Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Zambia Concerned Over U.S. Visa Bond's Financial Strain
The U.S. is making some people from Zambia pay a deposit, called a bond, if they want to visit.
This is to encourage them to leave the U.S. on time.
Zambia's government is worried because the bond could be as high as $15,000, which is a lot of money for many Zambians.
They are concerned it will be hard for people to afford.
If the visitors follow the rules and leave when they are supposed to, they will get their money back.
The Zambian government is going to talk to the U.S. about this.
Zambia expressed concerns about the new U.S. visa bond policy.
The policy, effective August 20, requires some Zambians to post bonds up to $15,000.
Zambia fears the bond's financial strain on its citizens.
The Zambian government plans to engage with the U.S. on the issue.
The bond does not affect Zambians with student visas or valid visas before August 20.
- Who
- Zambian citizens applying for certain U.S. visas.
- What
- Zambia is concerned about a new U.S. visa bond policy.
- When
- Effective August 20, 2024.
- Where
- United States and Zambia.
- Why
- Due to potential economic implications and financial strain on Zambian nationals.
US Government Stance
Zambian Government Concerns
Rationale and Impact
US Government Stance
The pilot program aims to enforce visa regulations and reduce overstays.
Zambian Government Concerns
Zambia views this with serious concern, due to economic implications on trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
- Affected Countries
- Zambia, and initially Malawi
- Bond Amount
- Up to $15,000
- Affected Visas
- Tourist and business visas
- Zambia's Concern
- Unnecessary financial strain
- Zambian average monthly income
- $150
