News / National
US$15 000 bond required for Zimbabweans applying for US visas
07 Jan 2026 at 20:08hrs |
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Zimbabweans applying for United States business and tourism visas will now be required to pay a visa bond of up to US$15 000 after the country was added to a list of nations subject to the new requirement under a US pilot programme.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the US State Department said Zimbabwean nationals have been included among countries whose citizens must post a visa bond when applying for non-immigrant visas. The new requirements will take effect from January 21, 2026.
"The Department of State has identified nationals from these countries as needing visa bonds," the statement said.
The bond applies to applicants seeking B1/B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel. Under the programme, eligible applicants will be required to post a bond of US$5 000, US$10 000 or US$15 000, with the exact amount determined at the time of the visa interview.
"Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond for US$5 000, US$10 000, or US$15 000," the State Department said.
US authorities said the measure is grounded in existing immigration law and is part of efforts to address visa overstay concerns. The bond requirement is provided for under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and is being implemented through a Temporary Final Rule establishing the pilot programme.
The State Department added that visa overstay rates used to inform the programme are based on B1/B2 overstay data contained in the Department of Homeland Security's Entry/Exit Overstay Report.
The move is expected to significantly raise the cost of travel for Zimbabweans seeking short-term visits to the United States, potentially limiting access to business and tourism opportunities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the US State Department said Zimbabwean nationals have been included among countries whose citizens must post a visa bond when applying for non-immigrant visas. The new requirements will take effect from January 21, 2026.
"The Department of State has identified nationals from these countries as needing visa bonds," the statement said.
The bond applies to applicants seeking B1/B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel. Under the programme, eligible applicants will be required to post a bond of US$5 000, US$10 000 or US$15 000, with the exact amount determined at the time of the visa interview.
"Any citizen or national travelling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond for US$5 000, US$10 000, or US$15 000," the State Department said.
US authorities said the measure is grounded in existing immigration law and is part of efforts to address visa overstay concerns. The bond requirement is provided for under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and is being implemented through a Temporary Final Rule establishing the pilot programme.
The State Department added that visa overstay rates used to inform the programme are based on B1/B2 overstay data contained in the Department of Homeland Security's Entry/Exit Overstay Report.
The move is expected to significantly raise the cost of travel for Zimbabweans seeking short-term visits to the United States, potentially limiting access to business and tourism opportunities.
Source - The Herald
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