Visa Bond Pilot Programme

The Visa Bond Pilot Programme is a US State Department mechanism that requires nationals of designated countries to post a cash bond of between $5,000 and $15,000 before receiving a B-1 or B-2 (tourist/business) visa. Launched in August 2025 with two countries — Malawi and Zambia — the programme has since expanded to approximately 50 nations, predominantly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The bond is refundable if the visa holder departs the US within their permitted stay, but must be paid in full upfront during the consular process.

The programme is designed, in the administration's framing, to disincentivise overstaying by nationals of countries with historically high overstay rates or inadequate screening cooperation with US authorities. Critics, including immigration attorneys and human rights organisations, argue it functions as a discriminatory wealth filter that effectively bars working-class citizens of targeted nations from the US, regardless of genuine tourist intent. The addition of Tunisia and other 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2026 — just weeks before the tournament — drew particular attention and condemnation from FIFA, CONCACAF, and members of Congress.

The programme's interaction with the 2026 World Cup has become a test case for US immigration enforcement versus international sporting obligations. At least five qualified nations — Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Tunisia — fall under the bond requirement. FIFA has lobbied for player and official exemptions but no carve-out exists for fans, creating a situation where supporters of some competing nations face costs equivalent to months or years of average earnings just to enter the host country.