US Visa Bonds Hit Southern Africa As Neighbours Face Up To R250 000 Entry Costs

For travellers across Southern Africa, a simple holiday or business trip to the United States just became a lot more expensive.

From 1 January, citizens of Botswana and Namibia applying for a US visitor visa could be asked to pay a refundable visa bond of up to $15 000 before they are allowed to enter the country. In rand terms, that is as much as R250 000, a figure that has sparked concern and frustration across the region.

The move forms part of a US visa bond pilot programme that continues to expand quietly, pulling more African countries into its net.

What The Visa Bond Rule Means In Practice

Under the expanded rules, applicants for a B1 or B2 visitor visa from Botswana and Namibia may be instructed during their visa interview to pay a bond of $5 000, $10 000 or $15 000.

The exact amount is set by US officials and must be paid before travel can proceed.

The bond is refundable, but only if travellers fully comply with the terms of their visa. This includes using the visa strictly for tourism or business, leaving the US before the authorised stay expires, and following all immigration conditions.

If any of these rules are broken, the bond can be forfeited.

Why The US Is Rolling Out Visa Bonds

The visa bond system was first introduced in August 2025, when Malawi and Zambia were added to the pilot programme. Tanzania followed in October.

Botswana and Namibia are now the latest additions, signalling a wider regional expansion.

According to US authorities, the programme is designed to discourage visitors from overstaying their visas. Officials argue that the bond acts as a financial incentive to ensure travellers return home on time.

Critics, however, say the policy effectively prices out ordinary travellers and places an unfair burden on African passport holders who already face some of the toughest visa hurdles globally.

Restricted Airports Add Another Layer Of Difficulty

Travellers required to post a visa bond also face strict travel limitations.

They may only enter and exit the United States through three designated airports: Boston Logan International Airport, John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport.

These restrictions are part of the monitoring system attached to the pilot programme, but they add extra cost and complexity, especially for travellers whose final destinations are elsewhere in the US.

Regional Reaction And Growing Unease

On social media, travellers from across Southern Africa have questioned why neighbouring countries are being singled out, particularly Botswana and Namibia, which are often viewed as politically stable with strong travel records.

Some users have raised concerns that the policy could harm business travel, tourism links, and family connections between Southern Africa and the US.

Others fear the programme may continue expanding, eventually pulling in more countries from the region.

Does This Affect South Africans?

For now, South African passport holders are not included in the visa bond pilot programme.

However, the expanding list of affected countries has caught the attention of frequent regional travellers, dual citizens, and South Africans with family or business ties in neighbouring states.

As the pilot programme runs until 5 August, many will be watching closely to see whether the policy is extended further or widened to include additional countries.

For Southern Africa’s travellers, the message from Washington is clear. Visiting the US may still be possible, but for some, it now comes with a hefty price tag upfront.

{Source:The South African}

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