By Wadza Botomani

The U.S. Department of State has imposed stringent visa bond requirements on Malawian nationals applying for B1/B2 (business/tourist) visas, effective August 20, 2025. Under the new pilot program, applicants from Malawi—identified due to high visa overstay rates—must post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, determined at their consular interview . The bond, paid via the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform, will be refunded only if travelers comply with visa terms, including departing the U.S. on time and using designated ports of entry like JFK or Dulles airports . 

The move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on immigration, targeting countries with overstay rates exceeding 50% in some cases . Malawi joins Zambia as the only nations explicitly named in the initial rollout, though other African countries with similar overstay risks may follow . Critics argue the policy could deter legitimate travelers, while supporters claim it addresses national security concerns tied to visa violations . 

The pilot program, set to run until August 2026, also aims to pressure foreign governments to improve document security and vetting processes . For Malawians, already restricted to single-entry, three-month visas since July 2025, the bond adds another financial hurdle to U.S. travel .