America imposes $20,000 visa bond on tourists abroad

THE NEWS:
The United States now requires travelers from dozens of countries—including Tonga and Fiji—to post visa bonds of US$10,000, US$15,000 or as much as US$20,000, and visa issuances for those travelers have sharply collapsed.

DETAILS:

WHY IT MATTERS:
The steep bond amounts restrict travel from affected nations, and the broader consequences for American travelers may only be beginning.

FAQ
What visa bond amounts does the United States require for travelers from countries like Tonga and Fiji?
The U.S. visa bond program can require travelers to post a bond of US$10,000, US$15,000, or up to US$20,000, depending on the case, for citizens of countries such as Tonga and Fiji.

How have visa issuances changed for travelers subject to the visa bond program?
The article reports that visa issuances for travelers covered by the U.S. visa bond program have collapsed, marking a sharp reduction in approvals for those individuals, even as overstays among this group have fallen dramatically in recent months, according to the data.

Can the visa bond requirement apply to travelers who live in a third country such as Australia?
Yes, the visa bond can be required even when the traveler permanently resides in a wealthy third country such as Australia, meaning Australian‑based Pacific island citizens may still need to post a US$10,000‑$20,000 bond to travel to the United States.

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