves the US before their visa expires but forfeited if they overstay or breach visa conditions. Bonded travellers must enter and exit via Boston Logan (BOS), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), or Washington Dulles (IAD) airports to qualify for refund processing.
Diplomatic talks underway
Haimbe confirmed that the Zambian government has initiated diplomatic engagement with Washington to address the measure. The bond requirement does not apply to student visas or those issued before August 20.
The US State Department said the programme was designed to encourage compliance with immigration rules, but Zambian officials insist it risks damaging the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
